People who have nothing have so much more courage than people who are blessed with everything,” said Priti Devi, who comes from the Kapurthala royal family. She is the backbone behind Freedom to Create.
Freedom to Create focuses on the regions of the world where there is a need to change mindsets and build capacity to fight the conflicts that prevent creativity from flourishing. In a fast developing world, we take creativity for granted. However, in many societies, political repression, ignorance and religious extremism suppress creative expressions, especially in case of women. Artists play an important role in breaking these barriers and move towards freedom.
Priti Devi, who was at one time into “the scene”, has removed herself from the party circuit and is committed to helping people who have
little or no opportunity for creative growth. “We target countries like the Congo in Africa where the people, especially women, have no voice,” she says.
Freedom to Create provides a platform for the people to express themselves through literary mediums like art, dance and music. “What do you notice about the art work that they create?” I asked her. “It’s extraordinary. The subject is always dark but with an element of hope. There is always hope for change,” she says.
On the subject of music and dance, people in Africa connect their emotions to it, and express their frustrations through this medium. “We try and use these channels to create awareness about important issues like health,” Priti Devi says. She went on to talk about her interaction with powerful women like Ms Mandela. “These women are not brand ambassadors like the ones who get involved in a cause to seek publicity. They have worked towards the upliftment of people who are devoid of opportunity and are extremely downtrodden. Interacting with these women has been very inspiring to me,” she says.
“Why are so many cultures so cruel? Why is mankind so cruel?” she asked, her voice deep with emotion. “In some countries women are treated as rags, used and discarded,” she said. “These women have fought against this ill treatment with courage that is beyond belief. They have so much creativity within them,” she adds
Create to Express (a section of Freedom to Create) taps the talent of such struggling artists and holds art exhibitions worldwide, where people can help in different ways through donation or by providing free education. These exhibitions celebrate the power of art and culture, and provide global platforms for the messages of courage, strength, healing and hope.
The Freedom to Create Leadership Award for women celebrates the inspiring work of extraordinary women who have tackled social challenges. “I have learnt phenomenal things through my experiences, and have forged deep emotional bonds with these inspiring individuals. I give them what is within me, and I get back enough in return,” she says.
“Not a day goes by without a new learning experience. I learn every day. The biggest lesson is the humility of knowing how little one knows. The day you feel you know it all, is the day your mind stops growing. The humility keeps you grounded,” Priti Devi adds.
Speaking about the pathetic state of Indian society, she says, “People have become harsh with each other. And in our country, we are losing sensitivity towards the poor. It is tragic.”
Recalling an evening organised by Pratham, an NGO, where a friend was giving a speech about some cause, Priti Devi said, “Nobody was listening. People were just there for the event. But there was no commitment. The rich are focused on wanting more and more. We are blessed with so much more than we need. It is time that we give back something back. We must,” she says assertively.