By Kalyani Mudaliar
In the quiet streets of his neighborhood, Vishal Manish Kamble stood as a silent force, his actions speaking volumes where words failed to convey. At 16, Vishal emerged from a humble middle-class family, where his father, toiled as a daily wage worker, providing for their family of four. His mother, tended to the home, while his younger sister, pursued her studies diligently.
Hidden passions: Love for art, football, and creativity
Vishal’s world was one of silent struggles and hidden passions. His reserved nature often masked a burning dedication to his interests—editing and drawing—through which he sought solace. Football was his other love and it was this love that first drew him into the realm of community service. During his 10th grade, Vishal struggled with self-confidence, limiting his social interactions and community engagement. The COVID-19 lockdown further isolated him, though it also sparked his imagination with ideas inspired by Marvel’s Infinity War. The first time he watched a Hollywood movie inspired him which sparked his interest in VFX.
A Turning Point
Vishal joined CYDA in 2022 through a friend for a 20-day group project on wall painting and interior design. Later, he volunteered for the YRC project, which helped him discover his talents and grow through mentorship, skill-building programs and new opportunities. He actively participated in Yuvarang, a youth festival, which gave him an opportunity to showcase his talents and connect with other like-minded individuals.
A Spark of Change: The Role of Community Service and Self-Discovery
Vishal’s artistic abilities were first recognized through a hands-on wall painting project, which reignited his passion for art and highlighted its role in community development. CYDA’s programs introduced him to filmmaking, camerawork, and VFX, allowing him to develop both technical and creative skills. These experiences encouraged Vishal to step out of his introverted shell, interact with peers, and actively contribute to group activities and community projects. Despite his long-standing love for painting, filmmaking, animation, and football, Vishal had struggled to find a structured platform to nurture these interests. His creative potential was often overshadowed by his introversion and lack of direction. However, with the mentors support, he found the guidance and opportunities to explore his passions. Vishal eventually pursued a two-year course in VFX and filmmaking at MAAC Institute, further solidifying his commitment to a career in the creative industry.
On World Earth Day, Vishal participated in river cleaning initiatives, his quiet contributions reflecting his desire to make a difference. This newfound purpose led him to initiate a wall painting project in his neighbourhood, a task he undertook with an intensity that transformed dull walls into vibrant canvases within two weeks.
A bright future ahead
Vishal, once introverted, became more outgoing and engaged, participating actively in community events and creative projects. He gained mid-level expertise in camerawork, filmmaking, and VFX, paving the way for a potential career in the creative industry and successfully completing his 12th grade with 63%. ( The author is Documentation Officer at CYDA)
Vishal’s participation in wall painting and other artistic projects highlighted his talent and helped him gain recognition within his community also by developing meaningful connections and gaining exposure to various opportunities in the creative field.
Vishal says that: “CYDA helped me see my potential and provided me with the opportunities I needed. I used to be shy and unsure about my future, but now I am confident in pursuing my passion for filmmaking and animation.
Vishal transformed into a confident, skilled individual pursuing his dreams in the creative field. Providing structured platforms for youth to explore their interests can unlock their potential and build confidence. Combining creative, technical, and social skills training helps young individuals grow into well-rounded personalities.
(The author is the documentation officer at CYDA)
