Jamshedpur, April 12: P. Bharthi, a former student of School of Hope, is excited looking at the paintings at the Jamshedpur School of Art. But her excitement turns into peals of laughter when she is told that this place would soon be her new school.

Having completed her studies at the School of Hope, Bharthi and many like her are eager to be a part of the art school. With initiative from the Parents? Association of Mentally Handicapped of Jamshedpur (PAMHJ) and Jamshedpur School of Art (JSA), a special painting and sculpture class for the special children was inaugurated today on the JSA premises.

Sanjeev Paul, managing director, Jamshedpur Utilities and Services Company (Jusco), inaugurated the class.

?The move was prompted by the pouring requests from parents. Despite attempts by different schools to give their children the best facilities, there were no conspicuous effort to hold a proper hobby class for the special children,? said P. Babu Rao, secretary, PAMHJ.

Classes will be held twice a week and will be conducted with help from experienced art instructors of JSA who have volunteered to teach the children. ?Initially, we will start with two days a week and judging by the response, we will take further decision,? said G.M. Sharan, JSA honorary secretary.

Sharan said while streamlining the course details, sessions with some psychiatrists brought to light that art forms such as painting and sculpture helps to develop mental faculties and sharpen the coordination between hand and mind.

The excitement of exposing children into the world of the easel and canvas was welcome by parents too.

?The child will be able to express his thoughts through painting,? said Sheila Kispotta, mother of Kunal, a special child.

Sanjeev Paul announced that a special category would be kept in the painting competition, scheduled to be held at the end of April, for the mentally-handicapped.

The competition is a part of the first anniversary celebrations of Jusco.