Former Indian Diplomat's art work on display in Belgium

Gembloux (Belgium) , May 9 (ANI): Art lovers in Belgium had an opportunity to see the portraits of 30 world leaders prepared by a senior Indian diplomat Placido D' Souza.

Placido's works have been put to public viewing for a fortnight at SAPNA at the Indian cultural centre.

P.D' Souza prepared the portraits after meetings the world leaders as part of his official engagements with them.

"Drawing has been for me a way of having an activity different from my work as a diplomat that I was for 34 years. I have had the opportunity to meet famous and well-known personalities all over the world. I have sketched them, obtained their autographs, which helped me get closer to them and transformed the meetings into memorable moments," says Placido D'Souza.

"I wanted to do a portrait of the President of Congo (Brazzaville). I saw him, I photographed him and sketched him.

I went to Congo (Brazzaville) as I was living in neighbouring Congo, and was told that he had just been assassinated," D' Souza said.

Placido further shares how he has been a self-taught person in drawing and during the last few years, he has showcased his work in the four corners of the world.

As an Indian Ambassador, he has travelled through all the continents, changing countries every two years as is customary for his nature of work.

When presenting credentials he would also do a sketch of these "great ones of the world" who have shown their appreciation of his talent.

"I am displaying my work in Gembloux. At times I sell some of my sketches for the benefit of charity. The Indian Consulate in New York has requested me to display some of my works there," says P. P.D'Souza.

"I have already participated in the Gembloux artists' competition. When I come here, I take photographs of the beautiful spots and then do paintings of them in crayon or charcoal: I have already done paintings of the Chateau du Bailli, the Chateau de Corroy, the Chapelle Dieu...," says Placido D'Souza.

Presently, residing in the United States, Placido D'Souza has four children who live in the four corners of the world, including Gembloux. (ANI)