Bhawanipatna (Odisha) [India], April 21: Observing the World Art Day, India’s largest producer of aluminium – Vedanta – celebrated the rich artistic heritage of Odisha by organising a cultural event at Eklavya Model Residential School at Thuamul Rampur in tribal-dominated Kalahandi district.

Aimed at fostering creativity and encouraging traditional art among the school students, such an initiative was undertaken by Vedanta’s Sijimali Bauxite team.

The highlight of the event was a hands-on workshop on Saura art, one of the oldest tribal art forms of Odisha, conducted by the faculty members of Kalahandi College of Art and Research.

While the event served as a platform to nurture young talent as well as instill a sense of pride and awareness about local art forms, more than 120 participating students displayed their latent talents on the origin, symbolism and techniques of Saura art by deepening their understanding of the region’s indigenous culture and its relevance in today’s world.

The students showcased immense enthusiasm and creativity by bringing to life vibrant depictions of folklore and daily life through their art.

Appreciating the effort, Satya Prakash Satya, Headmaster, Eklavya Model Residential School expressed, “We are grateful to Vedanta Aluminium for organizing such a meaningful event that connects our students with their cultural roots. The Saura art workshop not only enriched their artistic skills, but also strengthened their appreciation for Odisha’s tribal heritage. This initiative will go a long way in nurturing creativity and cultural pride.”

Speaking about the initiative, Vedanta Bauxite Mines Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Nitin Tiwari said, “Our community development efforts are deeply rooted in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the regions we operate in. Through events like these, we aim to inspire the younger generation to embrace their roots while exploring their creative potential.”

“We’ll continue to work closely with the local communities to drive sustainable development through initiatives in education, health, livelihood, infrastructure development, sports and cultural preservation,” averred the CEO.

Notably, Vedanta’s social impact initiatives rooted in the ethos of care and partnership have touched the lives of 1.5 lakh people across 67 villages of Kalahandi district and 5 lakh people across Odisha.

Jaipur. “Khushiyon Ki Gaadi” launched by Abhyutthanam Welfare Foundation Jaipur was flagged off from SMS Stadium by Dr. Neeraj K Pawan I.A.S., Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Rajasthan and Mr. Vimal Jain, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of AU Small Finance Bank.

Abhyutthanam Director Riddhi Chandrawat said that “Khushiyon Ki Gaadi” is being run in various areas of Jaipur city with the aim of taking art and sports to the children of economically weaker sections, along with raising awareness about the Right to Education Act and environmental protection among the general public through street plays. Under this campaign, art kits, sports material, medical health kits, sanitary napkins etc. are being distributed to children. This campaign will run till 3rd January and this chariot will come to an end at the Nanhe Kalakar Festival being organized by the organization on 4-5th January.

Today, on the first day, Khushiyon Ki Gaadi reached Kathputli Nagar. Where, children away from the mainstream were made aware about the right to education, cleanliness and art and culture of Rajasthan. This vehicle will pass through various areas of Jaipur. During this, Spot the Khushiyon Ki Gaadi competition is also being organized. One can participate in the said competition by scanning the QR code given on the vehicle.

During the said program, Aabhyuthanam’s President Advocate Pranjal Singh, Director Advocate Riddhi Chandrawat, Director Anuj Chandak, Piyush Jain, Aman Jhanwar, Aditi Jhanwar, Manish Dhillon, Anish Shekhar, Gaurav Sehgal, Uddhav Bansal, Dr. Ira, Khushi Maheshwari, Kushagra Singh, Advocate Avik Rajoria, Advocate Ishita, Saloni Jain, Yogita, Manoj, Pavitra, Advocate Raunak Verma, Mansi, Dimple, Tanya, Diksha, Daivik, Nitesh, Govind, Lakhan, Himanshi etc. were present.

Little Artist Festival:

Under the joint aegis of AU Foundation, Rajasthan Tourism Department, Rajasthan Youth Board, Jawahar Kala Kendra and Aabhyuthanam, the Little Artist Festival is being organized on 4-5 January at Shilp Gram, Jawahar Kala Kendra. Nanhe Kalakar is a unique initiative to connect children and youth with the art and culture of Rajasthan. Nanhe Kalakar is also a unique fund raising festival.

Main sponsors of Nanhe Kalakar Festival:

AU Foundation, Rajasthan Tourism, F.H.T.R., Jawahar Kala Kendra, 3S Securities, Bikaji, Wonder Cement, Rajasthan Royals and Rajasthan Royals Foundation, Lotus, Zeal, Syntex Banswara, Sachcha Sona, iBoostup, Purnima Group, Soft Touch, C.K. Birla Hospital, Surya Hospital etc.

Aim of Nanhe Kalakar Festival:

To promote and reach the art and culture of Rajasthan to the masses.

The amount collected from the Nanhe Kalakar Festival through entry fee, food, stage artists, festival bazaar will be used for forest plantation under the organization’s campaign Aranya Ropan.

Main attractions of Nanhe Kalakar Festival:

Theatre:

For the past one month, around twenty five young children of Manganiyar community are being trained in Rajasthani folk music under the joint aegis and guidance of Abhutthanam Welfare Foundation and famous folk artist and Khadtal player Shri Devu Khan Manganiyar, whose special performance will be seen in Nanhe Kalakar Festival.

To offer sacrifice in this Maha Yagya of Nanhe Kalakar Festival, four different types of music bands including Indian Ocean, Rahgir, Neeraj Arya Kabir Cafe and Yugam Band will perform.

More than fifty folk artists of Rajasthan will perform various types of folk dances in Nanhe Kalakar Festival.

The entire amount of ticket sales by all the artists will be donated to the jungle plantation campaign of Abhutthanam Sanstha, Aranya Ropan Abhiyan.

Chaupal:

Respected and eminent people of the society are organizing a talk show on various topics in which the main speakers will be youth representatives Mr. Ravindra Bhati (Member of Legislative Assembly, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly), Dr. Neeraj Kumar Pawan (IAS), Mr. Anoop Bartaria (CMD World Trade Park), Dr. Ajay Data (MD Data Group of Industries), Mrs. Raghushree Poddar (Chairman, FICCI FLO Mahila Jaipur), RJ Karthik, famous poet and singer Raahgir, famous content creator Kabira (Devashish Gaur), Dr. Nishant Ojha (Certified Child Counselor) etc.

Artwork:

A gathering and workshop of various art works of Rajasthan will be organized in which Mandana Art, Blue Pottery, Block Making and Printing, Lac Bangles, Thathera Art, Puppet Making, Coat Weaving, Toy Making, Lippan Art, Crochet Making, Mehendi etc. arts will be taught to children and adults.

Food:

Popular food brands of Rajasthan and the world like Domino’s Pizza, Burger Farm, Baskin Robbins, Motu Ram Prasadam, Lotaram by Chaisa, Srirangam, Grills and Grillers, Chapas, Garden Cafe, Waffle Bite, Baozi Momos, Kani Ram Sweets by RMB, NBC, Pizza Bay, English Rasoi, Caked by Devyani, Sri Raghu Ram Dhaba etc. will set up their stalls. All food brands will donate a significant portion of their sales to the jungle plantation campaign of Abhutthanam Sanstha, Aranya Rapan Abhiyaan.

Festival Bazaar:

Abhyutthanam and Labels Gone Wild will jointly provide a separate shopping area to around thirty different brands of different products. All the brands will donate a significant portion of their sales to the jungle plantation campaign of Abhyutthanam Sanstha, Aranya Ropan Abhiyaan.

Laughter and Fun:

Games and fun activities will also be organized for children and adults of all age groups at the Nanhe Kalakaar Festival.

Entry:

Children up to 12th standard will have free entry at the Nanhe Kalakaar Festival (ID card will be mandatory) and visitors of other age groups will get entry only after purchasing an entry ticket of Rs. 50 per day by visiting www.nanhekalakaar.com.

Shaktifarm: Dr. Pooja Singh, a promising daughter of Tiliyapur village in Shaktifarm, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Bharat Vibhushan’ award by Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel for her exemplary research work. The honor was bestowed during a ceremony organized by the Institute for Social Reforms and Higher Education Charitable Trust at the Delhi Assembly.

Dr. Singh, a former researcher at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, developed an innovative and eco-friendly technology for producing bricks and tiles using fly ash during her research. This groundbreaking work has garnered widespread acclaim and earned her recognition at both national and international levels, including seven prestigious awards such as the Global Young Scientist Award.

Dr. Singh’s academic journey is equally inspiring. She completed her high school education at Greenwood Public School, Shaktifarm, and her intermediate studies at St. Peter’s Higher Secondary School, Kichha. She pursued her B.Sc. from Surajmal Girls’ College, Kichha, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees from Pantnagar University. Additionally, she holds a postgraduate diploma in Intellectual Property Rights from IGNOU.

During the award ceremony, Dr. Singh attributed her success to the unwavering support of her parents, Radha Mohan Singh and Pushpa Singh, her mentors, and her friends. Her parents, who are farmers by profession, expressed immense pride in their daughter’s achievements.

Dr. Pooja Singh’s accomplishments serve as a source of inspiration for young scientists. Her innovative research not only contributes significantly to environmental conservation but also paves the way for new possibilities in sustainable development. Her determination and ingenuity demonstrate that extraordinary goals can be achieved despite limited resources.

This recognition highlights the impact of Dr. Singh’s efforts in addressing environmental challenges through science and innovation, inspiring the next generation of researchers to strive for excellence in their respective fields.