Tata Steel Foundation, in collaboration with Aspire, hosted an extraordinary event showcasing the artistic talents of children participating in our Signature Programme on Education. The highlight of the event was the unveiling of 95 remarkable paintings created by these talented young minds. These paintings were carefully curated by the People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI) under the guidance of the renowned journalist P Sainath. These artworks reflect the children’s deep connection with nature and their evolving perspectives on the world around them.
For many of these children, it was their first visit to Bhubaneswar, coming from 40-50 remote villages across 9 blocks. The sight of their own paintings, elegantly framed and beautifully displayed with professional lighting, left them in awe. They couldn’t believe that these works of art were indeed their creations. The joy and amazement on their faces when encouraged to find their own paintings were priceless moments. P Sainath, a stalwart in the field of journalism, made the event even more memorable by engaging with the children individually. Rather than delivering a formal speech, he took the time to speak with each child, fostering a sense of comfort and camaraderie. As the event progressed, the children became more at ease, running around and even creating more art on the spot.

The exhibition served as a testament to the incredible talent and potential that exists within these young minds. It was a heartwarming celebration of their creativity and a reaffirmation of the program’s commitment to empowering them through education and artistic expression.