An initiative by the Salaam Bombay Foundation, provided students from Mumbai’s municipal and government-aided schools to show artistic and media skills. The event was organised in YB Chavan Auditorium which highlighted the impact of arts education through performances, exhibitions, and interactive stalls.
A key highlight was the exhibition by students from the Arts Academy, where paintings, photography, and digital artwork captured various facets of Indian culture. Visitors engaged with students at stalls that showcased photography, filmmaking, podcasting, and magazine writing, demonstrating the skills they had honed through the Media Academy.
Theatre and dance performances brought another dimension to the event, as students expressed themselves through movement and dialogue, addressing issues and their experiences.
The event also featured alumni including, Priti Singh, an Arts Academy alumnus, who displayed her latest paintings. Sagar Kanojia, a former dance student, returned as a choreographer, and Kushal Mahale, now a professional photographer and video editor, presented his portfolio.
Speaking about the event, Rajashree Kadam, Senior Vice President (Arts and Media), Salaam Bombay Foundation, said, “Kala Ka Karawaan demonstrates that if students from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds are given the right education and opportunities, they can achieve extraordinary success. Our programmes align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which not only promotes vocational training and creativity but also highlights the significant role of training in arts and culture in students’ holistic development. This event underscores the importance of integrating arts and media into mainstream education.”
Theatre director Jeff Goldberg shared his thoughts, “The confidence, talent, and storytelling skills these students possess are incredible. Arts education is not just about skill-building but also about giving young people a voice. Salaam Bombay Foundation is doing a phenomenal job ensuring that students from municipal schools get these opportunities.”
Bhushan Gagrani, BMC Commissioner, added, “Students in Mumbai’s municipal schools have immense potential. Organisations like the Salaam Bombay Foundation prove that, with the right platforms, they can excel in fields beyond traditional academics. We must continue to invest in arts education and skill-based learning for a brighter future.”