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Manipal: Art Exhibition on‘Prakruthi- Samskruthi, Nature and Culture’ Project was inaugurated by the chief guest renowned writer, Dr. Vaidehi and Pro-Chancellor of MAHE, Dr. H. S. Ballal,on March 6th at Interact Hall, Kasturba Medical College. The project funded by India Foundation for the Arts was organized by Dr. Unni Krishnan K, the coordinator for the Centre for Creative and Cultural Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education(MAHE).The project is based on education on culture and nature through creative mediums and practices for Government school children of Manipal.The exhibition portrays the project outcome with the artworks of children including poems, short stories, drawings, origami craftwork, clay art and more.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vaidehiappreciating the project ‘Nature and Culture’, emphasized on the importance of art education, especially for the government school children.

"It is our responsibility to save the mother nature for the next generation and also give children an understanding of our nature and culture at a very young age whichcan make their lives meaningful. Children gain a new spirit through art education which is different from their academic curriculum.Projects like these must be encouraged and incorporated atschool level.” She added that the present generation must seek inspiration from artists like Dr.ShivramKarantha and Kola Karanthaand makea conscious effort in providing art education for children. 

“Social development can be achieved only when children are concerned about cleanliness and environment. The project outcome displayed as the art exhibition,the effort of Dr. Unni Krishnan K and team is admirable”, said Dr.H.S. Ballal.

Prof. Varadesh Hiregange recited two poems of Dr Vaidehi and appreciated the efforts of the project, underlining the importance of education on culture and nature.

Dr. H.Shantaram, Secretary of Manipal Academy of General Education, Prof. T Ranga Pai, Principal of T.M.A Pai Polytechnic College, Prof. Varadesh Hiregange, Director, Centre for Gandhian and Peace Studies, Lakshmi teacher, Headmaster of Government Primary School and the project ‘Nature and Culture’ team were present on the occasion. 

Parents, children and other staff members of the school were also present at the event,which was widely appreciated by all.

About the Project:

Art Outreach Program: The Educational Project ‘Culture and Nature’, education through Art and Creative practice

Concept: To engage the school with both Nature and Culture through Art education and Creative practices.

About the School: Government Primary School of Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka- 576 104.Understanding the students of the chosen school, the majority are from displaced communities from central Karnataka (the non-economic zones), migrated to Manipal seeking employment opportunities and better education for their children.

Education and environment are two key sectors that need utmost attention especially in today’s time and context.We are well aware of the two extreme adversities – 1. Over exploitation of the nature and 2. The lack of education persisting in the grass root level.

This project focused on one such concern of nature,Suvarna River, the life source of Manipal. We attempted to educate the students on environmentand culture through creative means such as art and literature; engaging them with their bio-diversity of Manipal. Project did not limit them to mere drawing or painting skill development exercises; but to explore, experiment and engage them withnature, beyond the school walls. Our education did not adhereonly to the conventional but unconventional methods as well. The idea to think, feel and act was emphasized upon.

Purpose of the project was to primarily collaborate Culture and Nature through creative education, with a focus on inter-cultural exchange.

 Program goals:

·         The project aimed not only at nurturing the Environmentbut also to help the students explore themselves from within.

• To blend the existing educational methods with Creative thinking practices.
• Community engagement exercises involving teachers of the school, students and parents to bring abouta social change.
• Inter-cultural exchange (bridging the gap): Exchange of folk and other art language of the displaced community with the local and vice versa.
• Education on environment and culture through creative medium of art.