YB Chavan Auditorium in Mumbai recently played host to an event put on by the Salaam Bombay Foundation, providing a platform for students from the city’s municipal and government-aided schools to showcase their artistic and media skills. The event, Kala Ka Karawaan, offered a glimpse into the creative potential within these educational institutions, and helped to bring to the fore the talent often overlooked.
Exhibitions
The event featured exhibitions from the Arts Academy, where students put on display their work in painting, photography, and digital art. Interactive stalls laid out the practical skills they had acquired in areas such as filmmaking, podcasting, and magazine writing. This focus on vocational skills drew attention to the event’s emphasis on preparing students for future opportunities.
Performances
Theatre and dance performances provided a space for students to give voice to their lived experiences and perspectives. These performances, while showcasing artistic talent, also served as a means of communication, addressing real-world issues relevant to the students’ lives.
Alumni Inspiration
The presence of alumni, including artist Priti Singh, choreographer Sagar Kanojia, and photographer/video editor Kushal Mahale, shed light on the potential career paths available to students. Their success stories, originating from Mumbai’s municipal schools, stood as tangible examples of the impact of the foundation’s work.
Foundation’s Aims
Rajashree Kadam, Senior Vice President (Arts and Media), Salaam Bombay Foundation, pointed out the event’s alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, stating, “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.” This statement spoke to the foundation’s commitment to providing vocational training and fostering cultural development.
Official and Industry Perspectives
Jeff Goldberg, a renowned theatre director, actor, and screenwriter, and co-founder of the Jeff Goldberg Studio in Mumbai, observed, “The confidence, talent, and storytelling skills these students possess are incredible.”
Bhushan Gagrani, BMC Commissioner, added, “Students in Mumbai’s municipal schools have immense potential. Organisations like Salaam Bombay Foundation prove that, with the right platforms, they can excel in fields beyond traditional academics.”
The event served as a reminder of the importance of providing equal opportunities in education, and the potential for vocational training to bring out the talent within Mumbai’s municipal schools.
Last Updated on February 23, 2025 by Staff Reporter
