Home Khula Aasmaan World of Mahatma Gandhi Statements
International painting contest for children and young adults
Jointly organised by
Statements by eminent persons about this contest
This International Painting Competition on the theme 'World Of Mahatma Gandhi' is a unique attempt to help children and adult youths of the world, understand Mahatma Gandhi! Gandhi ji is immortal because his thoughts and ideas are relevant even today. I appeal my young friends from all over the world to read about Gandhi, understand him and present him through your creative talent, using pencils, brushes and colours! Painting Mahatma is your way of reflecting on the contemporary world, it's like introspecting, it's looking within! Friends, please do join us in revisiting Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th Birth Anniversary!"
Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe
President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
'World of Mahatma Gandhi: International Painting Contest' is an innovative PPP initiative of ICCR, leveraging an existing, highly successful platform of 'Khula Aasmaan', to connect children all over the world with the ever-inspiring life and spirit of Gandhiji. It is very important for the younger generation to imbibe Gandhi's message of peace, harmony, truth, non-violence and respectful dialogue even with critics and opponents because we live in a world which is becoming increasingly diverse, interconnected & interdependent and also acrimoniously polarised along various ideological fault lines.
Akhilesh Mishra
Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
"It is heartening to know that Khula Aasmaan and Indian Council for Cultural Relations have taken the initiative to announce such a wonderful opportunity - an international painting competition for children and young adults. Art is a universal language and has the unique ability to transcend all man made borders. This project with participation by young talent across the globe will be a befitting salute to the spirit of Mahatma whose ideas and values are universal. People from across the globe have drawn inspiration from the Mahatma. I am keen and eager to see the wonderful art that the young minds will create. I appeal to all the children and young adults to participate in this unique contest and understand Mahatma’s vision and ideas, and wish them all the best for the contest. I extend my best wishes to the organisers who have provided this unique canvas to the children and young adults.
Vijay Kelkar
(Vijay Kelkar is an eminent economist and former Finance Secretary, Government of India. He has served on the board of IMF and was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 2011)
Khula Aasmaan conducts art competitions and creates educational content in art and science for children and college students. Khula Aasmaan encourages the children and young adults to think independently and express themselves.