Ekal Vidyalaya USA and Khula Aasman host IndiArt, a national art contest that raises funds to provide digital literacy in rural India. With a team of dedicated volunteers and 35 art ambassadors, this contest has become a movement around the country. 

At a cost of only $5, participants can submit up to three pieces and access online workshops led by talented artists and teachers. These workshops range from traditional Indian art to modern styles of painting and design. The contest takes place until August 31st, inviting people of all ages and levels to submit artwork.

“What started as a competition to support Ekal’s Digital Literacy Program has become a South Asian art ecosystem,” says Ranjani Saigal, Executive Director of Ekal Vidyalaya. “It has been a joyous journey that has transformed lives in rural India and inspired creativity amongst US residents during Covid times.”

Team leads, Jharna Madan and Parveen Minocha, spend long hours working with ambassadors, youth volunteers, and participants to ensure a meaningful experience. “We launched IndiArt in 2013, hoping to connect children in the US with Ekal children in India, and are delighted to see the exponential growth this year,” says Madan. “The workshops are a great stress reliever and bonding time for families,” says Minocha, who has turned her dining room into an art studio. 

Whether it is a simple doodle or intricate painting, each submission will benefit children in remote villages, providing them with the knowledge they need in a digital world. Join over 500 participants in this effort to bring technology to rural India. 

For more information, or to register online, please visit www.indi-art.org. Follow IndiArt on Instagram at indiart_2020. 

About Ekal

Ekal Vidyalaya is involved in holistic, integrated development of rural India and Nepal. Their purpose is to provide education to every child by running one-teacher schools, known as Ekal Vidyalayas. With the support of numerous trusts and non-profits, they have become the largest grassroots and non-governmental movement for education in remote villages. Ekal aims to help eradicate illiteracy from these villages, based on equality and inclusiveness across all sections of society. 

About Khula Aasman

Khula Aasman began its journey in 2009 as a field action project, at Tata Institute of Social Sciences. KA believes that art has the power to cross over differences of caste, class, gender, language, region and age. They also believe in hands-on work while remaining environmentally conscious. Hence a lot of craft activities are designed in the realm of recycle and reuse. Their purpose is to connect arts and crafts with higher education, revisit the artistic styles of various states in India, and take pride in its rich heritage. 

Contact:

Jharna Madan

+1-603-759-0377

ekal.us.indiart@gmail.com

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