Students from BMC and government-run schools showcased their talents

The YB Chavan Auditorium in Narinam Point, Mumbai was transformed into a vibrant centre of creativity as Kala Ka Karawaan, an initiative by the Salaam Bombay Foundation, provided a platform for students from Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and government-aided schools to showcase their artistic and media talents.

The event which took place on Thursday, 20th February highlighted the transformative power of arts education, bringing together exhibitions, performances, and interactive stalls that reflected the dedication and skill of young artists.

A major attraction was the exhibition by students from the Arts Academy, featuring paintings, photography, and digital artwork that beautifully captured India’s cultural essence. Alongside this, interactive stalls displayed student-led projects in filmmaking, podcasting, magazine writing, and photography, offering visitors a glimpse into the diverse skills nurtured by the Media Academy.

Theatre and dance performances added another dimension, as students express real-world issues and personal experiences. Among the standout presentations were a documentary on Dashavatar and a 17-minute feature film, "Vasudev", both produced and acted in by students. Performances in Western dance, Kathak, and short plays further demonstrated their artistic range and storytelling abilities.

The event also celebrated the success of Salaam Bombay’s alumni, who have turned their training into professional careers. Priti Singh, a former Arts Academy student, showcased her latest paintings, while Sagar Kanojia, once a dance student, returned as a choreographer. Kushal Mahale, now a professional photographer and video editor, presented his portfolio, inspiring current students with their journeys from training to professional success.

Speaking about the initiative, Rajashree Kadam, Senior Vice President (Arts and Media) at Salaam Bombay Foundation, emphasised the impact of such programmes in bridging socio-economic gaps.

“Kala Ka Karawaan demonstrates that if students from 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 integrates arts and culture into holistic education", she said.

Kadam added, “They can also apply these skills to get work or get into a profession of their choice. Our commitment doesn’t stop at school. After the 10th grade, we continue to support students with advanced training, helping them turn their passion into professional careers or even support their families. Skill-building is not just about learning, it’s about creating opportunities for a better future. Some of these children are already helping their parents in some capacity, from the skills they have learnt".

Renowned theatre director Jeff Goldberg, who attended the event, lauded the confidence and storytelling abilities of the students. “Arts education is not just about skill-building; it’s about giving young people a voice. The Salaam Bombay Foundation is doing a phenomenal job ensuring that students from municipal schools get these opportunities,” he said.

Adding his support, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani highlighted the importance of arts education in municipal schools. “Students in BMC-run schools have immense potential. Organisations like Salaam Bombay Foundation prove that, with the right platforms, they can excel in fields beyond traditional academics. We must continue investing in skill-based learning for a brighter future,” he said.

Savio Pashana, Head of Communications, Salaam Bombay said, “What makes this initiative special is that the students are at the heart of it. They don’t just perform; they plan, create, and execute everything, from podcasts and magazine publishing to photography and filmmaking. They take ownership of their work, developing confidence and professional skills that stay with them for life.”

He added, “The dedication of these students is incredible. It takes nearly a month of preparation for them to put together exhibitions and performances, and every time, they give it their all. Their energy and enthusiasm make Kala Ka Karawaan a truly inspiring event.”

Founded in 2002, the Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Arts and Media vertical has been equipping students from 7th grade onwards with skills in broadcasting, podcasting, photography, filmmaking, painting, and magazine publishing.

The programme provides technical training twice a week in schools, with advanced skill support continuing after 10th grade, helping students pursue professional careers or support their families. Every aspect of Kala Ka Karawaan, from presentations to performances, was led by students, reflecting their hard work and dedication over almost a month of preparation.

As the event came to a close, it was evident that Salaam Bombay’s initiative is not only fostering young talent but also shaping future livelihoods. By providing the tools, training, and platforms, the foundation is ensuring that municipal school students are not just artists of today, but professionals of tomorrow.