START OF PADAV PROGRAM

The 'PADAV: Art Mentoring Program 2023 at the Kaya Learning Center in Dehradun started on June 11, 2023. It is a mentorship program that provides fellowship to 20 local youth associated with the Fine Arts in Uttarakhand. As a mentor, I am responsible for providing training and art-related advice to these young artists for five days. The Kaya Learning Center aims to promote real and experience-based learning in a natural environment and the program's focus is on experiential sharing between the instructor (me) and the trainees, where budding artists of Uttarakhand will be introduced to various dimensions of contemporary art. The ultimate goal is to refine their current art practices and make them familiar with contemporary art practiced globally. 

The application process for the fellowship program was conducted through an online advertisement issued on April 21, 2023. A total of 56 applications were received for this program. A 5-member jury, including esteemed individuals like Delhi College of Art's Associate Professor -Pradeep Chauhan, Sculptor- Sunita Chauhan, Painter- Satya Sai Mothadka, and Artist Punam Sharma and Contemporary Artist- Jagmohan Bangani (me) participated in the selection process. Together, we selected a total of 20 youths for the "Padaav" program from among the applicants. 

The selected youths for the "PADAV" program come from various regions in Uttarakhand, including Almora, Pithoragarh, Pauri Garhwal, Rudrapur, Uttarkashi, Nainital, Champawat, and Tehri Garhwal. The diverse group of participants represents a range of artistic talents and backgrounds, and the program aims to nurture and elevate their skills through the mentorship and training you will be providing.