Thursday, February 13, 2025

opening vistas of social impact via art design culture collective

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The Pioneer brings you an exclusive glimpse into the groundbreaking event, where India’s cultural icons gathered to celebrate the powerful intersection of art, design and social impact at the launch of the Art Design Culture Collective, presented by KHUSHII NGO.
On the evening of December 12th, the storied house became the epicenter of artistic brilliance and purposeful philanthropy. The inaugural event of the Art Design Culture Collective (ADCC), organised by KHUSHII NGO, transcended the boundaries of a typical art gathering. This invite-only evening united India’s cultural luminaries, patrons and visionaries for a celebration that seamlessly blended art, design and humanity. With its gilded chandeliers, historic architecture and an air of exclusivity, it provided the perfect stage for an unforgettable night, setting the tone for the days to come.
At the helm is Rahul Kumar, a Fulbright Scholar with a master’s degree in arts from the USA. With works that have graced Sotheby’s auctions and are featured in collections like the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Rahul’s eye for talent and innovation is unmatched. For him, it is a labour of love and a clarion call for the future of Indian art. Among the luminaries gracing the inaugural evening of the Art Design Culture Collective was Vandana Luthra, the iconic founder of VLCC and vice chairperson of the NGO, Khushii. She shared her thoughts: “For 21 years, I have dedicated myself, nurturing it like my own child, alongside Khushii, which has also been a labour of love. My connection stems from my deep affection for children. As a grandmother to four, I’ve always valued the importance of fostering growth in the younger generation. Today, more than ever, I believe that empowering the future begins with education and that empowerment extends beyond academics to include mental health and holistic wellness.”
She further added, “Khushii’s programs were a natural progression of this vision, particularly given the pressures children face in today’s world. Even in early education, the competitive atmosphere can weigh heavily on young minds. Drawing from personal experience—having faced similar challenges as a child—I recognise the value of support systems such as child psychologists and counselors. These professionals not only help children navigate their emotions but also guide parents in understanding and addressing their children’s needs. Counseling, both for children and their parents, fosters healthier relationships and equips families to manage the complexities of modern life. Through Khushii, I hope to continue empowering children and their families, ensuring a brighter, more balanced future for the next generation.”
No event celebrating Indian art would be complete without the presence of Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar. As ambassadors, this revered couple brought their unmatched gravitas and passion to the gathering. Akhtar reflected on the power of art: “Art is like a flag—it begins with society and has the ability to unite people, even without an established group. But for it to truly resonate, it needs a clear mission and presence in society. Once established, it reaches beyond its immediate circle and begins to inspire a wider audience.”
Azmi, speaking on the role of art in today’s world, remarked, “In an age where resources are abundant, we must view art as a contribution to society, not as a luxury. It is only through such a perspective that we can inspire a new generation of creators, who can produce fresh and meaningful content.”
The couple also lauded the work of Ngo, which is currently educating over 240,000 children. Azmi shared, “What is truly remarkable about Khushii is its focus on mental health. Many children today are overwhelmed by the pressures of exams and competition. We often overlook the emotional toll this takes on them.”
Their involvement underscored mission to intertwine creativity with societal change, ensuring that art is not just a visual experience but a catalyst for social transformation.
The night reached new creative heights with a talk by celebrated designer Sussanne Khan. Chronicling her journey through the ever-evolving world of design, Khan captivated the audience with her tales of resilience, innovation and inspiration. Her narrative of melding modern aesthetics with timeless Indian elements provided a window into her artistic process.
Khan began, “In today’s world, I believe that spaces should not be designed based solely on trends or external influences but rather with a focus on the needs and lifestyle of the people who live or work there. As a designer, I see luxury as a deeply personal concept. For some, it lies in simplicity—creating spaces that embrace sustainability and harmonise with nature, where the natural environment becomes a form of luxury. For others, it may be defined by cutting-edge technology and innovation. Ultimately, luxury is subjective, shaped by the unique preferences and aspirations of each individual we design for.”
Central mission is its partnership with Kinship for Humanitarian Social and Holistic Intervention in India, founded by cricket legend Kapil Dev in 2003.  In an exclusive conversation, Kapil Dev reflected on the importance of both mental and physical well-being, especially for younger generations. “As a sportsperson, I have always believed in the power of physical activity to alleviate stress,” he said. “Today, with children and young people so engrossed in gadgets, it’s critical to encourage them to step away, get moving and embrace an active lifestyle. Physical activity is essential not just for the body, but for the mind.”
The evening’s literary highlight was the much-anticipated book launch of The Serengeti: Wild Wonders of Africa by Rajan Kapoor. Guests were enthralled by Kapoor’s visual journey through the untamed landscapes of Africa, accompanied by conservationist Dr. Rajiv Bhartari’s compelling insights on the urgent need to preserve wildlife. The book, a confluence of stunning photography and evocative storytelling, reminded the audience of humanity’s shared responsibility to protect the planet’s fragile ecosystems.
In a nutshell, the opening night of the Art Design Culture Collective was a triumph of vision, artistry and purpose. It set the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary journey over the coming days—a journey where creativity meets compassion and where every moment inspires change.

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