Artist launches initiative to get rural schoolkids closer to nature

Udupi: Raksha Poojary, an artist from Kaup in Udupi, has launched an inspiring initiative to introduce art for children in govt schools located in remote, forest-fringe areas. Through her project, ‘Vanagiriya Rangu: Kadina Makkala Chitrakathe', Raksha aims to foster a deeper connection between students and nature, by teaching them drawing and painting techniques.
"I visit the Western Ghats regularly, and have noticed that many people go there purely for pleasure, unaware of the unique challenges faced by children in these remote areas," Raksha said."Students in these schools often lack basic resources. I have seen cases where one eraser is shared between three children, and there are schools that lack either faculty or students. Despite these limitations, the children from these regions seem to have a natural creative spark," she said.
A fine arts graduate with plans to pursue postgraduate studies next year, Raksha draws inspiration from environmentalist Dinesh Holla, who works with tribal children in Uttara Kannada, through the Vana Chethana programme. At present, Raksha funds the project herself, and visits these remote schools alone, with a goal of reaching 100 schools in a year.
The project, which runs as a one-day programme per school, provides children with art supplies and introduces them to creative activities like leaf impression painting and stone painting. The sessions also include half-day excursions to nearby forests, where students learn about local plant species, encouraging a stronger bond with the environment. Raksha has already visited two schools, Amasebail Jalasunka and Honnethalu in Thirthahalli, and aims to build long-term relationships with each school she visits.
"Teachers have begun reaching out to me for guidance in preparing students for programmes like Prathibha Karanji," she said. Raksha's inspiration for this initiative came during her regular visits to Agumbe Ghat as part of environmental cleaning drives. As she documented the region's flora and fauna, she became more aware of the challenges faced by schools in these areas. "I also introduce children to the scientific names of plants and lead short birdwatching sessions to deepen their connection with nature," she added.