Bhopal: The three-day residential workshop “Green Impressions: Art, Environment, and Expression” began at Azim Premji University, Bhopal campus. Organized by the National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment (NCHSE), Child Rights Observatory Madhya Pradesh (CROMP), and the Art-Design Teachers’ Forum, in collaboration with Azim Premji University, this special workshop brings together over 30 selected art educators from various districts of Madhya Pradesh. The workshop aims to foster awareness and sensitivity towards the environment through the lens of art.
The workshop was inaugurated by Ms Tultul Biswas, Director of Eklavya Foundation. She remarked, “This initiative of bringing art and environment together not only nurtures creativity but also cultivates a deeper understanding and perspective to engage meaningfully with nature.”
Noted environmentalist and Director General of NCHSE, Dr. P. K. Nandi, spoke about the interconnectedness of nature, saying, “Everything is embedded in the environment — trees, rivers, ponds, birds, humans, animals, sanitation, and waste — they are all interlinked. Our concern for these should not be limited to just Environment Day.” He also highlighted various environmental issues for the participants.
Welcoming the participants, Mr. Satyajeet Nambiar, Registrar of Azim Premji University, Bhopal, said, “Our university is deeply committed to both quality education and environmental consciousness. We will continue to support such initiatives that envision a more aware and sustainable society.”
The welcome address was delivered by Rashmi Saraswat, and the workshop is being coordinated by Sunil Shukla.
The workshop is being led by acclaimed Mumbai-based artist, author, and storyweaver Indu Harikumar. She began the session by screening the documentary Landfill Harmonic and facilitating a discussion around it.
The film is an inspiring story set in Cateura, a slum in Paraguay built on a landfill, where children created musical instruments from garbage and formed an orchestra called “The Recycled Orchestra of Cateura.”
The instruments were made from discarded cans, wood scraps, oil drums, and other waste materials. The documentary not only highlights environmental awareness but also shows how music, creativity, and collective effort can transform lives even in the most challenging conditions. Landfill Harmonic delivers a powerful message that with art and passion, even waste can change the world.
