NAGPUR NEWS : “Rang De Nagpur” Mural Painting Competition Celebrates Amrit Mahotsav with Enthusiastic Participation from Young Artists
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) organized the “Rang De Nagpur” mural painting competition as part of its Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, drawing an overwhelming response from young artists across Maharashtra. Talented participants brought Nagpur’s rich heritage, culture, and history to life through vibrant murals along Neeri Road and Freedom Park.
The event was inaugurated in a unique and symbolic way by NMC Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijit Chaudhari and Additional Commissioner Mrs. Vasumana Pant, who personally painted a section of the historic Sitabuldi Fort wall, located between the old Morris College T-Point and Manas Chowk.
A Celebration of 75 Years of NMC
Guided by Dr. Chaudhari and supervised by Mrs. Pant, the competition began on Saturday and will continue through October 11–12, aiming to depict the 75-year journey of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, highlighting both its legacy and future vision.
The competition was divided into two categories
Students (18+ years) – Participants from BFA, MFA, ATD, and GD Fine Arts programs
Professional Artists – Hobby artists and fine arts graduates
Artists from Nagpur, Mumbai, Thane, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, and Wardha showcased their creativity. Out of 118 entries, 92 teams qualified based on NMC’s thematic criteria, with each group comprising 3–5 members, totaling over 300 artists participating in this colorful celebration.
Themes
The murals were based on four key themes
Nagpur @ 75 – Tracing the city’s growth and transformation
Clean, Green & Smart Nagpur – Highlighting cleanliness, greenery, and urban development
Culture, History & Heritage of Nagpur
Nagpur – The Tiger Capital of India
Artistic Energy Across the City
Young artists brought the walls of Neeri Road near Dikshabhoomi and Freedom Park in Sitabuldi alive with color. Students primarily worked along Neeri Road, while hobbyists and professionals focused on Freedom Park. Participants hailed from reputed institutions such as Government College of Art, Nagpur, Anjuman College of Engineering & Technology, Mahalaxmi Jagdamba College, and Natraj Art & Culture College. Students from Government College of Art, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, also participated enthusiastically.
Notable participants included Priyanka Prem Rathod (Yavatmal), Hraddha Sonawane, Sakshi Pathare, Sanket Gaikwad, Gayatri Kale, Gaurav Gawali (Sambhajinagar), and Surendra Kohpare (Thane).
Public Engagement and Excitement
The mural sites attracted large crowds throughout the day. Motorists and pedestrians stopped to watch the artists at work, with many taking selfies alongside the vibrant walls. Participants wore special T-shirts designed for NMC’s Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
Commissioner’s Artistic Touch
Dr. Chaudhari and Mrs. Pant visited both sites, interacting with participants and appreciating their efforts. Dr. Chaudhari also picked up a paintbrush, symbolizing civic participation in this creative initiative. Other dignitaries present included Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajesh Bhagat, Chief Sanitation Officer Dr. Gajendra Mahalle, Assistant Commissioner Mr. Rajkumar Meshram, Public Relations Officer Mr. Manish Soni, and Event Coordinator Mr. Abhijit Moundekar.
Artists Praise NMC Initiative
Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Prof. Ashwini Ghule from Government College of Art, Nagpur, said, “This initiative provides an excellent platform for students and amateur artists to express their creativity while contributing to the beautification of the city.”
Surendra Kohpare (Thane) added, “It’s a brilliant concept by NMC. Events like this not only beautify urban spaces but also allow artists to transform ideas into public art.”
Priyanka Rathod, an MFA student from Nagpur, said, “Competitions like these encourage young artists and provide a platform to showcase their talent.”
Exciting Prizes
The competition offers attractive prizes for both categories….
Student Category…
1st Prize: ₹1,00,000
2nd Prize: ₹75,000
3rd Prize: ₹50,000
Professional Category…..
1st Prize: ₹1,25,000
2nd Prize: ₹1,00,000
3rd Prize: ₹75,000
