New Delhi: The Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) organised its annual Painting Competition for children from underprivileged and vulnerable communities at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, as part of its activities leading up to the World Habitat Day celebrations.
A flagship initiative for more than three decades, HUDCO’s painting competition provides children from underserved communities with a platform to express their ideas and aspirations about safe, inclusive and sustainable habitats through art.
This year, around 260 children from various NGOs and orphanages participated in the competition under two age categories. The theme for the competition was “Adequate Housing for All.”
Around 260 Children Participate in Painting Competition
The competition was organised in two categories to encourage children from different age groups to participate and express their understanding of housing and sustainable communities.
The categories were:
- Junior Group: 8–11 years
- Senior Group: 12–14 years
- Participants: Around 260 children
- Theme: “Adequate Housing for All”
- Participants’ Background: Children from various NGOs and orphanages
Through their paintings, the children presented their vision of homes and cities that are safe, accessible, dignified, resilient and sustainable.
The initiative aims not only to encourage creativity but also to sensitise young minds to the importance of adequate housing and inclusive urban development.
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Children Share Vision of Safe and Inclusive Homes
The theme “Adequate Housing for All” encouraged participants to look beyond the physical structure of a house and explore the broader meaning of a safe and dignified habitat.
The paintings reflected the children’s ideas and aspirations for:
- Safe and secure homes
- Inclusive communities
- Accessible living spaces
- Sustainable cities
- Resilient habitats
- Dignified living conditions
For more than three decades, the competition has formed an integral part of HUDCO’s World Habitat Day activities and has provided children from underserved communities with an opportunity to dream, create and communicate their vision of better habitats.
HUDCO CMD Sanjay Kulshrestha Interacts with Children
Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman and Managing Director, HUDCO, along with the Directors and senior officials of the organisation, interacted with the participating children and appreciated their enthusiasm and creativity.
Addressing the participants, Kulshrestha said that their paintings reflected a vision of inclusive and sustainable cities. He noted that the initiative provides children with a space to dream, express their aspirations and inspire others.
He also reaffirmed HUDCO’s commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development and nurturing young voices that can contribute to shaping the vision of future communities.
Live Talent Show Adds Vibrancy to Event
A Live Talent Show was also organised during the event, giving children an opportunity to showcase their talents beyond painting.
The programme featured performances in:
- Singing
- Drama
- Poetry
- Dance
The talent show provided an additional platform for children to express themselves and helped highlight the importance of recognising and nurturing diverse talents among children from underserved communities.
HUDCO Employees’ Children Join Competition
As part of a new initiative to promote social inclusion, children of HUDCO employees also participated in the event alongside children from NGOs and orphanages.
The initiative brought children from diverse social and economic backgrounds together in an informal and inclusive environment. It provided them an opportunity to interact, participate in activities and build friendships.
The initiative also reinforced the broader message that inclusive communities begin with inclusive spaces for children, encouraging mutual understanding and a sense of belonging among participants.
Award-Winning Paintings to Be Exhibited at Vigyan Bhawan
The award-winning paintings from the competition will be displayed at Vigyan Bhawan during the World Habitat Day celebrations in October.
The winners will also be felicitated by the chief guest during the World Habitat Day programme.
The exhibition will provide the young participants with an opportunity to showcase their creative interpretations of adequate housing and sustainable habitats before a wider audience.
HUDCO’s Focus on Inclusive and Sustainable Development
The annual painting competition forms part of HUDCO’s broader efforts to create awareness around housing, habitat development and sustainable urbanisation.
By engaging children through creative activities, the initiative seeks to encourage young minds to think about the importance of adequate housing, inclusive communities and sustainable cities.
Key Highlights
- Organiser: Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO)
- Venue: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi
- Participants: Around 260 children
- Participants: Children from NGOs and orphanages
- Age Groups: 8–11 years and 12–14 years
- Theme: “Adequate Housing for All”
- Additional Event: Live Talent Show
- New Initiative: Children of HUDCO employees participated alongside NGO and orphanage children
- Upcoming Exhibition: Award-winning paintings to be displayed at Vigyan Bhawan during World Habitat Day celebrations in October
About HUDCO
Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) is a Navratna NBFC–IFC under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The organisation works in the areas of housing and urban infrastructure development and supports initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable, inclusive and accessible habitat development across India.
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