New Delhi: In a vibrant celebration of creativity and inclusion, Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO), a Navratna NBFC–IFC under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), successfully hosted its annual Painting Competition for underprivileged children at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The event, which has become a cornerstone of HUDCO’s World Habitat Day celebrations for over two decades, was inaugurated by Mr. Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman & Managing Director, HUDCO, and Prof. KG Suresh, Director, India Habitat Centre, who graced the event as Guest of Honour.
A Platform for Expression and Empowerment
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kulshrestha emphasized that the initiative is “not just about paintings, but about giving children an opportunity to dream, to express, and to inspire.” He noted that such platforms allow children from vulnerable communities to articulate their vision of ideal urban living, instilling confidence and creativity from a young age.
The painting competition gives voice to the aspirations of children who often remain on the fringes of mainstream development. Through artistic expression, these young minds are encouraged to envision resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities.
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New Additions Elevate the Experience
This year, HUDCO introduced a special Live Talent Show segment, allowing children to display their abilities in singing, drama, poetry, and dance. The addition was met with enthusiasm and added a cultural and interactive dimension to the day’s activities.
Over 200 children from various NGOs and orphanages across Delhi and the NCR participated in the event. They were divided into two age-based categories: Junior Group (8–11 years) and Senior Group (12–14 years). The theme for this year’s competition was “Urban Crisis Response,” urging participants to think critically and creatively about the challenges facing modern cities.
Exhibition and Recognition on World Habitat Day
The award-winning artworks from the competition will be showcased at an exhibition at Vigyan Bhawan on World Habitat Day in October 2025. The exhibition will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, who will also felicitate the young winners in the presence of senior dignitaries.
This prestigious platform ensures national-level recognition for the children and reinforces HUDCO’s commitment to building inclusive urban futures by empowering younger generations.
Continuing Legacy of Social Impact
HUDCO’s annual painting competition has consistently been applauded by MoHUA, NGOs, and civil society organizations for nurturing creativity among children from underserved communities. The initiative aligns with HUDCO’s broader mission to support inclusive growth, foster community engagement, and ensure that development reaches every section of society.
By encouraging children to imagine and express their ideal urban futures, HUDCO not only supports the nation’s housing and urban development agenda but also invests in the visionaries of tomorrow.
About HUDCO
The Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) is a public sector company, wholly owned by the Government of India and operating under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Established in 1970, HUDCO functions as a techno-financial institution, providing loans and consultancy for housing and urban infrastructure projects across India, with a specific mandate to support affordable housing for lower-income groups. It also finances projects in areas like water supply, roads, and schools, and maintains a commitment to profitability with social justice.
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