Cultural Event - MCDF

Introduction

On March 30, 2025, the inauguration ceremony of the “Kala at Kalkaji” initiative was successfully conducted at Krishna Market, Central Park, Kalkaji, New Delhi. The event graced by the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs. Rekha Gupta, as the Chief Guest. The Guest of Honour for the event Hon’ble Member of Lok Sabha, Mr. Ramveer Singh Bidhuri. This initiative is sponsored by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), commitment towards promoting sustainability, environmental consciousness, and community development, while BPCL was represented by Shri S. Abbas Akhtar, Executive Director (PR & Brand).

The event was organized by Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation, led by Ms. Yogita Singh, Municipal Councillor of Kalkaji and Chairperson of the Foundation, which is actively involved in social causes and community welfare. The execution partners, Sanjay Bhargava and Author Studio, played a key role in bringing the artistic vision to life.

Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation, is transforming Kalkaji into a vibrant hub of art and sustainability, blending Waste to Art, Street Art, and Folk Art.

This initiative is more than just aesthetics—it’s about fostering community engagement, eco-consciousness, and pride in our surroundings.

Objective of the Initiative

The “Kala at Kalkaji” initiative aims to transform the visual landscape of the Kalkaji region by reviving old and dilapidated walls through artistic interventions. This project is focused on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of public spaces while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability. It incorporates various forms of artistic expressions such as:

• Waste-to-Art: Repurposing discarded materials into creative installations and artworks.
• Street Art: Engaging professional and budding artists to create murals and thematic wall paintings.
• Folk Art Representation: Showcasing traditional Indian art forms to highlight cultural heritage.

By implementing these artistic elements, the initiative seeks to turn Kalkaji into a vibrant hub of creativity and community engagement. It fosters a sense of belonging among residents and promotes a culture of cleanliness, sustainability, and civic pride.

Event Highlights

The inauguration ceremony commenced with a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and attendees. The program included:

• Opening Speech: Ms. Yogita Singh, as the chairperson of Mata Chakeri Devi Foundation, organizer, introduced the vision and mission of the “Kala at Kalkaji” initiative, emphasizing the need for community participation in urban beautification and sustainability efforts.
• Keynote Address by Hon’ble Chief Minister: Mrs. Rekha Gupta applauded the initiative and BPCL’s contribution in supporting such a meaningful project. She highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving urban transformation and sustainable development.
• Speech by Guest of Honour: Mr. Ramveer Singh Bidhuri shared his thoughts on the significance of art in public spaces and how such projects contribute to environmental awareness and social well-being.
• BPCL Representative’s Address: Mr. S. Abbas Akhtar, Executive Director (Public Relations & Brand) at BPCL, represented the organization and reiterated BPCL’s commitment to sponsorship initiatives that promote sustainability and social progress.
• Art Exhibition and Live Demonstration: A group of talented artists presented live mural painting demonstrations, showcasing the creative transformation of walls within the venue.
• Community Participation: Local residents, students, and volunteers actively participated in various activities, reinforcing the initiative’s inclusive approach.

Impact and Community Engagement

The “Kala at Kalkaji” initiative is not merely a beautification effort; it is a movement that encourages:

• Environmental Awareness: By incorporating waste-to-art concepts, the initiative educates the community about the importance of recycling and responsible waste management.
• Civic Responsibility: Encouraging residents to take ownership of their surroundings, thereby fostering a cleaner and well-maintained urban environment.
• Social Inclusion: Bringing together artists, local businesses, NGOs, and government authorities to collectively contribute to social change.
• Economic Opportunities: Empowering artists and local artisans by providing a platform to showcase their work, leading to potential employment and income generation opportunities.

BPCL has always been at the forefront of supporting initiatives that align with the principles of sustainability, environmental protection, and community welfare. By sponsoring “Kala at Kalkaji,” BPCL reinforces its dedication to sponsorship by:

• Encouraging Sustainable Practices: Supporting projects that promote waste management, recycling, and eco-friendly solutions.
• Enhancing Public Spaces: Contributing to urban renewal by transforming neglected areas into visually appealing and culturally rich spaces.
• Strengthening Community Relations: Engaging with local stakeholders to ensure that their initiatives create a meaningful and lasting impact.

The partnership between BPCL and Mata Chakari Devi Foundation in executing this project demonstrates the potential of collaboration in driving positive social change. This initiative not only uplifts the visual and cultural identity of Kalkaji but also serves as a model for similar projects in other urban localities.

Conclusion

The “Kala at Kalkaji” initiative, sponsored by BPCL, is a remarkable example of how art, sustainability, and community participation can come together to create a meaningful impact. The event was a resounding success, with enthusiastic participation from government officials, corporate representatives, local artists, and residents. This initiative not only enhances the visual appeal of Kalkaji but also fosters a culture of responsibility, creativity, and sustainability among the community members.

BPCL’s support for this initiative underscores its commitment to driving social progress through innovative and impactful sponsorship initiatives. By continuing to invest in such projects, BPCL can play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant urban landscape for future generations.