The two-day art exhibition “Echoes of Courage – Art for Change” opened at the Conference Hall of Megapod Resort on November 25, drawing strong attendance from cultural institutions, civil society representatives and members of the community. Organised by Kuldeep Khichi and Dr Ankita Banerjee, the exhibition aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and seeks to raise awareness on gender-based violence through visual expression. Visitors arrived through the afternoon as the exhibition opened to the public, marking the start of a programme designed to spark conversations around safety, dignity and resilience.
The inaugural event brought together individuals working across social sectors. The exhibition was formally opened in the presence of Jyoti Kumari, Secretary (Art and Culture), who attended as the chief guest. Also present was Priyanka Kumari, director (art and culture), who joined the inaugural panel. Artist Dhiraj Khandelwal, whose works form the core of the exhibition, interacted with attendees as they viewed the collection. The artworks, curated to reflect stories of struggle and courage, form a narrative that aims to connect personal experience with collective reflection.
Notable attendees included Komal Anand, founder of Pankh NGO, and Sushma Pandey, project manager for the National Helpline for Senior Citizens. Their presence aligned with the exhibition’s focus on community engagement and support systems that play a role in addressing gender-based violence. A brief felicitation was conducted during the event, where Jyoti and Priyanka presented recognition to Sumitamol of CRC Brookshabad for contributions in community development. The organisers said the felicitation was intended to highlight local efforts that align with the broader message of the exhibition.
Visitors observed the artwork through the afternoon and evening, spending time with installations framed around lived realities and emotional journeys associated with violence, healing and empowerment. The display aims to encourage a deeper understanding of the issue, shifting the conversation from statistics and reports to personal narratives reflected through paint, form and colour. The organisers noted that the purpose of the exhibition is not only to display art but to create an environment where viewers are encouraged to reflect on how communities respond to violence, and how awareness can translate into social change.
The exhibition will remain open to the public on November 26 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., offering additional viewing opportunities for those who could not attend on the opening day. With its accessible location and extended hours, the organisers expect more residents, students and visitors to attend on the concluding day. The setting at Megapod Resort continues to see a steady flow of viewers exploring the artworks and engaging with volunteers who provide information about the international campaign against gender-based violence.
The inaugural turnout reflected growing interest in art-led community initiatives that address social concerns. The exhibition aims to bring attention to gender-based violence through an approach that blends visual interpretation with public participation. Attendees at the opening expressed appreciation for the effort to bring such themes into a public forum in a manner that encourages empathy, awareness and collective responsibility. The artworks, arranged to guide viewers through distinct visual stories, are designed to evoke reflection and understanding beyond the gallery space.
Residents across Sri Vijaya Puram have been encouraged to visit the exhibition before it concludes. The organisers said that art has the ability to communicate in ways that conventional outreach may not, making such exhibitions critical in awareness campaigns. With the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women observed globally, “Echoes of Courage: Art for change” adds a local platform for community engagement and dialogue.
With its final day underway, the exhibition continues to welcome visitors seeking to experience how art can influence thought, conversation and change within the community.
