

BAF MENTEES
PADAV-2023, 2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun),
PADAV: 2024 (Artist Village Greater Noida)
Akarshan Bora, a contemporary artist, has a diverse educational background with a BFA (2018) and MFA (2020) from Kumaun University, Nainital. He has participated in numerous art exhibitions, including the Annual Art Exhibition at Almora, printmaking workshops, and various group exhibitions in prestigious venues like the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society and Visual Art Gallery, New Delhi. He has received the Young Artist Scholarship and the Uttarakhand Culture Program Award. Akarshan has two years of teaching experience at Almora Art Studio, mentoring at fine art camps, and working with Udhayam Organization as an art coordinator. His works are featured in publications like Hindustan Times and The Indian Express.
PADAV: 2024 (Artist Village Greater Noida)
PADAV- 2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
Kuldeep Kumar, born in 1996 in Dantewada, Chhattisgarh, is a distinguished artist from Uttarakhand. His formal education began in 2014 at the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai, where he specialized in Painting, earning a B.F.A. in 2018. Currently, he is pursuing an M.F.A. in Painting at the Institute of Fine Arts, Varanasi.
Kuldeep has numerous achievements, including participating in the PADAV-I mentorship program in 2024 and giving a live portrait demonstration at Samuh Mela in 2023. He has also served as an art instructor at various workshops and contributed to significant mural projects, with his works exhibited in prestigious venues.
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Anamika Pundeer (Tehri Garhwal)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Nikita Arya ( Champawat)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Neeraj Babyari (Nainital)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Tanmay Sharma (Uttarkashi)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Tarun Sharma (Udham Singh Nagar)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Pankaj Dhangal Pal (Udham Singh Nagar)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Vandita Dimri (Pauri Garhwal)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Rishika Negi (Kotdwara)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Bipesh Chandra (Kotdwara)
PADAV-2023, 2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Yogesh Singh Bhandari (Pithoragarh)
PADAV-2023, 2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
Yogesh Bhandari, born in 2000 in Uttarakhand, India, completed his BFA from Kumaoun University, Nainital (2017-2021) and his MFA in Painting from S.S.J. University, Almora (2021-2023). He has been recognized with awards such as the 2021 'Devbhoomi Spandan' Art Exhibition. His group exhibitions include 'Rubaru' (2018), 'Devbhoomi Spandan' (2021), and 'Kala Kautik' (2023). Yogesh also participated in the 2023 Art Mentorship Program in Dehradun. He has worked as an Art Assistant in the Bollywood film 'Bubu Himalaya' (2022) and as Art Director in the short film 'Khargosh' (2023).
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Swati Bora (Pithoragarh)
PADAV-2023, 2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Karan Singh (Pithoragarh)
PADAV-2023, 2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Bhupendra Kumar (Almora)
PADAV-2023, 2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
PADAV: 2024 (Artist Village Greater Noida)
Born in 1997 in Almora, Uttarakhand, Bhupendra Kumar is a visual artist deeply influenced by the intersection of identity and culture. He holds a B.F.A. from Kumaoun University, Almora (2021), and is currently pursuing his M.F.A. in Fine Arts from Almora, Uttarakhand. Bhupendra’s work explores the convergence of diverse cultures, drawing inspiration from his Indian roots and global experiences. Initially working in charcoal, his artistic practice has evolved to capture the momentum of moments and their profound impact on the internal world. Through his art, Bhupendra invites the audience to engage in introspection, aiming to ignite a spark of change within them. His creative journey reflects a continuous exploration of personal and cultural narratives, striving to resonate deeply with viewers and evoke thoughtful contemplation.
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Chandni Dev (Udham Singh Nagar)
PADAV- 2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Shivani Raghav (Udham Singh Nagar)
PADAV-2024 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Ruchir Pant (Almora)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
Born in 2003 in Almora, Uttarakhand, Ruchir Pant is an emerging visual artist known for his vibrant and energetic paintings. He holds a B.F.A. from Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora (2024). Ruchir's work focuses on rediscovering elements of nature, life, and motion, often conveyed through dynamic human figures and gestures. His choice of bright colors, particularly reds and blues, helps to effectively communicate emotion, energy, and a sense of movement. He has participated in several exhibitions, including the Almora Literature Festival (2023) and Vivek Utsav (2022), where his work received considerable attention. Additionally, he has competed in prestigious events like the Bhartiya Sanskriti Evam Bhartiya Kala Dharohar (2021), further establishing his presence in the art world.
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Rituraj singh kharayat (Pithoragarh)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
Pragya Shah, born in 1997 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, is a self-taught visual artist specializing in painting, printmaking, and craft. Her work is deeply influenced by her connection to Kumaoni culture, nature, and wildlife. Pragya has numerous achievements including Participation in the PADAV-I art mentorship program by Bangani Art Foundation (2024), First Place in "Ink Drawing" at Lalit Kala Akademi, Jaipur (2024), Involved in multiple mural projects across Uttarakhand focused on themes like Women Empowerment, Conducted numerous art literacy and printmaking workshops at institutions such as Graphic Era Hill University and G.B. Pant University, Exhibited work in national and regional art exhibitions.
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Vivek Rai (Dehradun)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Sushant Badhani (Uttarkashi)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Kiran Joshi (Nainital)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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Pawnesh Dhami (Pithoragarh)
PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)
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PADAV: 2024 (Artist Village Greater Noida)
Born in 1998 in Champawat, Uttarakhand, Aparna Paneru is a visual artist whose work is deeply rooted in spirituality and cultural heritage. She holds a Master’s in Fine Art from S.S.J. University, Almora (2023), and a Bachelor’s in Fine Art from the same institution (2021). Aparna’s artistic journey began in childhood, drawing inspiration from the spiritual practices she observed, particularly the worship of Shiva and the symbolism of the triangle. Over the years, she has explored various mediums including charcoal, graphite, watercolor, acrylic, oil, and mixed media. Aparna has worked extensively on mural projects, Aipan home décor, and paintings that blend Kumaoni culture with traditional folk art. Her ongoing work on the Shiva and Triangle series is a testament to her deep connection with spiritual themes. Aparna aims to continue exploring the field of art, seeking to collaborate with other artists and deepen her understanding of the true essence of art.
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PADAV: 2024 (Artist Village Greater Noida)
Sandhya Badhani, born in Betalghat, Nainital, Uttarakhand, is a dedicated artist known for her nature-inspired paintings, particularly focusing on birds.Her formal education began in 2019 at Kumaoun University Almora, where she specialized in painting and She is currently pursuing her M.F.A from S.S.J University, Almora.Sandhya has numerous experience including art workshop conducted at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, New Delhi, and government schools in Mukteshwar, Participated in "Pahad ke Rang" art camp, Mukteshwar (2021), Exhibited in group shows at Visual Art Gallery, Indian Habitat Center, New Delhi (2022) and Lokayata Art Gallery, New Delhi (2023), Participated in art camps and mentoring programs in Rishikesh (2023) and the PADAV-II program (2024).
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Shivani Vishwakarma (Pithoragarh)
Mentored by BAFs founder Jagmohan Bangani under PKR
Shivani Vishwakarma, born in 2001 in Uttarakhand, is a contemporary artist transforming traditional Kumaoni folk art into modern expressions. Holds a B.F.A in Painting from Kumaoun University Almora, and currently pursuing her M.F.A. in painting at S.S.J University, Almora.Shivani has numerous achievements, including art workshop conducted at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, New Delhi, and government schools in Mukteshwar, Participated in "Pahad ke Rang" art camp, Mukteshwar (2021), Exhibited in group shows at Visual Art Gallery, Indian Habitat Center, New Delhi (2022) and Lokayata Art Gallery, New Delhi (2023), Participated in art camps and mentoring programs in Rishikesh (2023)
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Mentored by BAFs founder Jagmohan Bangani under PKR
Diksha Mehta, born in 2001 in Uttarakhand, is an artist whose work revolves around nature-inspired symbols, particularly geometric shapes and circles. Holds a B.F.A in painting from Kumaoun University Almora, and currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Painting from S.S.J University, Almora. Diksha has numerous achievements including Group exhibitions at Devanaya Bhimtal (2021), Group exhibition at IHC Delhi (2022),Group exhibition at Lokayata Art Gallery Delhi (2023), Participated in art camps and residencies organized by Udhyam Foundation at Bhimtal, Almora, Rishikesh, and Sunkiya.