top of page

BAF MENTEES

1

Akarshan Bora (Nainital, Uttarakhand) 

​​​

​​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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2

Sugam Gaur (Haldwani, Uttarakhand)​

​

​Sugam Gaur hails from Haldwani, Uttarakhand, and holds a BFA in Painting from Kumaoun University, Nainital. Currently pursuing an MFA in Painting at Delhi College of Art, he has showcased his work in various exhibitions: SSJ Campus Fine Arts Exhibition 2019, Namami Gange, and Kala Bharti Exhibitions in 2020, the PAHAD KE RANG series from 2021 to 2022, Indian Habitat Centre New Delhi in 2022, Lokayata Art Gallery Group Show 2023, and the College of Art Convocation 2023.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

3

Aakash (Almora, Uttarakhand)

​

​Aakash is a contemporary artist working in various styles and mediums. His artwork reflects his childhood experiences and native place, which greatly influence his practice. He aims to explore and re-live these memories through his art. Aakash has experience as a fine art teacher at P.P. International School (March-June 2022), TG Studio (October-December 2021), Tenex School of Music (September-December 2019), and Tansen Sangeet Mahavidyalaya (May 2017-August 2018). His achievements include working as a mural artist for Corbett National Park (2020) and receiving a scholarship from the Delhi Government's Sahitya Kala Parishad (2018-19). He has participated in multiple art carnivals organized by the Delhi College of Art and won first prize in an art competition by Corbett National Park.​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4

Amit Singh (Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand)

​

​Amit Singh, born in 1990 in Uttarakhand, India, is an accomplished sculptor with an MVA (Sculpture) from Lucknow University and a BVA (Sculpture) from the same institution. He has showcased his work extensively, including exhibitions at prominent venues like Kala Uday Society in Kurukshetra, Renuka Art Gallery in Greater Noida, and the State Lalit Kala Academy in Lucknow. Amit has participated in international events such as the Khajuraho International Art Fair and held residencies like the 6-month EVS Residency in Leszno, Poland. With teaching stints at Vishwa Bharati Public School and Delhi World Public School, he enriches his artistic journey with educational contributions.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

5

Kuldeep Kumar (Nainital, Uttarakhand) 

​

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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

8

Neeraj Babyari (Nainital, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV- 2023, (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)

  • PADAV- 2025 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun) 

​

Neeraj Babyari, an artist from Haldwani, Uttarakhand, explores emotion and imagination through expressive facial forms and physical gestures. Working primarily in charcoal and oil, his art reflects a deep engagement with dynamic brushwork and thoughtful color tones. His evolving practice celebrates the joy of creation while aiming to communicate personal feelings and social reflections through a distinct visual language.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6

Anamika Pundeer (Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7

Nikita Arya ( Champawat, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

9

Tanmay Sharma (Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10

Tarun Sharma (Udham Singh Nagar)

  • PADAV-2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11

Pankaj Dhangal Pal (Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12

Vandita Dimri (Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

13

Rishika Negi (Kotdwara)

  • PADAV- 2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

  • BAF Award Exhibition- 2024 (Dehradun)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

14

Bipesh Chandra (Kotdwara, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

  • PADAV-2024  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

15

Yogesh Singh Bhandari (Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023 (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).

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16

Swati Bora (Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand) 

  • PADAV- 2023 (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

17

Karan Singh (Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV- 2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

18

Bhupendra Kumar (Almora, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV- 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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

19

Chandni Dev (Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV- 2024  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

​

Chandni, born in 1996 in Uttarakhand, is a visual and conceptual artist and educator specializing in contemporary painting. A graduate of Kumaun University, she holds a B.F.A. (2018) and an M.F.A. (2020) in Fine Arts. Her work explores themes of human emotions, spirituality, and cultural narratives, with a particular focus on Buddhism, auras, symbols, and abstract forms. She has participated in prominent exhibitions such as Anubhuti (Uttarakhand, 2016, 2017), ARTISTARY International Art Festival (Jaipur, 2019), and various mural workshops. Recognized for her contributions to community art initiatives, Chandni won wall painting competitions under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign in 2019 and 2020.

​_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

20

Shivani Raghav (Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV- 2024  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

21

Ruchir Pant (Almora, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

  • PADAV- 2025  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

  • BAF Award Exhibition- 2024 (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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22

Rituraj singh kharayat (Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2023  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23

Pragya Shah (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2024  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

  • BAF Award Exhibition- 2024 (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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​24

Vivek Rai (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV- 2024  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25

Sushant Badhani (Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV- 2024  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

26

Kiran Joshi (Nainital, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2024  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

27

Pawnesh Dhami (Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV- 2024  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)​

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

28

Amit Bhardwaj (Almora, Uttarakhand)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

29

Aparna Paneru  (Almora, Uttarakhand)

  • 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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

30

Sakshi Rawat (Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

31

Kaveri Chauhan (Noida, Uttar Pradesh) 

  • PADAV: 2024 (Artist Village Greater Noida) ​

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

32

Rupa Arya (Almora, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV: 2024 (Artist Village Greater Noida) ​

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

33

Sandhaya Badhani (Almora)

  • 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).

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

34

Shivani Vishwakarma (Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand)

  • 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)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

35

Diksha Mehta (Almora, Uttarakhand)

  • 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.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

36

Divya Gupta (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)

​

Divya Gupta is an artist from Dehradun, Uttarakhand explores human emotions and self-discovery through acrylic on canvas, blending symbolism and vibrant layering. Inspired by Indian miniature and nature’s essence, Divya Gupta fuses contemporary and traditional styles, inviting viewers into reflective journeys of love, knowledge, and joy. Her art seeks to connect diverse mindsets and emotions, creating visual dialogues that resonate with both personal and universal experiences.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

37

Harshita Lohani (Kashipur, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2025  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)

  • BAF Award Exhibition- 2024 (Dehradun)  

​

Harshita Lohani, an artist from Kashipur, Uttarakhand, captures the invisible lives of street beggars, laborers, and the so-called “untouchables.” Through her artworks, she tells their untold stories with dignity and depth, evoking empathy and challenging societal indifference. Her work bridges the gap between the seen and unseen, revealing resilience and human spirit.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________​

38

Jamuna Gurung (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)

  • PADAV-2025  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)

​

Jamuna Gurung is a water color artist from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Her practice is deeply inspired by childhood memories in Shimla. Her work embraces nostalgia and tranquility through soft, ethereal washes. Specializing in realism, Jamuna captures the fleeting beauty of everyday moments, highlighting human connections and the harmony between nature and tradition. Through delicate brushstrokes, she evokes warmth, simplicity, and timeless stories.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

39

Nikhil Bhandari (Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand)

​

Nikhil Bhandari is an artist from Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, whose practice is rooted in the immediacy of plein air and live painting. Drawing from shifting light, atmosphere, and place, his work captures fleeting moments with emotional depth. Working in graphite, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, and oil, each piece becomes a dialogue between nature, time, and his personal impression.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

40

Nisha Rawat,(Kotdwar, Uttarakhand)

​

Nisha Rawat, is an artist from Kotdwar, Uttarakhand explores the connection between emotions, society, and nature through acrylic painting. Inspired by the structure and symbolism of honeybee hives, her vibrant works reflect the complexity of human experience. She invites viewers to reflect on how natural forms like hives mirror emotional and societal structures in subtle, meaningful ways.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

41

Princee Verma,(Haldwani, Uttarakhand)

​

Princee Verma is an artist from Haldwani, Uttarakhand, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Kumaun University. Her practice blends traditional and contemporary forms, specializing in Aipan art, Jyotipatta, mandalas, and Pattachitra.Through pen work and creative crafts like fridge magnets and phone cover polaroids, she expresses cultural stories with intricate detail and personal flair.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

42

Raghav Nahar,(Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)

​

Raghav Nahar, an artist from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, creates spiritually rooted works inspired by Indian mythology and divine symbolism.
Through paintings like Surabhi, Shiva-Shakti, and Radha-Krishna, he explores themes of devotion, balance, and sacred love. His art blends tradition and contemporary expression, serving as a visual prayer that revives cultural stories and evokes emotional and spiritual reflection.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

43

Rishabh Giri, (Haridwar, Uttarakhand)

​

Rishabh Giri, a multidisciplinary artist from Haridwar now based in Delhi, is pursuing his MFA in Painting at the College of Art, New Delhi.  His conceptual, research-driven practice employs mixed media, found objects, and printmaking to explore themes like abandonment, insensitivity, materialism, and the tension between tradition and individuality. Raised amid religious rituals and rational inquiry, his work critically examines belief systems and cultural norms.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

44

Rishika Negi, (Uttarakhand)

​

Rishika Negi, an artist raised in Delhi and originally from Uttarakhand, works with mixed media, using threads as metaphors for repair and complexity. Deeply inspired by nature, her practice explores human-nature relationships amidst urban chaos. Through earthy tones and organic motifs, her work evokes calm and reflection, urging viewers to reconnect with the serenity of the natural world.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

45

Rupali, (Himachal Pradesh)

​

Rupali, an artist from Himachal Pradesh, is a freelance painter whose work explores themes of love, beauty, fantasy, and imagination. With a BA in Painting and an MA in Visual Arts, her practice emphasizes strong emotions and personality through nature-inspired forms. Using dramatic compositions and poetic imagery, she expresses inner feelings and experiences with a deeply imaginative touch.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

46

Sakshi Chamoli, (Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand)

​

Sakshi Chamoli, an artist from Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, explores themes of migration, memory, and identity through abandoned village homes in the hills. Her work reflects on the emotional connection between people and place, questioning what remains when communities disappear. Through evocative imagery, she highlights the quiet resilience of these spaces and the human stories embedded within forgotten walls.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

47

Sapna Chauhan, (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)

​

Sapna Chauhan is an artist from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. She holds a Master’s degree from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. Passionate about wildlife, nature, and human emotions, her work reflects vibrant colors and heartfelt expression. Driven by a daily urge to create, Sapna’s art aims to inspire, connect, and evoke deep emotional responses in viewers.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

48

Shalini Bhandari, (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)

​

Shalini Bhandari, an artist from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, explores memory, abandonment, and emotional residue in her practice. Using discarded objects, Takri script, and symbolic threads, her work reflects the unseen presence of the past in the present. Through installations like Unsent Letters, she captures the silent emotional struggles of individuals and the deeply personal stories things left behind can still tell.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

49

Sushma Sharma,(Dharampur, Himachal Pradesh)

​

Sushma Sharma, an artist from Dharampur, Himachal Pradesh, explores the human journey through the lens of menstruation, challenging societal taboos. Using circular motifs in acrylics, she symbolizes life’s cycles—growth, transformation, and renewal. Her textured canvases evoke introspection and honor the feminine experience, inviting viewers to engage with the profound, universal rhythm that underpins human existence.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

50

Divya Porwal, (Sehore, Madhya Pradesh)

  • PADAV-2025  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)

​

Divya Porwal, an artist from Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, creates deeply introspective works that bridge the tangible and intangible. With a Master’s in Drawing and Painting from Bhopal University and eight years of practice, she explores identity, memory, and emotion through layered textures and self-portraits. Her art becomes a visual dialogue, inviting viewers into a shared space of reflection and transformation.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

51

Susmita Rai, (Shimla, Himachal Pradesh)

​

Susmita Rai, an artist from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, reimagines the city’s dense architectural landscape through geometric forms and soft, luminous tones. Her work transforms stacked hill structures into abstract compositions, capturing Shimla’s harmony within congestion. Rather than realism, she evokes emotion and rhythm, offering a fresh, nostalgic perspective on the evolving spirit of her hometown.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

52

Ankit Singh (Bageshwar, Uttarakhand)

  • PADAV-2025  (Kaaya Learning Centre Dehradun)

​

Ankit Singh is an artist from Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, studying BFA at SSJU, Almora. He works with watercolor, acrylic, and graphite, drawing inspiration from his local surroundings. His art blends traditional and modern styles, using simple forms and detailed technique to express his ideas. Through his work, he explores everyday life, nature, and cultural stories with a personal touch.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

bottom of page