Padav Art Mentoring Program 2025

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The Bangani Art Foundation (BAF) organized a five-day "Padav Art Mentoring Program" from June 17 to June 22 at the Kaya Learning Centre in Dehradun, located away from the rush and glare of city life, in close proximity to nature and tranquility. Young artists from various mountain regions of India, especially from Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, participated in the program. The primary objective was to connect emerging artists with experienced practitioners and mentors. Participants were offered not only technical guidance in art but also the chance to share their ideas, better understand themselves, and refine their work. Workshops, open studio sessions, art therapy, group discussions, and the experience of working amidst nature distinguished this program. It was not merely an opportunity to learn, but also an inward journey where artists listened to their hearts and expressed themselves through colour and line. BAF’s efforts brought new direction, platforms, and motivation to artists from mountain regions.

 

Day One

By around 10 AM, all new artists had arrived at Kaya. Their eagerness and enthusiasm to learn were evident. On the first day, the BAF team warmly welcomed all participants and elaborated on the foundation’s vision and objectives for the program. Participants then introduced themselves, shared their experiences, and became acquainted with one another.

In the first session, Jagmohan Bangani demonstrated the process of stretching canvases. More than a technical step, he explained how this practice teaches patience, dedication, and love for one’s work. After lunch, Jagmohan introduced Subhash Rawat, a renowned figure in theatre and acting. Rawat shared how art serves as a powerful medium for spreading awareness in society and giving voice to our inner selves. In the evening, participants began stretching their canvases, meeting under the open sky, sharing thoughts, and encouraging each other at the outset of this new journey.

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Day Two

With the first rays of morning, new enthusiasm filled the participants. Jagmohan Bangani listened to every artist’s idea, understood their visions, and offered direction through his seasoned perspective. Poonam Sharma also spoke with each participant, offering suggestions on how to ground their imagination through drawing. Artists remained immersed in their work throughout the day. From morning until evening, Jagmohan Bangani and Poonam Sharma interacted individually with each participant, providing guidance on composition, use of colour, artistic planning, and refining their pieces. This was akin to one-on-one mentorship, helping artists integrate suggestions into their evolving work.

 

Day Three

With the freshness of the morning and soft sunlight, artists took up their brushes, colors, and canvases. The air was filled with the scent of paint and the stirrings of new ideas. Some painted memories of mountains, others the fragrances of childhood, each immersed in bringing their inner voices outward, as if unspoken dreams took breath with every stroke.But the day was more than just about painting. It was a day of sharing experiences and understanding each other. Participants described how their journey began with BAF, how it took them into unexplored corners of their inner world, and how this relationship gave them new perspectives on life. Each story was one of struggle, hope, and determination to discover oneself through art. Some spoke of how BAF taught them to believe in themselves; others described it as a place that gave wings to their dreams.

In the evening’s first session, art expert Nidhi Panta delivered a significant presentation entirely focused on the "art market." She explained how to present one’s work, price it appropriately, exhibit it, and connect with the art world. In the second session, BAF Director and painter Poonam Sharma shared her three-decade artistic journey, discussing her paintings, struggles, accomplishments, and experiences. Participants asked questions, which Poonam answered with warmth and openness. The evening became a vibrant art discourse, where everyone shared their journeys and feelings. By day’s end, canvases were layered not just with paint but with emotion, memories, hopes, and new bonds – each became a story in itself.

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Day Four

The entire fourth day brimmed with knowledge, dialogue, and inspiration. In the first session, digital artist Himanshu Trivedi discussed in depth the convergence of artificial intelligence and art. He described how technology has become a new platform and tool for artists, where traditional art and digital innovation can grow together.

In the second session, Santosh Pasi, Director of Kaya Learning Centre, shared his life journey, offering profound reflections on the relationship between art, society, and the soul. His words touched many, encouraging artists to look inward and engage with society in new ways.

In the third session, BAF core committee members Akarshan Bora, Sugam Gaur, and Aakash Arya presented their three-year journey with BAF. They explained how to prepare a professional CV, build an art portfolio, and write artwork statements. These insights highlighted that art is not merely about color, but also a journey of time, labor, commitment, and confidence.

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Day Five

The day was intense and reflective for all participants. From the morning, artists wrestled with questions, enthusiasm, and doubts regarding their work, thoughts, and feelings. Some engaged in deep discussions about their work, others sought to understand themselves better. Mentors Jagmohan Bangani and Poonam Sharma went to each participant, listening, guiding, and giving direction. Discussions of art, line, medium, dreams, and struggles continued throughout the day, punctuated by occasional laughter. In the evening, Jagmohan shared his life journey, recounting childhood stories from his small mountain village Maunda Bangaan, where resources were scarce but dreams were big. He described traveling to new places, exhibiting abroad – in London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Iceland, Korea – and how he learned, failed, and rose again. People were moved, asking questions about truth in art, forging identity, and overcoming fear. Jagmohan answered each with patience.

By night, the atmosphere became intimate. Some recited poetry, others sang songs, and conversations continued late into the night, filled with renewed energy and hope.

 

Day Six

This was an especially important day as the evening marked the closing of the six-day Padav Art Mentoring Program with an exhibition at Kaya Learning Centre, featuring artworks created during the program. By afternoon, participants had completed their pieces and prepared the studio space for display under the mentors’ guidance. At 4 PM, the exhibition opened to nearly 150 art lovers, who had been invited. Artists shared their experiences with the audience, describing how Padav changed their work and perspectives. Visitors praised the exhibition enthusiastically. This six-day artistic journey reached its culmination. It was not just a workshop but a confluence of experiences, inner journeys, and artistic dialogue. Over these days, we ate together, learned together, lived together, and most importantly, discovered together that art connects, nurtures, and strengthens us. Bangani Art Foundation provided not only a platform but also an opportunity for each artist to recognize their voice and soul. We are grateful – to every mentor, participant, and moment that made this event so vibrant and memorable. Though Padav has come to an end, it marks the beginning of a new flight, a new path – where art, relationships, and dreams continue to unfold.

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Some Responses

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Ruchir Pant

Sir, I would like to express my gratitude to the BAF team and you. What you have done to transform my life is unparalleled and words fall short. I am truly thankful to you, ma’am, and the entire BAF team for guiding us through this abstract world. I don’t think I can ever repay you fully, but if there is anything I can do, please let me know – it will bring me peace. Once again, many thanks for this wonderful workshop, and not just this one, but all the programs and workshops I have been part of. Usually, blessings are given by elders, but I sincerely wish the BAF immense success. ♥♥

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Harshita Lohani

Dear Sir and Ma’am, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for this wonderful mentoring program at BAF. These past seven days have been invaluable for me – I have learned and understood so much. Your guidance and support have been crucial in my progress. I am sincerely grateful for the inspiring environment you have created. It has been a privilege. ✨✨

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Jamuna, Sushma, Susmita, Sapna, Rupali, and Raghav

Dear Sir, Ma’am Poonam, and the BAF team, We are extremely grateful for the honor of being part of the BAF Art Mentoring Program. This transformative journey has allowed us to reimagine our art and take it to new heights. Thank you for nurturing our growth and encouraging us to push boundaries. We hope more students and artists from Himachal get this opportunity in the future.

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Divya Porwal

Dear Jagmohan Sir and Poonam Ma’am, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Bangani Art Foundation (BAF) for the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program. Over these seven days, I have learned so much – not just about art, but also about collaboration, passion, and the beauty of creative exchange. Meeting and interacting with so many talented and dedicated artists has been truly inspiring. Every session, workshop, and shared moment enriched my journey. Thank you for creating such a welcoming and vibrant space for artists to grow and connect. This experience will stay with me always. Also, I am happy to share that I returned home safely. Thank you again for your warmth, hospitality, and seamless organization. It was truly memorable!

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Subhash Rawat

This is a remarkable initiative. I am not sure how many other events exist where artists are given not only space to live and work alongside each other, sharing their work and learning, but also the guidance of a mentor whose own artistic journey is deeply inspiring and committed to advancing artists professionally.

When the mentor is Jagmohan Bangani, this residential camp called "Padav" becomes a short-term school that deepens technical understanding of art and the art market, while also providing a chance to reflect inwardly and discover new potential. Participants do not pay any fee for this entire experience.

I write this because I have known BAF since its inception and have observed Padav closely over the past two years. The joint effort of Jagmohan Bangani and Poonam Sharma will continue, guiding countless artists in the right direction. Many best wishes!

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