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Rotary House of Friendship 20, Lavelle road, Bengaluru
Issue 14 October 06, 2025 | Charter No. 3233 | ID No. 15766 | R I Dist. 3192
Total Membership : 327 | Members Present : 067 | Members Exempted : 079
Happy reading!
Your Rotator Team 2025–26
When Art Meets Purpose:
Speed Painter Vilas Nayak Headlines RCB’s ‘Kala for Vidya’ Fundraiser.
India and Karnataka’s pride, internationally acclaimed speed painter Vilas Nayak, mesmerised the audience at RHF with a breathtaking performance. In just six and a half minutes, to the accompaniment of Indian classical music, Nayak brought to life Hampi’s iconic stone chariot rendered in vibrant ochre hues on a stark black canvas. The spellbinding creation, witnessed by an enthralled gathering of Rotarians, was later placed under the hammer in an American auction, with proceeds benefiting students of Rotary Bangalore Vidyalaya (RBV).
The event formed part of the ‘Kala for Vidya’ RCB’s flagship fundraiser program. This year, we’ve received an impressive 446 submissions from 160 artists across the country.
Explaining his art, Nayak said, “It’s impossible to capture every intricate detail of the stone chariot. Up close, it may appear abstract or impressionistic, and that’s part of its mystery.”
In a lively tête-à-tête with Riaz Basha, who coordinated the event and led the auction, Nayak shared insights into his process: “Painting on stage is a spiritual experience. I practice each piece 50 to 100 times before performing live.”
A self-taught artist, Nayak began painting at the age of three. “I would spend eight to nine hours a day painting during school holidays,” he recalled with a smile. His turning point came in 2011, when he appeared on the television reality show Asia’s Got Talent, creating a painting in just two and a half minutes, an act so impressive that one of the judges bought it on the spot. That moment, he said, gave him the courage to leave his corporate career in human resources and pursue art full-time.
RCB President Sukhen Padmanabha, in his address, emphasised that Kala for Vidya has always aimed at raising funds for RBV children. “This initiative has seen many avatars, but its spirit remains the same enabling education through art. Let us make it a roaring success,” he urged fellow Rotarians.
Rtn Sandeep Ohri echoed this sentiment, remarking, “When you bid ₹10,000 on art, you are not just buying art you are investing in a child’s education.” He also lauded RBV’s young talents, noting that 12 students participated in the recent wildlife art competition organised by Bannerghatta Biological Park during Wildlife Week, with four winning prizes.
Explaining the mechanics of the American auction, Ohri said, “Everyone can bid ₹10,000 multiple times; each bid counts as a contribution. The artwork ultimately goes to the person who makes the final bid before the closing bell.”
Conducting the spirited auction, Riaz Basha urged the audience to “open their hearts and purses.” Several enthusiastic bids of ₹10,000 poured in before the painting was finally claimed by Rtn Sneh Sheikhawat, whose timely final bid secured Nayak’s masterpiece.The second artwork was outbid by Rtn Rajni Brar.
The evening stood as a testament to how art, generosity, and education can come together on one vibrant canvas! The Rotary Club of Bangalore (RCB) inaugurates its flagship fundraising art exhibition, Kala For Vidya, on 10th October at the
Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. In a departure from tradition, the event honours senior Rotarians whose collective service spans over 150 years, reinforcing the club’s “legacy beyond ourselves” ethos.
Kala For Vidya brings together 150+ creators, artists, printmakers, and sculptors who have contributed 440+ artworks to raise funds for educating 450 children from underserved families. The exhibition represents a unique convergence of artistic excellence and community service, with every sale directly supporting educational opportunities for children at the Rotary Bengaluru Vidyalaya.
The exhibition this year is curated by our own artist Rtn Jyoti Deo and supported by Rtn Pragya Jain, Rtn Aria Ohri and Rtn Sneh Sheikawat.
Special thanks to Rtn Vineet Jain for the digital support. “This year, we wanted the inauguration itself to embody the values we espouse,” said Sandeep Ohri, Director – International Service, RCB.
“Instead of another celebrity photo-op, we’re honouring our own legacy-makers , Rotarians who’ve devoted decades to community service. It’s our way of showing that Rotary’s true star power lies in service, not spotlight.”
The exhibition will be inaugurated by senior members of RCB:
Sitalakshmi Chinappa, Meera Shankar, Shanti Baliga, Arjun Menda, and Srichand Rajpal whose combined service to the community exceeds 200 years.
Their presence symbolises the continuity of Rotary’s commitment to service and the values that underpin initiatives like Kala For Vidya.
The inauguration will also be graced by:
Rtn. Dr. (Prof.) Elizabeth Cherian, District Governor, RI District 3192
Rtn. Ravishankar Dakoju, District Governor-Elect, RI District 3192
Rtn. Flt. Lt. KP Nagesh (Retd), Rotary International Director
Rtn. Sukhen Padmanabha, President RCB
Exhibition Details :
Press Review & Inauguration will be on Friday, 10th October 2025, 5:00 pm at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. The exhibition will be open for the public on 11th and 12th October 2025, from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm at Bangalore International Centre, Domlur.
There will be online sales of the exhibits till 31st December 2025.
www.rcb1934.in/kalaforvidya
The initiative aligns with Rotary International’s focus on basic education and literacy as a pathway to breaking cycles of poverty.
– Rtn. Sandeep Ohri, Director – International Service, RCB
National Wildlife Week – Children’s Art Workshop & Competition.
‘Brush Strokes for Wildlife’— Celebrating Creativity for Conservation.
As part of National Wildlife Week 2025, Rotary RAGES (Rotary Action Group for Endangered Species), ArtMantram, and the Karnataka State Wildlife Department came together to organize a Children’s Art Workshop & Competition at the lush Bannerghatta Biological Park.
Under the inspiring theme “Endangered Species”, titled “Brush Strokes for Wildlife,” the event encouraged young minds to express their creativity and concern for nature through art.
Over 93 children from 19 schools, including underprivileged students from RBV (Rotary) and other schools,specially-abled students from APD (Association of People with Disabilities), and others, participated with remarkable enthusiasm and talent, turning the morning into a vibrant celebration of wildlife and imagination.
The workshop was inaugurated by the retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Sri AK Varma, Board member of AM, Sri Surya Tripathy, ED, Bannergatta Biological Park, Ms Kajol DCF, and Rtn Prof Elizabeth Cherian, District Governor, Dist 3192. The event was graced by senior Rotary leaders, Forest Department officials, members of the public, Smt Jija Harisingh Retd DGP, Managing Trustee, Ms Yumna Harisingh President, and Mr Naveen Seri Trustee of Art Mantram.
Speakers highlighted the importance of inspiring children early in life to understand, love, and protect the natural world using art as a universal language of empathy and action.
Event Highlights –
Special thanks to:
The event beautifully wove together art, awareness, and inclusion, giving every child, especially from the underprivileged and differently-abled backgrounds, a platform to shine.
It inspired young participants to see themselves as future custodians of the planet’s endangered wildlife.
“Brush Strokes for Wildlife” was more than an art event; it was a joyful movement of creativity and compassion.
