Shikha Agarwal (OD-67) since 2003 and has been active in the field of Arts and Culture since then. Her vision for Gurugram is to transform it to a vibrant cultural centre where all artists could flourish and receive the respect they deserved.
A highly educated Artist, Shikha has a Masters in Psychology, a Dipolma holder from Ecole des Beaux Arts, Paris in Fine arts, PG in Personal Management IMT Ghaziabad and pursuing MFA in Art Therapy, MIT University, Pune. Shikha has received the 4th Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Dedication Award this year in the field of Art and Culture.
She established the non-profit organization ‘Udaan ek meetha Sapna’ in 2013 to support the visual arts among underprivileged kids and government schools in Gurugram. She has developed an art-based therapeutic curriculum for people in corporate settings as well as in remote and rural areas of Gurugram, where they have limited access to art.
Over 5000 children in more than 15 NGO schools and government schools in Gurugram have benefited from Udaan’s work. Her students have exhibited their art at various prestigious venues/events. Similar work was extended in 2015 to ‘Deepashram’, an orphanage for physically challenged and specially able children. Children from Deepashram have exhibited at several venues, including the prestigious Aparna Caur Art Gallery in Delhi in 2019.
Recently when the MCG and the District Administration established the Kalagram Society (2020) to preserve and advance the district’s intangible cultural heritage, Shikha was the obvious candidate to serve as its Director. Under her leadership, Kalagram has successfully organised more than 100 traditional art and cultural events in Gurgaon, fostered an environment where art and culture can flourish, and provided top-notch fine art education to all ages and backgrounds.
KalaGram – a not-for-profit society for fine art is an initiative to make Gurugram a thriving and cultured microcosm of society, where art, culture, and artists have their due space.
Under the able leadership of Shikha, it has held over 50 programs and worked with close to 100 artists since its inception in 2020. All of Kalagram’s activities are inspired by Indian history, classical Indian art, and Indian culture. Kalagram Society normally organizes its activities at John’s Hall, Civil Lines and Amphitheatre at Sector 29.
At John’s Hall, Art exhibition “Rangbhoomi” was organized in July. Also, once a month, an informal meet over chai and snacks is organized as “Chai Chaupal” where local artists are encouraged to showcase their craft. “KalaGram Sketchers” group also conducts meetings once a month where renowned artists explain different kinds of art forms to art lovers. Summer Camp was organized by Kalagram during which workshops on theatre, weaving, the art of journaling, Bharatnatyam, macramé work etc. were conducted. All the activities and upcoming events of Kalagram Society are updated on their Facebook page. Do visit the page to have a glimpse of what is happening in your city in terms of promoting art and culture and be a part of it!!!
