Art can indeed serve as a catalyst for educational change in India, as it can play a transformative role in enhancing the quality of education and fostering holistic development. Rooftop brainstormed and birthed a pathbreaking initiative through which art can drive educational change in India. Phad se Padh, an unique pedagogy which enables the students to learn beyond classroom by indulging in an Indian art form - Phad.
Phad se Padh has an interdisciplinary approach which also draws a parallel with Sustainable Development Goal about quality education. It encourages students to think creatively, solve problems, and think critically. It teaches them to approach challenges with open minds and explore various solutions. Integrating art into the curriculum can enhance students’ cognitive skills and equip them with the ability to adapt and innovate.
Students from over 35 schools got an opportunity to learn a 700 year old artform Phad which developed a sense of cultural belonging and appreciation towards Indian art culture. They painted long scrolls which illustrated their modern age syllabus.
It allowed the students to explore and express their emotions in a safe and constructive way. The project made learning more engaging and memorable. It provided a hands-on, experiential approach to education, making complex subjects more accessible. For instance, students painted topic related to history through art that helped students visualize historical events and better understand their significance.
Moreover, Indian art often transcends traditional subject boundaries. Phad se Padh integrated art into various subjects, such as science, math, and literature, and promoted interdisciplinary learning and showed students the interconnectedness of knowledge.
These hand painted scrolls were later exhibited in Jaipur Literature Festival at City Palace over a span of three eventful days from 13th to 16th December 2022. The event was graced by Princess Gauravi Kumari followed by another successful event in Delhi at Centre for Cultural Resource and Training in January 2023.The students put on an enchanting stage performance that not only emulated the traditional way of displaying Phad but also celebrated their creativity and unwavering dedication. The prestigious platforms in Jaipur and Delhi enabled students to express themselves amidst an audience of eminent guests and other schools.
Rooftop’s aim was also to make Indian art a tool to improvise communication skills through art. The project encouraged students to communicate their thoughts and ideas visually. This was particularly beneficial for students who struggled with traditional written or verbal communication.
Not only through students perspective, the project further also aims to provide training for teachers to effectively incorporate art into their teaching methods and curriculum planning and gradually ensure that schools have access to resources to support art education.
In addition, Rooftop aims to encourage community involvement in promoting art education through partnerships with local artists, museums, and cultural organizations which shall propagate a positive outlook towards traditional Indian art amongst students.