Art meets Altruism: A showcase fueling education for the marginalized

Hyderabad: For the artists and philanthropists at The Culinary Lounge, for Paropakar 2025 – Art for Education this week, the colorful canvases weren't just pretty. They were lifelines. Every brushstroke aimed to support schooling for children from underprivileged communities. Paropakar is the flagship annual fundraiser of Nachiketa Tapovan.It goes beyond being a fundraising event—it is a movement for social change through art.

Sushma Thota, an entrepreneur in the art and luxury segment, organised the fundraising initiative Paropakar 2025. "This year, the focus of the Paropakar Fundraiser is free education for underprivileged, tribal, and first-generation learners. We showcased art from our personal collections also to artists and galleries who shared their art for the cause,” she says.

The preview displayed a stunning collection of artworks by Sushma Thota. It featured renowned Indian masters such as Thota Vaikuntam, Jogen Chowdhury, Lalu Prasad Shaw, Shakti Burman, Ramesh Gorjala, and Aelay Laxman.

Nachiketa Tapovan was founded in 1999 by Vasundhara, guided by Swami Nachiketananda Puri. It focuses on changing lives through education based on values, wellness, and spiritual growth. Vasundhara, Founder of Nachiketa Foundation, said, “We are privileged to serve the children. And we believe in nurturing children with values through education.”

Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Telangana, who lighted the lamp, shared, “This is an initiative very close to my heart. When we talk about social mobility, there is no better tool than education. However, there is a huge difference between education and quality education, and I appreciate Nachiketa Tapovan for the noble initiative and Sushma Thota, who has curated 30 pieces of art which will enable collectors to add an excellent piece of art but also be a changemaker by contributing to the cause.”

Artists Thota Vaikuntam, Laxman Aelay, Masuram, and Priyanka Aelay attended the event. Art connoisseurs at the preview interacted with senior artist Thota Vaikuntam, experienced the fine art on display, interacted with artists, and enjoyed performances by Nachiketa Tapovan students. The proceeds from the sale of artwork will contribute to a meaningful cause—supporting free education for underprivileged and tribal children. Each artwork purchased contributes directly to a child’s education by covering essentials such as tuition, books, uniforms, and meals.

The exhibition is now open to the public on 21 and 22 June 2025, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, at the same venue.