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Join Telegram ChannelActor-Producer Dia Mirza recently inaugurated a sculpture titled ‘Quest for Knowledge’ in Pali Hill, Bandra. The sculpture, created by artist Sangeeta Babani in association with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), depicts a boy reading a book while a dog jumps up to him, promoting the idea of ‘education for all’.
The inauguration was attended by dignitaries such as Vinayak Vispute (Assistant Commissioner – H West Ward, Mumbai), Asif Zakaria (Ex-Corporator – H West Ward, Mumbai), and entrepreneur Harsh Jagwani.
The sculpture aims to promote equal educational opportunities for all, without discrimination based on social status, caste, creed, gender, religion, etc. Babani believes that knowledge is infinite, has a beginning but no end, and should not be denied to anyone. “An investment in knowledge always gives the best returns. Our idea behind the sculpture is to drive home the force of knowledge and its power. Every child in the country should have easy and equal access to knowledge, which in turn will help them grow as individuals, and will help the country as a whole grow too,” she shared.
Dia Mirza, who is known for her work as the UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador & UN Secretary-General’s Advocate for SDGs said, “Public Art is a testimony to the dreams and aspirations of citizens we mistakenly refer to as ‘common.’ Sangeeta’s work, ‘Quest for Knowledge’ beautifully reminds every passerby of the power of the written word, of education, of transformative ideas, and the dream of an inclusive, happier, kinder world that a simple act of opening a book can kindle in us.
As a mother and a citizen of a country that has the largest youth population in the world, I cannot overemphasize the importance of education for every single child, adolescent and young adult. Without giving all children equal access to education and reducing social and cultural inequities, we cannot hope to grow as a country or achieve the fourth Sustainable Development Goal which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.”
Dia Mirza, known for her work as the UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador & UN Secretary-General’s Advocate for SDGs, expressed her support for the sculpture. “Public Art is a testimony to the dreams and aspirations of citizens we mistakenly refer to as ‘common.’ Sangeeta’s work, ‘Quest for Knowledge’ beautifully reminds every passerby of the power of the written word, of education, of transformative ideas, and the dream of an inclusive, happier, kinder world that a simple act of opening a book can kindle in us,” she said.
Mirza, a mother and a citizen of a country with the largest youth population in the world, emphasized the importance of education for every child, adolescent, and young adult. “Without giving all children equal access to education and reducing social and cultural inequities, we cannot hope to grow as a country or achieve the fourth Sustainable Development Goal which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all,” she added.
Sangeeta Babani, who believes that Public Art creates a sense of belonging amongst citizens, has undertaken to beautify Mumbai through her artworks. She has previously painted a 15-feet high mural along the underpass in Bandra Reclamation, with the underlying message of ‘save the environment’, which garnered much appreciation.
“I have been very passionate about bringing cleanliness and beautification to the city of Mumbai. I feel it needs Art to liven up some of the grimy walls while still creating an impact by touching upon social ideas and cultures to bring awareness to the masses. Art also brings attention to often neglected spaces and encourages people to appreciate the environment,” she expressed.
Babani is known for her contemporary and figurative artworks, which she has displayed worldwide, with exhibitions in India, London, Paris, Dubai, among other places. Her 18 feet installation titled ‘The Lost Art’ created waves, and she was awarded for her contemporary work in 2017. Babani continues to work closely with the BMC to bring art to public spaces and raise awareness about social issues through her art.
The ‘Quest for Knowledge’ sculpture by Sangeeta Babani is a beautiful reminder of the power of education and the need for equal opportunities for all. Through her artwork, Babani continues to bring attention to important social issues and beautify public spaces in Mumbai.
