Project Kudineer: A curious journey through the waterlines of life

The valedictory function of the first edition of Project Kudineer was inaugurated by eminent artist Atul Bhalla

Eminent artist Shri. Atul Bhalla took the students on a journey through his memories associated with water, inviting them into his creative world intricately intertwined with this element. His connection with water rendered him the most fitting artist to inaugurate the valedictory function of ‘Project Kudineer,’ launched earlier this year to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Chitravthi Centre for Creativity (CCC) in collaboration with Velammal Knowledge Park (VKP). This project bridges academic initiatives with broader society, redefining social responsibility in education. Atul Bhalla underscored this commitment to social responsibility in his speech, reflecting on his artistic journey, which delves into the essence of water’s significance, transcending mere physicality to engage with emotional, spiritual, and political realms.

“Lot of people asked me why I have been working with water for all these years and why don’t I do something else. I said I do not feel like doing something else because there is not enough work done on this issue,” he said adding that Project Kudineer also reflects the same and lot such things can be done in this connection. He reminisced about the state of water supply in Delhi during his childhood, recalling the limited availability of water and the absence of motor pumps to elevate it to overhead water tanks atop houses.

“In the 1970s, when I was growing up, we only had water for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. However, we never knew if water would be available in the evening. During the one hour in the morning, we had to manage washing, bathing, cooking, and everything else. I remember I only had one bucket for bathing, while my sister had two buckets once in two to three days due to her long hair,” he recollected. “It’s fascinating to wake up in the morning with water dripping into the bucket. Everyone would spring to action with the arrival of water,” he said, noting that even now in Delhi, people have to keep their taps open to check for water. The only difference is that now there are pumps to fill the overhead tanks.

He also drew attention to the environmental pollution in the National Capital Region, which stands as one of the most polluted regions globally, earning an ill reputation. “Thirty-nine out of the 50 most polluted cities in the world are in India,” he stated, referencing a report published by a Swiss air quality technology company in March 2023. Also, he added that the River Yamuna, on the bank of which he stays, is one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

This underscores the critical importance of initiatives for clean water, sewage treatment, rainwater harvesting, and concerted efforts to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, Bhalla elaborated on his works such as ‘You Always Step into the Same River,’ derived from Heraclitus’ famous statement, ‘You don’t step into the same river twice,’ simultaneously subverting it.
“Stepping into the Cooum River of Chennai or the Adayar River is like stepping into the history of Chennai itself. These rivers have existed for centuries, long before humans inhabited India, and the water flowing through them has traversed through the earth’s aquifers, carrying memories with it,” he shared, imbuing water with a philosophical and mythical essence.
“If we look mythically, the river knows more than what you know, and river are the repository of history,” remarked the artist, who has extensively explored the socio-historical significance of water in urban environments worldwide.

He also provided insights into his ongoing project, ‘28th North Parallel,’ focusing on the climate and climate change of the region.
Atul Bhalla, with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the College of Art, University of Delhi, and a master’s degree from the School of Art, Northern Illinois University, USA, currently holds the position of head of the Department of Visual Art at Shiv Nadar University in India. Born in 1964, Bhalla’s exploration of water’s multifaceted nature is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and academic background. His artwork serves as a reminder of the profound impact water exerts on our lives, prompting us to contemplate our connection with nature and the urgent need for environmental stewardship.

In July 2023, during the inauguration of the project, Dr. Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the Waterman of India, had shared a deep concern. “Your life has just begun, and the thought of beginning a life without water is unimaginable,” he told the students, emphasizing that water sustains not only our lives but the entire ecosystem. “We must value all life forms on the planet and envision a better future. Happiness is a key indicator of a healthy planet,” he asserted, urging consideration of others’ happiness. Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of a harmonious relationship with nature for a green planet, free of climate change, droughts, and floods.

According to Shri. MVM Sasikumar, Director of Velammal Knowledge Park (VKP), in our hands lies the power to shape the destiny of generations yet unborn, to gift them a world where every drop of water is revered, where every river flows freely, and where every ocean teems with vibrant life. “Recognizing the intricate dance of life woven by the five elemental forces shaping our universe – earth, water, fire, air, and space – we embarked on a journey to champion the cause of water conservation, a cornerstone in the sustenance of all living beings. That is Project Kudineer,” he said.
In the depths of our conscience lies a sacred bond with nature, embodied in water – the elixir of life, according to Vetrivel Sasikumar, Associate Director at VKP, who played a crucial role in developing the groundbreaking prototype of Project Kudineer. “Five years ago, Project Kudineer was born, transcending time and space, weaving water literacy, management, and conservation. Today, as we approach a milestone, we revive this noble endeavor to reaffirm our commitment to the planet. Kudineer, an oasis of hope, aims to instill water stewardship in the next generation, evolving from a project to a legacy of resilience and compassion. Let’s continue to write its story of hope and boundless possibilities,” he said.