International Educational Institute

This Foundation Project titled Pholwen Toer (Blooming Buds), implemented by IFA will engage sixth to seventh-grade students from the International Educational Institute, in Braripora Bonakoot village, Bandipora, Kashmir UT, connecting them to the local histories, heritage and cultural expressions of the region. The project uniquely involves local artists practicing Papier Mache and Bhaand Pather as mentors and facilitators fostering a sense of pride and ownership among the younger generation. For this project, Zahoor Ahmad Malik, Chairman, and Javaid Jawad, a member of the institution will act as the signatories. Dr Heeba Din and Dr Syeda Afshana professors at Islamic University of Science and Technology and University of Kashmir will be the project facilitators. 

International Educational Institute in Bandipora, established in 2012 caters to children from tribal communities and strives to provide quality education. Due to the harsh geography of the area, some parts of the district remain cut off from the rest of the United Territories for about six months. Owing to the remoteness of the area and the unavailability of art educators, the curriculum at the school does not have a designated art education integrated approach at present. The school administration, however, tries to fill the gap by organising art sessions and workshops once or twice per academic session by bringing in experts from Srinagar. Therefore, this initiative has greater relevance for the local youth, truly addressing the need for arts-integrated education within the community. Given their experience the school is best placed to be the Project Coordinator of this Foundation Project of IFA.  

Living in conflict zones can have profound and lasting effects on children. The trauma, fear, and uncertainty they experience can leave deep emotional scars. Moreover, in such challenging environments, children often lose touch with their cultural roots, as the focus shifts to survival and immediate concerns. The erosion of cultural identity can further exacerbate their sense of alienation and disconnection. In this context, preserving and celebrating cultural heritage becomes more than just an artistic endeavor; it becomes a means of healing and empowerment. By offering children a safe space to explore and express their oral narratives and stories, Pholwen Toer becomes a platform for reclaiming their voice and identity. Through the creative medium of art, children find an outlet to process their emotions, confront their experiences, and find solace in the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage.

Bhaand Pather, a centuries-old Kashmiri folk theatre, blends storytelling, music, dance, and comedy with social commentary. Integral to the cultural fabric of the region, it passes down oral traditions through humour and wit. Whereas, Papier Mache, an intricate and vibrant Kashmiri art form, involves crafting decorative objects using paper, glue, and various materials. Integrating Bhaand Pather into the project brings oral narratives to life, and the interactive performances will empower children, instilling pride and ownership in their cultural identity. Further, Papier Mache, allows them to create diverse items, offering a tangible medium for children to express themselves. Through Papier Mache, the students will visually represent cultural themes, providing a unique and artistic portrayal of their heritage.

The central vision of Pholwen Toer is to foster a deep appreciation for the cultural legacy of Kashmir among children by centering their oral narratives and stories in the project. At the heart of this endeavour are the local artists, serving as mentors to the younger generation, creating a direct and authentic connection with the cultural expressions deeply rooted in the region. These engagements are designed to record oral histories and stories,  sharing of songs, and interactive sessions to offer students a broader understanding and perspective of the communities; and locating them within the socio-political framework of Kashmir. The active participation of parents and families will also be encouraged.

The teachers at the International Educational Institute are at the forefront of the project. They will seamlessly incorporate the essence of Pholwen Toer into the existing curriculum, ensuring that students engage with the cultural heritage of Kashmir as an integral part of their education. Through their expertise, they provide students with a holistic learning experience, and act as mentors and guides for the students. They understand the significance of the project and its cultural objectives, and they are committed to facilitating the learning process. 

This 18-month project intends to bridge many worlds – that of learning opportunities within the school; that of the culture in the school and home; that of home and the world outside. For Heeba, one of the facilitators, this is of immediate interest given that Bhaand Pather performers live within the neighbourhood of the school. Instead of taking a revivalist approach, she wishes to engage the performers as facilitators to conduct a series of lecture demonstrations and workshops introducing the children to the form. Heeba believes that this exercise will increase self-confidence, strengthen collaborative skills, improve learning, and expand the worldview of the students. This project addresses multiple needs of the children by enabling experimentation and bringing the lived experiences of the children and their community arts practices into the classroom pedagogy.

The outcome of the project will be a public performance and an exhibition. The Project Coordinator’s deliverables to IFA with the final report will be photographs, a process document, and video documentation of the entire project.

This project suitably addresses the framework of IFA’s Arts Education programme in the manner in which it attempts to connect students and schools to the cultural knowledge of the places they inhabit. 

IFA will ensure that the implementation of this project happens in a timely manner and funds expended are accounted for. IFA will also review the progress of the project at midterm and document it through an Implementation Memorandum. After the project is finished and all deliverables are submitted, IFA will put together a Final Evaluation to share with Trustees.

This project is made possible with support from Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company.