Kanpur, February 18 2025 – IIT Kanpur, in collaboration with the Academics and Career Council and the Media and Cultural Council hosted an inspiring session, "Art, Impact, Skill Development and Inspiration: Empowering Change and Transforming Communities". The session featured renowned artist and social reformer Ms. Rouble Nagi, who shared her inspiring journey of using art as a tool for social transformation.

A special highlight was the presence of Padma Shri 2025 recipient Prof. Ashutosh Sharma (Institute Chair Professor at IIT Kanpur, President of INSA, and Former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology), who moderated an engaging discussion with Ms. Nagi. Students actively participated in thought-provoking conversations and interactive Q&A, exploring how creativity can drive social impact and foster leadership, interdisciplinary learning, and entrepreneurship.

Ms. Rouble Nagi captivated the audience with her experiences in slum painting, her efforts in creating job opportunities for underprivileged communities, and her passion for women’s empowerment. As the pioneer of Misaal Mumbai, she has transformed over1,55,000 houses, demonstrating the profound impact of art and education. She also discussed her book, The Slum Queen (2022), which narrates her inspiring journey of social change. Attendees received free copies of the book, further enriching their understanding of her impactful work.

Ms. Nagi’s achievements include being the first artist to exhibit at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum in 2017, with her work personally selected by the Hon’ble President of India.

The Student Gymkhana Council representatives, including Yogesh RG Singh (General Secretary, PG, Academics & Career Council), Utkarsh Gupta (General Secretary, UG, Academics & Career Council), Aman Shukla (Incoming General Secretary, PG, Academics & Career Council), Apoorva Tandon (Incoming General Secretary, UG, Academics & Career Council), and Ram Ratan Agrawal (Incoming General Secretary, Media & Cultural Council), extended their gratitude to all distinguished guests and participants.

This event reinforced IIT Kanpur’s commitment to fostering creativity, leadership, and social impact, inspiring students to explore innovative ways to contribute to a more inclusive and empowered society.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.