World Habitat Day, observed annually on the first Monday of October, is a global event recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It also serves to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat.
In alignment with these principles, the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO), a prominent Navratna NBFC-IFC in India, has been hosting a painting competition for over three decades, targeting underprivileged children. This year’s celebration, held at Vigyan Bhawan, not only highlighted the artistic expressions of these young minds but also promoted their vision of an ideal urban environment.
During the official World Habitat Day celebrations, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, inaugurated an exhibition of award-winning artworks from the competition. The event was graced by several high-ranking officials including Shri Srinivas Kathikithala, Secretary MoHUA, Shri Sanjay Kulshrestha, CMD of HUDCO, Shri Kuldip Narayan, Joint Secretary MoHUA, and Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India. In addition to the exhibition, three special publications by HUDCO were unveiled, adding a scholarly depth to the festivities.
The competition, which took place on September 20th at the HUDCO Bhawan, IHC Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, drew participation from 176 children across various NGOs and orphanages. The event featured two competitive age brackets: Junior (8-11 years) and Senior (12-14 years). This year’s theme, “Urban Solutions to Crisis,” resonated with the UN-Habitat’s focus for World Habitat Day 2025, urging participants to contemplate the complexities of urban life and propose forward-thinking solutions for resilient and inclusive cities.
The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by these young artists were not only commendable but also reflective of their potential to influence and shape urban discourse. HUDCO, through such initiatives, reaffirms its commitment to fostering a sense of agency among children from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to contribute thoughtfully to the discourse on urban development.
This annual competition underscores HUDCO’s ongoing dedication to sustainable and inclusive urban growth, aligning with global movements aimed at enhancing urban living conditions. By integrating the creative visions of the youth into broader urban planning and development conversations, HUDCO is playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the cities of tomorrow are built on foundations of inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience.
As World Habitat Day continues to inspire global action towards better urban futures, initiatives like HUDCO’s painting competition serve as a reminder of the power of youthful creativity and the importance of giving a voice to all segments of society in shaping the habitats of the future.
