India’s Largest Citizen-Led Public Art Initiative Launches in Mumbai
Actor Dia Mirza took a hands-on approach to beautifying the Sewri railway station, marking the kickoff of Hamara Station Hamari Shaan, India’s largest citizen-led public art initiative. Launched by the NGO Project Mumbai in partnership with Central Railway, this project aims to transform 13 railway stations across the city into vibrant canvases of community art.
Dia Mirza, known for her commitment to environmental and social causes, expressed her excitement about contributing to the beautification of Mumbai. She emphasized the importance of volunteering, stating, "Ownership of the city through volunteering work cannot be a better way of doing shramdaan. Painting is anyway so addictive." Mirza also introduced her daughter, Samaira, to the joys of volunteering, aligning their efforts with the Festival of Giving, DaanUtsav, and Gandhi Jayanti.
The initiative attracted hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers, including students and corporate employees, who gathered to paint walls and engage with the community. With the spirit of Mumbai’s citizens shining through, Mirza took the time to snap selfies with volunteers and railway staff, celebrating the collective effort to uplift the city.
As part of Hamara Station Hamari Shaan, several thousand square feet of space across 13 stations will be transformed into artistic expressions. On the inaugural day, students painted murals and vibrant artwork at Sewri station and other locations like King Circle, Chuna Bhatti, and Tilak Nagar. Among the volunteers was Neel Kadam, a young musician who brought his guitar along, serenading his fellow artists while they painted. “I cannot draw but I can play the guitar and sing. This is my way of volunteering and showing my support to Project Mumbai and DaanUtsav,” he shared.
Project Mumbai has meticulously identified all paintable areas at the stations, including ticket counters, walls along platform one, foot overbridges, and staircases. Designs have been crafted and approved in collaboration with railway authorities, ensuring that artistic expressions respect both the aesthetic and functional elements of the stations.
