Artist aims to draw a sustainable future in Western Ghats
An artist from Karnataka has set up a centre for creativity and conservation in Shivamogga district to address the environmental and agricultural challenges of the region.
The SARA Centre in Dombekoppa village of Karnataka’s Shivamogga district at Western Ghats transcends conventional definitions. SARA, short for Sustainable Alternatives for Rural Accord, is an endeavour as multifaceted as the gem-studded mosaic of biodiversity that it seeks to nurture.
To founder Arunkumar HG, an internationally-renowned artist who juggles his time between New Delhi’s cosmopolitan chaos and Shivamogga’s rustic serenity, the SARA Centre is a seed — a potent symbol of potential.
“Only when there is a seed, can we imagine something to grow from there,” Arunkumar mused, his eyes brimming with purpose. “I want SARA Centre to be that seed, a triggering point.”
Since its inception, this centre has been a crucible of ideas, a cauldron that brings together farmers, artists and the community in a harmonious symphony of biodiversity, agriculture, sustainability, innovation and conservancy.
Its pursuits span far and wide, from impassioned discussions to hands-on workshops like the ‘Sahyadri Samvada’ (Sahyadri Dialogues), all aimed at nurturing the delicate ecosystem of the Western Ghats, or the Sahyadri range. The centre’s mission extends beyond the immediate, embracing the preservation of local culture and traditions. For example, it safeguards over 180 varieties of paddy, a living testament to a rich heritage cultivated on these very fields.
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Seeding an idea
The initiative defies categorisation. But how did this oasis of creativity and conservation emerge?
The answer lies in the evolution of Arunkumar’s own artistic journey. His art had always been a conduit for environmental and agricultural concerns, but by 2011, he was acutely aware of its limitations. He echoed the sentiment of American pop art luminary Andy Warhol, who once proclaimed that “having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want”.
Arunkumar shared this reverence for the land, and during his biannual pilgrimages to his homeland, he witnessed an unsettling truth — the land he cherished might be slipping away into neglect.
“I felt that the art I was doing here had no meaning,” he admitted, his voice tinged with melancholy. Disenchanted by the art world’s urban-centric focus and the commercialisation of creativity, Arunkumar resolved to redirect his energies. He sought to rekindle art’s essence in rural landscapes, away from the urban hustle and economic agendas.
By 2014, reforestation efforts were breathing life into the land, and SARA Centre’s activities sprouted like resilient saplings. Arunkumar embarked on a mission to engage with local schools, igniting a pilot project called ‘Each One Plant One’. Over 1,200 students and teachers from 22 schools participated in the drive.
The ghats in its heart
While Arunkumar envisions the SARA Centre as a canvas for a broad spectrum of creative exercises, a common theme threads through its current initiatives — the Western Ghats. Surrounded by native trees and vibrant foliage, the centre weaves a narrative of the Sahyadri’s ecological splendour.
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From exhibits showcasing an array of stones, soil and trees to panels designed like books that narrate nature’s story, the centre emerges as an educational sanctuary, especially for the region’s youth.
“The panels were made to look like books, not only for space efficiency but also for the interactive aspect,” Arunkumar explained.
One chamber serves as a portal to poster art, vividly illustrating the region’s social movements. It echoes the monumental “Save Western Ghats Movement”, a validation of the power of collective action. Arunkumar’s own artworks find their resting place here, after a global sojourn, reminding all who visit of the marriage between art and nature.
The Swagrama programme takes SARA Centre’s commitment further, channelling efforts into the rejuvenation of local lakes. A dozen lakes have been revived under this project so far.
As the forests recede, the children of the region risk becoming increasingly estranged from the natural world. In response, the centre introduced “Ink and Ecology”, a programme that uses storytelling to bridge the gap between youth and nature.
For Arunkumar, the SARA Centre represents an extension of his artistry. “As a sculptor, I work with various materials,” he said. “With the SARA Centre, the idea itself is a material. It is a social sculpture that will continue to live on.”
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He dreams of a future where young minds flock to the centre, conducting workshops and discussions for the local community. “I don’t know what the future holds for SARA,” he said, his voice resonating with hope. “But if it sows the seeds for more centres like it in the region, I will consider it a triumph.”
The lead image at the top shows traditional varieties of paddy being cultivated in small patches at SARA Centre in Shivamoggga (Photo by Amulya B)
Amulya B is a multimedia journalist, writer and translator based in Bengaluru. Her stories explore the intersection of culture, society and technology. She is the winner of Toto Funds the Arts for creative writing and Laadli Award. She is a Rural Media Fellow 2022 at Youth Hub, Village Square.
