Inviting Paintings for 14th Peace Calendar
Aaghaz-e-dosti Initiative
Dear Sir/Ma'am,
Greetings from Aaghaz-e-Dosti!
Aaghaz-e-Dosti is a cross-border voluntary collective of young individuals that works to cultivate multiperspectivity and critical thinking through peace education activities. Since 2012, Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an initiative of India-based Mission Bhartiyam, has been connecting young people, particularly students, of India and Pakistan to imagine and uphold the significance of peace and democracy. Our initiatives include Indo-Pak Peace calendar, peace workshops, interactive sessions (Aman Chaupal and Indo-Pak Classroom Connect), letter exchange programs, greeting card exchanges and open mic sessions.
We are delighted to invite you to join us for our 14th Peace Calendar initiative. This annual Indo-Pak Peace Calendar is one of our signature initiatives to strengthen the bonds of peace and friendship between the people of India and Pakistan. Every year, it features paintings made by school students from both countries, expressing their dreams of a world built on understanding, compassion, and harmony. The calendar has reached classrooms, homes, and communities across South Asia and beyond—carrying the powerful message that peace begins with young minds.
In view of the contemporary world, which continues to be marked by conflicts and divisions, Aaghaz-e-Dosti is broadening its theme this year and moving beyond the India–Pakistan context. With the theme “Together We Rise,” we invite peace paintings that highlight the importance of peacebuilding amidst differences and diversities as the only path toward regional stability and a sane, humane future.
This year, Aaghaz-e-Dosti has collaborated with renowned artist Neeraj Mittra and his endeavour Art’est – an art abode. We warmly invite peace paintings from your school/organisation that reflect the spirit of the theme “Together We Rise.”
Here are a few guidelines for participation:
*Eligibility: Students of Classes VI–XII
*Use poster colors only.
-
*Artwork must be original.
-
*Paintings must be made on A4 size paper (horizontal orientation).
-
*On the reverse side, mention: name, class, school, email (if available), and a brief caption/description.
-
*If the painting carries non-English text, translation should be provided on the reverse side.
*Paintings can be sent by school/organisation or by students independently.
Deadline: 20 November 2025
Please scan the paintings and send them at aaghaz...@gmail.com. If you would like to send us the hardcopy, please let us know.
We would be grateful if you could encourage your students to take part and share their artistic vision for peace. Selected artworks will be featured in the Peace Calendar 2026, with due credit given to the student and school.
We truly believe that your school’s participation will add meaning and inspiration to this collective journey of peace.
Warm regards,
Dr Devika Mittal
Founding Member/Convener
Aaghaz-e-Dosti
