First and Second Authors’ Affiliation: Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi.

Abstract: India is home to a multitude of art forms. The rich cultural diversity of India lies at the very root of its existence. However, many of these art forms have either completely vanished into the unknown or are on the verge of extinction. This paper provides a brief account of one such art forms called, Aipan, a Kumaoni folk art practised in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand. This is discussed in the backdrop of ‘Project Aipan’, initiated by the Enactus team of Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi. Consisting of rhythmic geometrical patterns made of lines and dots, Aipan is traditionally made on Geru (an earthy-red surface) with white rice paste. It is practiced on special ceremonies and household rituals to evoke divine blessings. Project Aipan worked towards strengthening communities, bound by a common thread of hope fostered by collective entrepreneurial actions. Through this paper, an attempt is made to highlight the struggle to keep alive the Aipan art form and sustaining it for posterity. The role of women in this struggle is also highlighted, be it the Kumaoni women who have been the practitioners of this art form, or the women team of Enactus IPCW who took the charge of protecting this heritage.

Keywords: art forms, Aipan, development, culture, sustainability.

First received on: 09/12/17.

How to Cite:

MPA:
Virmani, Meeta and Nitansha Bansal. "Seeking Sustainable Heights in the Lives of Women Through Aipan: Case Study of Enactus IP College Initiative". Journal of Innovation for Inclusive Development 3.1 (2018): 40-44.

APA:
Virmani, M. & Bansal, N. (2018). Seeking Sustainable Heights in the Lives of Women Through Aipan: Case Study of Enactus IP College Initiative. Journal of Innovation for Inclusive Development, 3(1), 40-44.

Chicago:
Virmani, Meeta and Nitansha Bansal. "Seeking Sustainable Heights in the Lives of Women Through Aipan: Case Study of Enactus IP College Initiative". Journal of Innovation for Inclusive Development 3, no. 1, (2018): 40-44.

Harvard:
Virmani, M, Bansal, N. 2018. Seeking Sustainable Heights in the Lives of Women Through Aipan: Case Study of Enactus IP College Initiative. Journal of Innovation for Inclusive Development, 3(1), pp. 40-44.

Vancouver:
Virmani M., Bansal N. Seeking Sustainable Heights in the Lives of Women Through Aipan: Case Study of Enactus IP College Initiative. Journal of Innovation for Inclusive Development. 2018; 3(1):40-44.

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