Marking World Caring Day, Asian Paints and the St+art India Foundation have unveiled ‘Project Udaan’ at Arpan Charitable Trust in Vadodara, a school supporting children with special needs. The initiative is part of the ongoing St+art Care program, which focuses on transforming public spaces into inclusive, emotionally supportive environments through creative design and thoughtful aesthetics.
Project Udaan enhances the sensory experience of neurodivergent children—including those with autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy—by reshaping their surroundings with calming textures, pastel colours, and interactive zones. These design elements are intended to create a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment that respects the unique ways these children perceive and engage with the world.
Inspired by the butterfly—a symbol of transformation—the redesigned school features a vibrant mural on the façade and a reimagined play area. The space was created through a collaborative process involving students, artists, and designers, with key contributions from artists AmritKhurana and AnikesaDhing. Khurana, informed by her personal experience with autism, introduced tactile features that foster predictability and comfort. Dhing’s design added contrast to promote calmness and sensory engagement. The children themselves played an active role in shaping the project through a creative workshop facilitated by Siddhanth Shah of Access For ALL.
Asian Paints brought the vision to life with its signature Royale Play textures, matte pastel emulsions, and tactile Nilaya wallpapers and fabrics. The materials were selected to minimize visual strain, offer soothing tactile feedback, and encourage exploration in a way that supports different sensory preferences.
“Spaces should grow with the people who use them,” said Amit Syngle, Managing Director and CEO of Asian Paints. “Project Udaan reflects how design can be empathetic—offering interaction, comfort, and clarity. While we focus on creating beautiful homes for our consumers, we’re equally committed to developing safe, inclusive environments for everyone.”
Arjun Bahl, Co-founder of St+art India Foundation, emphasized the transformative power of art in everyday life: “Through St+art Care, we aim to redefine public spaces with meaning and accessibility. Project Udaan turns art into an experience that resonates with neurodivergent children and shows how inclusive design can foster comfort and connection.”
This is the third intervention under the St+art Care initiative, following similar efforts at a children’s hospital in Noida and a school for the visually impaired in Rajasthan. Each project highlights the role of art in creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also emotionally responsive and inclusive.
Founded in 1942, Asian Paints is India’s largest and Asia’s second-largest paint company, with operations in 14 countries and a presence in over 60. The company reported a consolidated turnover of ₹33,797 crores. Known for its innovative approach to design and home décor, Asian Paints offers a wide range of products across decorative paints, waterproofing, wood finishes, adhesives, lighting, furniture, furnishings, modular kitchens, bath fittings, and more.
Since 2014, St+art India Foundation has worked to make art more accessible by transforming public spaces across the country. With more than 600 murals and installations across 25+ cities, the foundation fosters inclusive cultural expression through art festivals, installations, and creative collaborations. Through its public art initiatives, St+art India promotes dialogue, cultural exchange, and the democratization of creativity.
