Bringing Colour and Endurance to the Roof of the World
NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a unique celebration of color, resilience, and culture, AkzoNobel India recently completed its ambitious Let’s Colour initiative, transforming three remote villages in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, including the world’s highest motorable village, Komic. This initiative, using the power of paint to bring vibrancy and weather resistance, promises a brighter, more resilient future for the local communities.
Inspiring a New Horizon for Himalayan Communities
The initiative was officially inaugurated by Rahul Jain, ADC of Kaza, who opened the event with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in front of a Lord Buddha statue, symbolizing peace and prosperity. The event witnessed participation from lamas of the Komic and Langza monasteries, alongside over 100 residents from the villages of Komic, Hikkim, and Langza. “This is more than a ‘Let’s Colour’ project; it symbolizes AkzoNobel’s commitment to paint the future for communities anywhere in the world,” said Rajiv Rajgopal, Chairman and Managing Director of Akzo Nobel India Limited.
Serving over 150 countries, AkzoNobel remains dedicated to innovative and sustainable solutions, enhancing lives and protecting what matters most.
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A Showcase of Culture, Endurance, and Environmental Harmony
These villages, perched over 15,000 feet above sea level, endure harsh winters with temperatures dipping below -25°C. For decades, residents have battled these extreme conditions, repainting their homes annually to counter the elements.
AkzoNobel’s contribution—over 10,500 liters of Dulux Weathershield exterior emulsions and enamels—brings much-needed durability and all-weather protection to homes, schools, monasteries, and other structures. The transformation took four months and covered a vast 300,000 square feet area, revitalizing more than 100 homes, three schools, three monasteries, eight cafés, and 12 homestays.
Founded in 1792, AkzoNobel has been a leader in paints and coatings, aiming to “paint the future” through its renowned brands like Dulux, International, Sikkens, and Interpon.
Rajgopal emphasized the project’s broader impact: “Paint really has more power than we think. While creating inspired living spaces today, it provides enduring protection against extreme Himalayan winters and preserves the region’s centuries-old Buddhist heritage.”
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A Color Palette Rooted in Spiritual Tradition
AkzoNobel collaborated closely with local villagers to create a palette infused with Buddhist symbolism—blues for universal compassion, whites for purity, and reds for blessings. Key cultural landmarks like the 14th-century Tangyud Monastery, one of the oldest in the world, and the Komic museum have been given a refreshing makeover, resonating with the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Spiti Valley.
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Art for Awareness and Tourism Growth
Adding to the visual transformation, local artists painted meaningful murals across the villages, highlighting the native wildlife like the snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, and yaks, creating awareness about these vulnerable species. Another mural, featuring a meditating Buddha and a stargazing scene, encourages tourists to appreciate the Milky Way visible in the clear Himalayan skies. The village, as a result, becomes a vibrant blend of artistic expression and ecological awareness, promoting tourism in a sustainable manner.
“We’re extremely proud to harness the transformative power of paint to uplift communities and inspire positive change,” Rajgopal added. “Whether it involves rejuvenating the timeless Blue City appeal of Jodhpur or safeguarding villages on top of the world from extreme sub-zero winters, we are here to make a difference.”
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Let’s Colour Initiative: A Global Impact
Launched in 2009, AkzoNobel’s global “Let’s Colour” initiative has transformed communities across 46 countries, benefitting over 100 million people through more than 3,000 projects and using in excess of two million liters of paint. This mission continues to drive sustainable change, bringing color and hope to communities worldwide.
(India CSR)
