Kaza (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 7: AkzoNobel India has successfully completed a transformative “Let’s Colour” initiative in three of the most remote villages in Himachal Pradesh, reaching heights that are literally at the top of the world. This unique project, which spans the villages of Komic, Hikkim, and Langza in the Spiti Valley, not only brought vibrant colors to these communities but also offered them durable protection against the region’s extreme weather conditions.
The event was inaugurated by Rahul Jain, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Kaza, who served as the Chief Guest. He ceremoniously lit a lamp in front of a statue of Lord Buddha, setting the tone for the program’s spiritual and cultural significance. The inauguration saw the participation of lamas from the Komic and Langza monasteries, along with over 100 residents from the villages of Komic, Hikkim, and Langza, who gathered to celebrate the completion of this one-of-a-kind project.
The World’s Highest Village and AkzoNobel’s “Let’s Colour” Initiative
Komic, renowned as the world’s highest village reachable by motorable road, was one of the three locations selected for the initiative. Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office, and Langza, famous for its ancient marine fossils, were also part of the transformation. These villages, perched more than 15,000 feet above sea level, are situated at an altitude comparable to the base of Mount Everest. Their residents, mostly Tibetan Buddhists, face harsh winters with temperatures that plunge below -25°C. This extreme weather necessitated frequent repainting of homes and buildings, a challenge that AkzoNobel aimed to address.
To meet the unique needs of the area, 20 painters used over 10,500 liters of Dulux Weathershield exterior emulsions and enamels. This high-performance paint will provide long-lasting, all-weather protection for the communities, reducing the need for frequent repainting. The use of such durable paint is expected to help the villagers maintain their homes and structures in the face of relentless cold and snow.
“This is more than just a ‘Let’s Colour’ project; it symbolizes AkzoNobel’s commitment to painting the future for communities anywhere in the world,” said Rajiv Rajgopal, Chairman and Managing Director of AkzoNobel India. “Paint has more power than we think. Beyond creating inspired living spaces for the residents, it provides enduring protection against extreme Himalayan winters and preserves the region’s centuries-old Buddhist spiritual and cultural heritage.”
The Transformation of Spiti Valley
The revitalization effort spanned four months, transforming a significant area of 300,000 square feet. The project covered over 100 homes, three schools, three monasteries, eight cafes, and 12 homestays across the villages. Additionally, several culturally significant buildings, including the 14th-century Tangyud Monastery, one of the oldest in the world, and the Komic Museum, were rejuvenated, helping preserve the region’s rich history.
AkzoNobel’s team collaborated closely with the villagers to choose a color palette that was in harmony with Buddhist traditions. The soulful hues used included blues to represent universal compassion, whites symbolizing purity, and reds for blessings. This thoughtful selection not only brought aesthetic appeal but also resonated deeply with the spiritual and cultural values of the community.
Art and Awareness
The impact of the project went beyond the visual transformation. A local artist painted a series of murals that added an extra dimension of purpose to the initiative. These murals were designed to boost tourism by creating a more vibrant and inviting environment. Among the murals are images of a young Buddhist monk holding a prayer wheel and a meditating Buddha, evoking a sense of peace and tranquility. Other art interventions focused on raising awareness about the region’s endangered wildlife, such as snow leopards, Himalayan ibexes, and yaks.
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One of the most captivating murals encourages tourists to take advantage of the region’s pristine skies, where the Milky Way galaxy is visible—a rarity in most parts of the world. This stargazing-themed mural is expected to enhance the village’s appeal as a destination for tourists interested in astronomy and natural beauty.
“We’re extremely proud to harness the transformative power of paint to uplift communities and inspire positive change,” added Rajgopal. “Whether it’s rejuvenating the timeless Blue City appeal of Jodhpur or safeguarding villages on top of the world from extreme sub-zero winters, we aim to make a lasting impact.”
Global Reach of “Let’s Colour”
AkzoNobel’s global “Let’s Colour” initiative, which began in 2009, has touched communities worldwide, with more than 100 million people across 46 countries benefitting from over 3,000 projects. The company has used more than two million liters of paint in this global endeavor to inspire change, uplift communities, and preserve cultural heritage.
The transformation of Komic, Hikkim, and Langza stands as a testament to the enduring power of paint, not just as a tool for beautification but as a force for cultural preservation and community empowerment.
