Asian Paints and St+art India Launch Project Udaan to Support Neurodivergent Children in Vadodara

Vadodara, April 29, 2025: Asian Paints, in collaboration with the St+art India Foundation, has launched Project Udaan at Arpan Charitable Trust in Vadodara. The initiative aims to create an inclusive, sensory-friendly learning environment for children with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.

Project Udaan transforms the school's interiors and façade into interactive, sensory-rich spaces that promote engagement, regulation, and self-expression. The initiative uses textures, colours, and surfaces from Asian Paints’ product range to turn everyday areas into supportive and stimulating environments. A butterfly mural now adorns the school’s exterior, symbolizing transformation and growth.

The project was led by artists Amrit Khurana and Anikesa Dhing. Khurana, who is autistic, contributed structured patterns and textures that improve spatial navigation, while Dhing introduced material contrasts to offer varied sensory experiences. The intervention was developed through a co-creation process involving students, artists, and designers. A three-day workshop, organized with Access For ALL and its founder Siddhanth Shah, allowed students to engage with materials and tools, helping shape the final outcome.

Materials used in the redesign include Royale Play textures, matte pastel emulsions, and tactile Nilaya fabrics and wallpapers. These elements offer visual comfort, tactile stimulation, and calming effects. Sensory rugs, pompom surfaces, and cocoon-like structures also cater to individual sensory needs.

Amit Syngle, MD & CEO, Asian Paints, said, “At Asian Paints, we believe spaces should do more than exist—they should evolve with their users. Project Udaan reimagines how thoughtful design can create an inclusive environment, where walls invite interaction, and colour provides clarity and comfort. By integrating textures that respond to touch and materials that support sensory needs, we’ve built a space that adapts to children, rather than the other way around. While we continuously reinvent ourselves to create beautiful homes for our consumers, we extend the same passion and empathy to create beautiful and safe spaces for all, with our partners at St+art India.”

Arjun Bahl, Co-Founder, St+art India Foundation, said, “With St+art Care, we extend our vision of making spaces more open, accessible and engaging. Project Udaan transforms art from a decorative element to an interactive experience, creating familiarity and comfort for neurodivergent children. This initiative is about rethinking how creative interventions can transform everyday spaces into something more intuitive and inclusive. At its heart, Udaan embodies ArtForAll, where design is a language that speaks to everyone, regardless of how they see or experience the world.”