From Artistic Talent to Self-Employment: RKMV Alumnae Build a Successful Women Artists’ Platform

Shimla, September 19, 2026: More than 20 former students of the painting department of RKMV College, Shimla, have turned their artistic skills into a source of livelihood by coming together under “Indreni”, a collective platform for women painters.

Founded in 2021 by RKMV alumnae Jamuna Gurung, Sushma Sharma, Sushmita Rai, Sapna, Kritika, Nirmala and Ameesha, Indreni has been organising an annual painting exhibition at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. Its fifth edition, organised in collaboration with Mahasu Art Shimla from September 12 to 16, featured 23 women artists from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Nepal.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, who appreciated the artists for showcasing their talent and promoting Himachal’s cultural heritage. He said initiatives such as Indreni were providing women artists with a platform to showcase their work, earn a livelihood and move towards self-reliance.

Assistant Professor of Painting at RKMV, Dr. Bhader Singh, said the initiative was helping the college’s former students gain recognition while also creating a growing network of women artists. He expressed pride in having taught the participating artists and said their contribution to Himachal’s art and culture was significant.

For several members of Indreni, painting has evolved from a passion into a profession. Their works have been purchased both in India and abroad, allowing them to generate income while working from home. Their paintings often draw inspiration from Himachal’s architecture, traditional attire, lifestyle and cultural heritage.

Artist Sushmita Rai, originally from Nepal, said she completed her BA in Painting from RKMV during 2018–21 and has since pursued painting professionally. She has sold around 40–45 paintings and earned nearly ₹2 lakh from her work. She specialises in paintings depicting Shimla’s architecture and hopes Indreni will encourage more girls to take up painting professionally.

Ruchika, from Bahli village in Kotgarh, completed her BA in Painting during 2019–22. Her work focuses on themes such as the Himachali cap and traditional shawls. She has sent her paintings to around seven countries and has also displayed works in government offices across India. She said she has earned around ₹5 lakh through her paintings and credited her family and teachers for helping her develop her talent.

Sapna, from Sunni, completed her BA in Painting during 2018–21 and uses the traditional Himachali “Khaddu” as a theme to portray local life, struggles and traditions. She has sold around 25 paintings and earned approximately ₹3–4 lakh.

The Indreni initiative demonstrates how art education, mentorship and collective platforms can help women transform creative skills into sustainable livelihoods while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage.