ABOUT

A powerful and catastrophic earthquake shook Nepal on April 25th, 2015. As Nepal’s people struggle to live through the persistent aftershocks and dig loved ones out of the debris, domestic and international rescue efforts get underway. In the midst of this tragedy, we launched Color-In Nepal - a fundraising Nepal-themed coloring book project - to make a meaningful and genuine contribution to Nepal’s recovery. Join us as we color in Nepal.

Why coloring books?

Coloring books help children and adults relax and inspire the imagination. There is a reason why they are one of the most sold items on Amazon! We want to harness this creative power. By coloring in these Nepal themed illustrations, we celebrate the architectural, natural and cultural beauty of the country the diversity of its people. These coloring books also help us fundraise for Nepalese people in need.

Why these Nepal-themed images?

The images we chose remind us of Nepal’s beauty and diversity. Some of the illustrations feature ancient and sacred monuments created by talented Nepalese artisans destroyed by the earthquake. Other illustrations depict Himalayan art and remote villages whose inhabitants have been cut off and are in need of help. The images remind us of Nepal and people who created this beautiful country. They also help us imagine a future for Nepal and the Nepalese people.

Why does imagination matter?

Before we can change the world, we have to be able to envision the possibility of change, we have to be able to imagine what kinds of change would be desirable, and we have to be able to think of ourselves as people capable of making change. Imagination helps us get to that place where we can begin to turn the tide. Many of the political veterans may initially be sceptical of what they see as ‘escapist’ dimensions of our approach, but we have seen it work time and time again in the work that Sangita does with Henry Jenkins’ Media, Activism, and Participatory Politics Project at USC.

Is there a long-term plan?

We have to take things one day at a time for now. This project was born out of the immediate conditions of Nepal’s current emergency. Our main focus is to raise awareness and funds for those in need right now. But, we do plan to have Color-In Nepal evolve into something bigger and longer term as the country moves into recovery and reconstruction.

About Us: Sangita Shresthova is a scholar, and art activist who grew up in Kathmandu. Currently, Sangita is the Director of Henry Jenkins’ Media, Activism & Participatory Politics (MAPP) project based at USC. Her work focuses on the intersection between popular culture, performance, new media, politics, and globalization. She is a co-author of “By Any Media Necessary” a forthcoming book on activism in the digital age, which features the Harry Potter Alliance. Her earlier book on Bollywood dance and globalization (Is It All About Hips?) was published by SAGE Publications in 2011. Her work has been presented in academic and creative venues around the world including the Schaubuehne (Berlin), the Other Festival (Chennai) and the American Dance Festival (Durham, NC). (Find out more about Sangita: bollynatyam.com/bio.php)

Amish Desai is a scientist and engineer from Caltech who loves photography and Nepal. In his spare time, he is passionate about the DIY philosophy and making technology accessible to youth communities.