Sangeeta Bora

What role do you think art can play in social change?

I strongly believe art in any form has a deep connection to awakening and inspiring action. Art moves people emotionally, making them more likely to empathize with others and take action. Street art, spoken word poetry, and protest songs have historically given voice to the oppressed. I think art creates a platform for difficult conversations. It has the potential to bring opposing perspectives together, encouraging discourse on contentious social issues.

How would you describe your experience creating tech-art and supporting social movements?

As a young Indian artist, my work serves as a visual narrative of the daily struggles and triumphs of Indian women. Through my work I try to capture the resilience, challenges, and emotions of women from all walks of life—whether it’s the burdens of societal expectations, the strength of a mother, or the quiet defiance of a girl seeking education. I hope that my paintings will spark conversations about gender roles and inequality, encouraging my community to reflect on these realities and take action.

What do you hope to achieve through this award?

I hope to take my work to a larger audience and broader platforms and that will eventually influence the everyday stories of Indian women.