The event was attended by former Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa, Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli, former Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra, Colors for Peace India ambassador Arunima Kukreja and Antonio Giannelli, founder and president of Colors for Peace.
Students were invited to create drawings based on their understanding of peace and how they viewed themes such as harmony, sharing and coexistence.
Arunima Kukreja said the initiative would give students an opportunity to share their values, perspectives and experiences while learning about different cultures. “Through this initiative, students will have the opportunity to share their values, ethos, perspectives and educational experiences, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultures,” she said.
She added that artworks from India are expected to be taken to Italy this year, while Italian artworks are planned to be brought to India next year. The longer-term plan, she said, is to create a platform in India showcasing artworks by children and artists from different parts of the world.
The Italian Ambassador said education and dialogue had an important role to play in building peaceful societies.
“Peace is nurtured through education, dialogue and inclusion. By giving children a platform to express their hopes and emotions through art, we help build greater empathy and understanding. Initiatives like this keep the memory of the past alive while inspiring a more peaceful and inclusive future,” Bartoli said.
Former Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra said the participation of children from modest backgrounds was particularly significant.
“Today, what touched me most was seeing how children from modest backgrounds express themselves through colours. Colours have the power to give children a voice, inspire creativity and bring a sense of joy and belonging,” she said.
“Through initiatives like Colours of Peace, we can turn every child’s imagination into a message of hope, sharing and harmony. Every colour they create is a small but meaningful step towards a more peaceful future,” Mehra added.
The event concluded with a visit to an art gallery displaying works created by the participating children. Selected artworks are expected to travel to Italy for exhibitions in 2027.
Organisers also said Indian and Italian schools participating in the initiative are expected to be virtually paired to encourage continued cultural exchange centred on peace, empathy and coexistence.
Previous editions of the initiative have been displayed at international events and venues including the G7, Expo Milan, Palazzo Vecchio and the Colosseum.
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'Forced into Russian army’: Telangana woman appeals to Centre to bring husband home
Hyderabad/New Delhi : She further claimed that Kishan contacted her over the phone and informed her that he had been sent to a conflict zone near the Ukraine border.
'Forced into Russian army’: Telangana woman appeals to Centre to bring husband home
A woman from Telangana's Rajanna-Sircilla district has alleged that her husband was cheated by a job agent and forcibly recruited into the Russian Army before being deployed to the war zone near the Ukraine border.
The complainant, Domati Rakshitha, approached the police seeking intervention to secure the safe return of her husband, Domati Kishan, who she claimed travelled to Russia after being promised employment.
According to her complaint, Kishan was looking for employment opportunities and paid Rs 2.5 lakh to Dharnam Srinivas, an agent associated with 'Aditya Manpower' in Sircilla town, after being assured of a job in Russia.
Rakshitha stated that her husband travelled to Russia on September 5, 2026, expecting to take up the promised employment. However, she alleged that he was subsequently deceived and forcibly inducted into the Russian Army against his will.
She further claimed that Kishan contacted her over the phone and informed her that he had been sent to a conflict zone near the Ukraine border.
Seeking immediate intervention from the authorities, Rakshitha urged that action be taken against the agent responsible and that her husband be brought back to India safely.
Yellareddypet Sub-Inspector N Ramesh said police have registered a case against the alleged agent and launched an investigation into the matter.
"We have received a complaint from a woman named Domapati Rakshitha stating that her husband Kishan went to Russia for a job opportunity through Aditya Manpower agent Srinivas. We have registered a case against the agent and are investigating the matter. The woman has requested that her husband be brought back to his native place," the Sub-Inspector said.
The police are investigating the circumstances under which Kishan travelled to Russia, the role of the alleged recruitment agent and the circumstances surrounding his reported induction into the Russian Army.
Rakshitha has sought assistance from the Centre for the safe repatriation of her husband, who she fears is currently in a conflict zone.
Further details are awaited.
