In Sanskrit, the word Kalakaar means “Artist.” Kalakaar is the annual international photography competition that is held for all ages. It is a free contest that offers many exciting prizes for winners. The main objective of the Kalakaar competition it to create an opportunity for kids to express creativity and help spread awareness about Vibha and help children in need.

Kalakaar is one of Vibha’s efforts to catalyze social change globally. By making the entry to this event free, Vibha hoped to engage with every individual who wishes to make a positive difference in the life of the underprivileged child, whether it be a volunteer, donor, or sponsor. Kalakaar is a vehicle to spread awareness about Vibha and its cause.
Kalakaar started off as a small event in 2009 at the Minnesota action center. It grew in popularity as word spread and allowed for Vibha to host this event at the national level starting in 2012.

The themes for Kalakaar 2016 were: Education, Joy of Sharing, and Expression. The contest was held from August 15th-September 26th where Vibha accepted 459 entries of the 567 participants that contributed. This competition was open to all ages worldwide with 17 judges that helped determine winners.

Shibashish Saha, awarded the grand prize, was given a $250 gift card, 2 hours of online leadership coaching from Sirius Leadership Coaching (a $600 value), an annual subscription to Feeln.com (a $35 value), and an opportunity to benefit a Vibha supported project while Vibha Seattle donates $200 to a project of his choice.
First prize for each theme received a $50 gift card and an annual subscription to Feeln.com.

Second prize for each theme received an annual subscription to Feeln.com
If that was not enough, all winners also received certificates provided by CertLog, 20 labels by FindOwner.me with 2 free promo codes, and their photos will be showcased on any Vibha social media, website, and press releases.

Other giveaways/benefits included 20 FindOwner.me labels and one free promo code for the first 100 entries, 20 photos will be hand-picked as “Vibha Exceptional” photos and last but not least, 2 winners will be randomly picked to have the opportunity to choose one Vibha project to which the Kalakaar team will donate $200 towards.

Without the work and determination of Vibha, its donors and sponsors and volunteers, this event would not have been possible. Thank you to everyone who has helped Vibha and Kalakaar grow into what they are today. And congratulations to Shibashish, Arindam, Rajesh, and Sudipto for your beautiful creations and efforts in raising awareness about Vibha.

Here is a big shout-out to all those who participated in Kalakaar 2016 and produced some exceptional pieces of photography. Here are the winning entries from this year’s competition:

First Prize: Expressions - "Let there be Hope" by Arindam Thokder

First Prize: Education - "The Student" by Rajesh Dhar

First Prize: Joy of Sharing - "Happy to Share" by Sudipto Das