Mumbai: As a tribute to every child’s question, Child Rights and You (CRY) has unveiled its art installation Curiosity at the Kala Ghoda Festival. Conceptualised and created by artist Ankit Khurana, Founder of Botanical Bias, the installation brings the theme of wonder and inquiry to the forefront.
Inspired by the timeless fable of the blind men and the elephant, the artwork has been constructed using locally sourced, sustainable materials, reflecting the artist’s commitment to the environment. In the fable, each man touches only one part of the elephant and forms his own version of truth—mistaking it for a snake, a tree trunk, or a spear—unaware that together, their experiences reveal the complete picture. Curiosity becomes the bridge between these fragments, asking What if? Why? What more? and transforming partial truths into deeper understanding.
While science helps explain what we observe, curiosity fuels problem-solving, creativity, persistence, emotional well-being, and academic achievement. Curious children do not just learn more—they learn better. Research by Harvard psychologist Paul Harris suggests that children ask nearly 40,000 questions between the ages of two and five—40,000 sparks of discovery and steps toward understanding the unknown. Developmental thinkers such as Jean Piaget and Jerome Kagan have long emphasised that questioning is central to how children grow and learn.
History, too, bears testimony to the power of curiosity. From Leonardo da Vinci to Nikola Tesla, and from pioneering inventors to today’s most disruptive innovations, relentless curiosity has been the common thread. It is how societies evolve, progress, and ultimately change the world.
Kreeanne Rabadi, Regional Director, CRY – West, said the installation reflects the organisation’s long-standing work with children. “At CRY, curiosity is viewed as a vital lever for a child’s growth. Through STEM centres, creative learning spaces, and child-centred classrooms, we nurture environments where questions are welcomed and imagination is encouraged. Teachers are trained to create safe spaces for inquiry, parents are supported in nurturing exploration at home, and children are inspired to question the world around them.”
The installation will be on display till February 8, 2026, at Rampant Row, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai.
