AkzoNobel’s “Let’s Colour” paints hope in remote villages

AkzoNobel India has completed a remarkable “Let’s Colour” initiative in three remote villages in Himachal Pradesh, showcasing the transformative power of paint in one of the highest inhabited regions of the world. The project revitalized homes, schools, monasteries, and key landmarks in Komic, Hikkim, and Langza—villages located at over 15,000 feet above sea level in the Spiti Valley.

Rahul Jain, ADC of Kaza, inaugurated the event with a lamp-lighting ceremony in front of the Lord Buddha statue, alongside lamas from local monasteries and over 100 village residents. The initiative brought together 20 painters who used more than 10,500 liters of AkzoNobel’s Dulux Weathershield paint, providing long-lasting protection against the region’s extreme winter temperatures, which often drop below -25°C.

“This is more than a ‘Let’s Colour’ project; it symbolizes AkzoNobel’s commitment to creating a brighter future for communities anywhere in the world,” said Rajiv Rajgopal, Chairman and Managing Director of Akzo Nobel India. “While we’ve beautified the homes and monasteries of these remote Himalayan villages, we’ve also provided enduring protection against harsh winters and helped preserve the region’s rich Buddhist cultural heritage.”

The transformation, completed over four months, covered a total of 300,000 sq. feet, including more than 100 homes, three schools, three monasteries, eight cafés, and 12 homestays. Iconic buildings like the 14th-century Tangyud Monastery and the Komic Museum were also restored. A vibrant palette reflecting Buddhist traditions—blues for compassion, whites for purity, and reds for blessings—was used to infuse the village spaces with color and meaning.

Rajgopal expressed pride in the initiative, noting that AkzoNobel’s global “Let’s Colour” program, launched in 2009, has now touched over 100 million people across 46 countries. This effort in Himachal Pradesh adds to the company’s growing legacy of using paint to uplift communities and inspire positive change worldwide.

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