Latest news with #Specta


Business Standard
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik joins Specta and CRY's 'Colouring Dreams' campaign with Live Sand Art for children's creative future
SMPL Puri (Odisha) [India], August 1: Specta Quartz Surfaces, India's leading luxury quartz brand, and CRY (Child Rights and You), one of India's foremost child rights organisations, are proud to announce a landmark collaboration with acclaimed sand artist Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik as part of their ongoing campaign, "Colouring Dreams of India's Children." Launched with the mission to support the artistic development of children in underserved areas across the country, "Colouring Dreams of India's Children" takes a powerful leap forward with Sudarsan Pattnaik's participation. Globally renowned for his evocative seashore sand art that conveys messages of social importance, he has created a live sand sculpture to visually narrate the spirit of the initiative--giving India's children the tools and confidence to dream in colour. At the heart of this engagement is a deeply personal connection: as a child growing up in Puri, Odisha, Pattnaik often turned to sand as his only medium for expression due to the unavailability of art materials. His journey from those early struggles to global recognition mirrors the very essence of this campaign--nurturing creativity in the face of adversity. The artwork has been created at Niladri Beach in Puri, Odisha, as a statement of hope and inspiration for children across the country. Reflecting on the collaboration, Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik said, "I began my artistic journey using sand because there were no other options. Today, I'm honoured to help children across India find their own creative paths. This campaign is a full-circle moment for me--proof that with a little support, dreams can indeed be coloured into reality." The central artwork, conceptualised by Specta and CRY and brought to life by Pattnaik, features two children representing the quintessence of childhood. The figurines standing with outstretched arms symbolise freedom and hope, and celebrate the pure joy of expression. The image prominently bears the words "Colouring Dreams of India's Children", with the Specta and CRY logos standing in partnership. Ankit Jain, Founder of Specta Quartz Surfaces commented on the partnership, adding, "At Specta, we firmly believe that every child has artistic potential and needs the right tools to nudge it out. We are thrilled to welcome Padma Shri Sudarsan Pattnaik to this joint campaign with CRY, as his story resonates deeply with what we stand for--empowering children to create, dream and flourish." Through this initiative, proceeds from the sales of Specta's newly launched Pastel Poise collection will enable CRY to provide essential art materials, conduct community art workshops, and build inclusive spaces where children can freely express their imaginations. "Sudarsan Ji's involvement adds life and colour to this campaign, as it accentuates its central message," said Puja Marwaha, CEO of CRY. She said, "At CRY, we believe when we give our children space and opportunity to think freely and express creatively, we nurture not just their potential but the future of our society. A nation that encourages its children to imagine and express, by default guarantees a future where children don't just grow, but begin to shape the world around them. Hence, for us, nurturing children's imagination is investing in the future of our nation." The unveiling of this special sand art installation marks a poignant milestone in the campaign--transforming a shared vision into a powerful symbol of encourages customers and partners to support the cause by choosing the Pastel Poise slabs--a step toward homes filled with colour, and a country where every child has the tools to dream big. Through this meaningful collaboration, Specta and CRY aim to turn colour into a catalyst for change and use art as a tool to empower, uplift and inspire children. As the "Colouring Dreams of India's Children" campaign unfolds, the organisations will jointly work towards empowering underprivileged children throughout the nation. About Specta Quartz Surfaces Specta is a luxury Indian brand redefining design excellence with its high-quality engineered quartz surfaces. Leveraging the most advanced Breton technology from Italy, it creates exceptional stone surfaces known for their durability, cutting-edge designs and timeless elegance. With a commitment to artistry and innovation, Specta transforms ordinary quartz into extraordinary creations that elevate spaces worldwide. For more information, visit About CRY CRY - Child Rights and You is a leading Indian non-profit organization working to ensure children's rights for over four decades. Founded in 1979, CRY collaborates with grassroots communities and local authorities to create sustainable change in the lives of underserved children across India. The organization works across areas such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection from exploitation and abuse, with the goal of ensuring a happy, healthy, and creative childhood for every child. CRY's efforts have impacted the lives of over 20 lakh children through projects across 20 states. To learn more, visit


News18
27-04-2025
- Health
- News18
Pastels And Psychology: Why Calming Colours are Shaping the Future of Interior Design
Whether through the introduction of pastel-hued surfaces in homes or the integration of calming colours into office designs, the future of interiors looks promisingly serene In the world of interior design, colour has always played an essential role in creating ambience and setting the tone of a space. However, recent trends in colour psychology are elevating its importance, as experts begin to realize the profound impact that specific hues have on human emotions and well-being. One of the most significant shifts has been the growing popularity of calming pastel tones, which are increasingly making their way into homes and workplaces alike. The Power of Pastels: A Gateway to Calm As Ankit Jain, Founder, Specta Quartz Surfaces, explains, 'Colour psychology is increasingly reshaping interior design, offering subtle yet impactful ways to influence the energy and emotion of a space." He points out that humans are visual creatures, receiving nearly 87% of all sensory information through the perception of colour. This means that the colours we choose for our environments have a profound effect on our moods and emotional states. Pastel hues such as soft blues, lavender, greens, and pinks are not only pleasing to the eye but are also scientifically proven to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. 'Subtle hues of blue, lavender, green, and pink don't just look beautiful—they're proven to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm," says Jain. These colours are increasingly popular in spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, where individuals are looking to create sanctuaries that support mental well-being. At Specta, Jain has witnessed a significant demand for pastel-inspired designs. 'We introduced the Pastel Poise collection—four curated shades inspired by the serenity of spring and global biophilic design movements, which promote natural and healing environments. Our aim is to create surfaces that not only elevate interiors but also nurture the people living within them," he adds. This blend of soothing colour and thoughtful design speaks to a growing desire for interiors that support emotional and physical health. Beyond the home, calming colours are becoming increasingly important in professional spaces. Sammeer Pakvasa, Managing Director & CEO, Eleganz Interiors, highlights how these tones are transforming the modern workspace. 'In today's fast-paced work culture, calming colors are proving to be more than just aesthetic choices—they're essential tools in creating mindful, productive environments." Soft pastel shades like sage green, blush pink, and powder blue are being integrated into office spaces to foster clarity, creativity, and emotional balance. These colours not only help to reduce stress but also boost focus, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that encourages both well-being and performance. Pakvasa emphasizes that colour psychology is central to human-centric design. 'At Eleganz Interiors, we believe color psychology is central to human-centric design. There's a rising demand for workplaces that not only look beautiful but also feel nurturing," he shares. By thoughtfully combining pastel tones with the right materials and lighting, designers like Pakvasa aim to create spaces that nurture both emotional comfort and professional excellence. 'As the interior design landscape evolves, calming colours will continue to shape not only environments but also the experiences within them," he predicts. The Future of Design: A Blend of Aesthetics and Well-being As our understanding of colour psychology deepens, it becomes clear that the future of interior design is one where aesthetics and emotional well-being go hand in hand. Pastel colours, once considered merely a trend, are now seen as essential elements in creating spaces that support mental health and productivity. From homes to offices, these soothing tones are transforming environments into sanctuaries of calm and clarity. Whether through the introduction of pastel-hued surfaces in homes or the integration of calming colours into office designs, the future of interiors looks promisingly serene. Thanks to experts like Jain and Pakvasa, we are learning that design is not just about how a space looks, but also how it makes us feel. And in a world that moves faster every day, the importance of creating nurturing environments where people can relax, focus, and thrive has never been more important. First Published: April 27, 2025, 12:11 IST