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The vibrant greenery of the hills and the distinct cultures of indigenous communities are coming alive on the canvases of young artists from Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari in Bangladesh. Through their art, these individuals are shedding light on the lifestyles, heritage, and diverse customs of the hill tracts' indigenous peoples.

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I completed my honours and master's from the Department of Printmaking at Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts. I have been associated with the Indigenous Artists Society from the very beginning.

This initiative is spearheaded by the Indigenous Artists Society, an organization established two years ago by indigenous students and recent graduates from the fine arts departments of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Chittagong University. What began with a small group of six to seven members has now grown to include 14 young artists.

The society's impact extends beyond artistic expression. They have created a fund from the proceeds of their artwork sales, which they use for community support. Notably, the organization recently provided medical assistance to children affected by a measles outbreak in Bandarban, utilizing funds raised from selling their paintings.

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We want to present the authentic life stories of the hill people to everyone through our paintings. These artworks are an effective medium to showcase the diverse lives of the hill people to many people at home and abroad.

Joy Chakma, a member from Khagrachhari, shared his passion for depicting the "lost heritage and culture of the hill people" through his paintings, often featuring elements like Chakma alam, alphabets of different communities, and musical instruments. Jayatu Chakma, the organization's spokesperson, emphasized their goal: "We want to present the authentic life stories of the hill people to everyone through our paintings." He believes their artistic endeavors will not only preserve the region's art and culture but also transmit its history and roots to the younger generation.

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We believe that this struggle of colour and canvas will not only preserve the art and culture of the hills, but also convey the message of their history and roots to the new generation.