“Empowering minds, inspiring change: Arts and education as catalysts for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: pradeep@newsobahrain.com

The world stands at a critical juncture, facing urgent challenges like climate change and deepening inequalities. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a roadmap for a better future by 2030.

Yet, while policies and frameworks are crucial, Dr. Nidhi S. Menon, Assistant Professor at the University of Technology Bahrain, argues that the arts - dance, music, and theatre - hold untapped power to propel this global mission forward.

Dance: A Universal Language Breaking Boundaries

“Dance is the ultimate universal language,” Dr. Menon begins, with a passion that underscores her belief.

The grace and intensity of dance, she explains, have the power to cut through cultural barriers, making complex themes like environmental crisis or cultural appreciation understandable and moving. “Imagine a performance that not only tells but shows the story of our planet’s urgency.

It leaves an imprint,” she notes. When sustainability is woven into dance festivals, it’s more than entertainment - it’s a call to action, challenging audiences to reflect and engage.

Music: Mobilizing the Heartbeat of Change

Music, Dr. Menon continues, can be just as electrifying and transformative.

“Music can light a fire in people,” she says, her words vivid with conviction. A well-composed song about gender equality or environmental stewardship doesn’t just raise awareness; it strikes a chord, urging listeners to act. Dr. Menon sees the potential in concerts designed around the SDGs, where the atmosphere becomes one of unity and purpose.

“Music can turn gatherings into movements, bringing the community together to push for real change,” she adds, imagining the ripple effect of such initiatives.

Theatre: Crafting Stories That Demand Action

For Dr. Menon, theatre holds a special place.

Her recent directorial work, ‘Bhayaprasthav’, serves as a striking example. Inspired by SDG 15, ‘Life on Land’, the production tackled environmental degradation and the human toll on biodiversity.

“Theatre can bring abstract issues like climate displacement to life, making them real and relatable,” she says, her voice filled with urgency.

She describes how audiences left ‘Bhayaprasthav’ with a newfound commitment to environmental conservation, having been drawn into the story’s emotional heart “This art form makes you think, and act,” Dr. Menon asserts, recognizing its potential to mobilize advocates in every community.

The Academic Perspective: Bridging Knowledge and Creativity

An accomplished academic, Dr. Menon sees universities as pivotal in leveraging the arts to achieve the SDGs. “Institutions have the resources and influence to make a difference,” she points out. By embedding the SDGs into academic programs, encouraging artist-student collaborations, and conducting actionable research, universities can lead the way in sustainable innovation. “It’s about empowerment,” Dr. Menon explains.

“We must prepare the next generation to be creative change-makers.”

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

As our conversation draws to a close, Dr. Menon’s vision emerges clearly - a world where art is more than an aesthetic experience, but a force for good. “Art is a catalyst,” she says, her words laced with hope and determination.

By using the arts to engage and inspire, she believes we can transform the SDGs from lofty aspirations to lived realities.

“Every artistic creation sparks a movement toward sustainability—this is the power we must embrace.”

“Achieving the SDGs and Vision 2030 is more than policy—it’s a call for each of us to embrace these goals for a sustainable future, driven by creative action and inspiring ideas.”

For Dr. Menon, the journey to 2030 is not just about policy, it’s about people, creativity, and the undeniable impact of the arts.