Wayanad: Land of Nature, Heritage, and Resilience

Wayanad, a verdant district nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a land where nature, history, and culture intertwine. Renowned for its mist-covered mountains, spice plantations, and vibrant wildlife, it stands among one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots—home to elephants, tigers, leopards, and countless species of birds, insects and plants.

Beyond its breathtaking beauty, Wayanad is also one of Asia’s oldest human settlements. The prehistoric carvings of the Edakkal Caves on Ambukuthi Hills stand as silent witnesses to a civilization that thrived here thousands of years ago.

The Indigenous Heart of Wayanad

The district is home to several indigenous and ancient tribes—including the Paniyas, Adiyas, Kurumas, Kurichyas and Kattunayakans—each preserving unique languages, traditions, art and dance forms, the different ways of their life deeply connected to the forest and nature.

However, migration, colonization, deforestation, and modernization have disrupted their lands and livelihoods. The region’s hill ranges, valleys, and forests, though breathtaking, are equally challenging—frequent natural changes, landslides, wildlife encounters, and harsh weather make daily life difficult, often limiting access to education, healthcare, and transportation.

Today, many tribal families work for small-scale farmers and large estates, living close to nature but facing ongoing challenges of poverty, disease, land loss, and limited access to basic services.

Despite these hardships, the spirit of Wayanad’s people remains strong—rich in creativity, culture, resilience, and connection to the land. It is this spirit that inspires ARTONE’s mission: to create education rooted in art, culture, and community—where creativity becomes a bridge between tradition and transformation.

Education in Wayanad

Education has always been a challenge in this region. In recent years, there have been many changes. As of October 1, 2025, there are a total of 301 schools in Wayanad District—comprising 149 Lower Primary Schools, 79 Upper Primary Schools, 29 High Schools, 32 Higher Secondary Schools, 6 Vocational Higher Secondary Schools, and 6 Special Schools (source: wayanad.gov.in).

However, there is still no public-sector school focused on art and creativity. The district also has 8 CBSE schools—most of them privately managed—and 1 ICSE school. In addition, there is a District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) at Sultan Bathery, along with a Kendriya Vidyalaya and a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (source: wayanad.gov.in)

Tribal Education

Educating and training Wayanad’s diverse tribal communities has always been a major challenge. Many children are unable to complete even their basic education, and school dropout rates remain high. As noted on the Wayanad Government website, “The education of the tribal population is still a big problem. Despite many efforts, they have not yet been fully brought into the mainstream. Many are admitted to schools, but they do not remain.”

Over the years, several NGOs and public organizations have attempted to address this issue, but most initiatives have struggled to achieve lasting results. One remarkable exception was KANAVU by K J Baby, which successfully created a community-based education system that celebrated tribal identity, language, and creativity.

The government report also notes that “the only consolation is the residential schools located in remote areas, which are better equipped and well-run.” However, the need for a more inclusive, culturally rooted, and creative educational model remains critical.

Why Tribal Students Struggle?

From our (ARTONE) experience and engagement with local communities, the reasons are clear:

• Lack of cultural connection and freedom in learning – The curriculum often feels distant from their life and traditions.

• Few teachers from their own communities – Students rarely see role models who speak their language or understand their worldview.

• Language barriers – Many tribal children speak native dialects, making it difficult to follow lessons in Malayalam or English.

• A school system that feels restrictive – Their natural learning style—rooted in experience, nature, and storytelling—often doesn’t fit the conventional model.

Higher Education: Progress & Gaps

Higher education in Wayanad has long been one of the region’s greatest challenges.
Students who complete basic schooling are often forced to leave the district in search of colleges and universities in neighboring districts or even other states. The region continues to lack sufficient skill development and vocational training centers, limiting opportunities for local youth.

As noted on the Wayanad Government website, “During the past, higher education in Wayanad was a big problem. Most of the students have to go to adjacent districts to satisfy their higher education needs.”

In recent years, Wayanad has made notable progress with the establishment of six first-grade colleges, two polytechnics, one Industrial Training Institute, four B.Ed. centers, three Teacher Training Institutes, an Engineering College, a Veterinary College, and an Institute of Hotel Management (source: wayanad.gov.in).

The Missing Link: Creative Education

While this progress is encouraging, a significant gap remains in art and creative education—a vital component of holistic learning and emotional development.
Most local schools still lack trained art and craft teachers, leaving children without early exposure to creativity, imagination, and self-expression. This absence not only limits intellectual growth but can also contribute to learning difficulties, emotional distress, and developmental challenges.

Lack of creative engagement is one of the underlying reasons for school dropouts, often leading to larger social issues such as depression, substance abuse, behavioral problems, and even suicide.

Losing Our Creative Talent

Another pressing concern is the migration of young creative minds.
As the government website notes, “Most of the students have to go to adjacent districts and states to satisfy their higher education needs.” For those pursuing art and creative studies, the situation remains unchanged—they are still forced to leave the district, a reality many families simply cannot afford.

Even among those who can, few return, drawn by better infrastructure, opportunities, and living conditions elsewhere. Over time, this outmigration has created a cultural and creative void within Wayanad’s education system and society.

ARTONE’s Vision

ARTONE recognizes both the progress and the gaps.
Our mission is to fill this void by creating an accessible, community-rooted platform for art and creative education—a place where local talent can learn, grow, and contribute back to Wayanad’s cultural and educational landscape.

ARTONE's 'Education Through Art" Solution.

ARTONE offers a smart and creative solution to transform education in Wayanad and beyond.
We believe art is more than a subject—it’s a bridge between tradition, identity, and imagination.

Our philosophy of “Educating Through Art and Empowering Through Creativity” nurtures learning as a way of both enjoyment and living.
By integrating art, craft, play, and storytelling from early childhood, we inspire young minds to see the world with curiosity, confidence, and wonder.

As Wayanad’s first KGCE-approved Art School, ARTONE creates local, inclusive, and creative pathways for future art educators—especially from tribal and underprivileged communities.
We train teachers to teach in their native languages and cultural expressions, keeping heritage alive while embracing innovation.

Inspired by K.J. Baby’s Kanavu model, we believe education should grow from culture, nature, and imagination—a journey of belonging, creativity, and self-reliance.

Result oriented:

Today, 85% of our students come from tribal and underprivileged backgrounds, reflecting our deep commitment to accessibility, equity, and empowerment. our weekend class attend up to 45 students.

At ARTONE, we’re not just teaching art—
we’re nurturing a self-sustaining creative ecosystem for Wayanad.

At ARTONE School of Art & Animation, we carry forward the spirit of KANAVU.
We are reimagining Mr. K. J. Baby’s dream—now with government affiliation and KGCE certification—to make creative, inclusive education accessible to all.

In today’s fast-moving world, slowing down to learn through experience, creativity, patience, and nature is a challenge—but it’s one we proudly embrace.

Our focus is on empowering tribal and rural students, giving them the freedom to express, create, and grow through art.
Upon completion, students receive a Kerala Government Certificate Examination (KGCE) certification—opening pathways to earn, sustain, and contribute as artists, educators, and community change-makers.

At ARTONE, Kanavu lives on—
a dream rekindled, where learning is life, and every child finds their voice through art.

More about: KJ Baby & Kanavu