They painted, painted and painted. Twelve artists painted throughout the day with a single theme. But in the evening, they came out with 12 different paintings, carrying hundreds of brilliant explanations.

At least for Sunday, the auditorium of SDM Law College in the City, was converted into a laboratory of highly skilled professional artists of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

As per the request of Mangalore Janajagruthi Vedike, the artists spread their ideas on separate canvasses, raising their voice against alcoholism and drug addiction. For them, only brushes and paints were the sharp weapons against these deep-rooted social evils.

“This is in fact a great opportunity for us to record our views against the social evils through on-the-spot paintings. Paintings are permanent and they can easily impress the viewers,” said senior artist Ganesh Somayaji, speaking to Deccan Herald. Even all other artists felt happy over the idea that the Vedike is going to display their paintings at all the colleges in Mangalore with an intention of creating awareness among the youngsters.
Mr Somayaji entitled his work (acrylic) “Escape,” where an addicted person was shown trying to escape from the evils, indicated through spikes and a sword. As he explained, the person was running towards his family, that is, his social responsibility.

Another artist Permude Mohan Kumar titled his work (oil painting) as “Mrutyuvinedege” (towards death), where a skeleton seen grieving over its fate, lying in front of a liquor bottle. Meanwhile, art teacher N S Pattar in his acrylic work took a positive note where he suggested to “drink knowledge”.

The works of Rajendra Kedige, Anil Devadiga, Kandan G, Ravi M R Sullia were also impressive.
Anand Bedrala, Basavaraj Kutni, Purushottam Adve, Prashanth and Naveen are the other artists took part in the unique Varna Jagruthi.

Earlier in the morning, Karavali Group of Colleges Chairman S Ganesh Rao inaugurated the programme.
In his presidential address, VTU former vice chancellor Dr K Balaveera Reddy appealed parents to take sufficient precautions to prevent their children from being attracted towards evil habits.
He also advised the Janajagruthi Vedike to form committees in every college and organise awareness camps there on a monthly basis.

Entrepreneur A Moideen, Vedike heads Vasanth Salian, Mohammed Ismail were present.