When creativity filled quadrangle: Art acts as a digital detox at Sadvidya

Mysuru: From the vibrant colours of a 'Magical Garden' to the responsibility of a 'Clean Neighbourhood', the heritage campus of Sadvidya School, Mysuru, transformed into a kaleidoscope of creativity on Saturday.

Over 250 budding artists from schools across the city participated in the Deccan Herald in Education (DHiE) inter-school drawing competition, organised by Deccan Herald and Prajavani in association with Sadvidya Educational Institutions.

Themes

The competition was divided into two categories. While the Juniors (class 4-7) sketched their 'Favourite Animal', ‘ A Magical Garden’ and scenes depicting 'Save Trees, Save Earth', the Seniors (class 8-10) worked on themes 'My School', 'Swachh Bharat' and 'Family Festivals'.

First canvas

Sadvidya honorary secretary M D Gopinath said that a child’s artistic journey often begins at home. "We scold children for spoiling painted walls. But, we must realise that the walls are their first canvas. That innocent scribbling matures into disciplined art," he said.

Seven-colour metaphor

Sadvidya vice-president S Balaji drew a resemblance between Newton’s colour wheel and national integration. "Much like the seven musical notes creating one melody, art reminds us that despite our different backgrounds, we are all Indians first," he said.

Participation is prize

Headmaster Ramachandra Bhat said that participation itself is the prize. “Whether you win or lose, the act of coming forward and creating something is the first victory,” he said.

Highlighting the role of art in holistic development, Deccan Herald Bureau Chief T R Sathish Kumar said that platforms that encourage interaction and expression are essential for students’ growth. Talking about the decline in reading habits among the younger generations, he expressed concern over increased dependency on mobile phones, television and digital media. “We are becoming overly dependent on screens. Developing a reading habit is important for awareness and overall learning,” he said.

Legacy of newspaper

Circulation Senior Manager (TPML) S Prakasha highlighted the legacy of the newspapers, reminding the students that the Prajavani office celebrated the very first Kannada Rajyotsava. He encouraged the students to cultivate reading habits to succeed in the competitive world, stating that newspapers remain the most affordable and effective tool for gaining knowledge.

Creative freedom

"Drawing aids the development of a child's mind. It requires imagination to fill a blank page," artist H S Dharmendra said. The other judges were Desai Somesh, G Mahesh and Chandrakala M N.

Students voice

“It was exciting to imagine a story and put it on paper, instead of just copying an image,” participant Gagan said.

“It was a great opportunity for us to show our talent,” Vedika, Sharmila and Mercy from Marimallappa School said. PaperBoat had sponsored beverages for the students and parents, while the school had arranged lunch.

The prize winners are: Junior category - Abhinandan S Gavimath, Baden Powell Public School (first); Niruthi Praveen, NPSI Mysore (second); Pragathi Shree, Delhi Public School (third); and Nakshatra (CFTRI), Yash Gowda U. (Nypunya School), Rishika Varsha (KNC Innovative Global School), Vivek M (Eshwar Vidyalaya) and Jashwanth L (St Francis) consolation prizes.

Senior category winners are: Danish Ahmed, Delhi Public School (first); Dhanushri M, Sadvidya High School (second); Darpana S P, Tirumala Public School (third); and Kshti S (SJCSV), Sai Deeksha (GSSS), Skanda D (Sadvidya High School), Subiksha M (Ideal Jawa Rotary School) and Vismitha R (St Maria De Mattias School, Mandya) consolation prizes.