Times-NIE painting contest throws up bright conservation ideas

NAGPUR: The colourful moment finally arrived on Saturday morning. For, it was Times-NIE colour splash competition 2014-15 sponsored by companies such as BP, HP, IOC, PCRA, etc. Nearly 200 students from 35 schools gathered at the BPCL grounds on Temple Road to express their ideas on the canvas.
The venue was buzzing with activity as the canvas, colour and creativity came out in full flow.The event coincided with Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight to create awareness about saving oil and energy. Mili Well-known artist Pandey Vikamshi was the chief guest and judge of the event. High ranking oil officials were also present.
The contest was categorized into two sections – juniors and seniors. The topic for juniors was Swachh Bharat Abhiyan while it was oil conservation for seniors.
Class VII student Ayush Rajesh Gupta from St John’s School was adjudged winner in seniors category. He made a painting on oil conservation with the caption, ‘Be true to yourself and protect earth’. “Today I learnt the importance of natural resources and ways to protect them,” Gupta said after receiving the prize.
Akansha Bose of Montfort School bagged the second place. Bhavika Waghdhare of Centre Point School, Wardhaman Nagar stood third while Piyush Dandekar of Kendriya Vidayala, Ajni, got consolation prize.
In the junior category, Class VI student Aman Verma of Centre Point School, Amravati Bypass, clinched the trophy. “The competition made me think about ways to keep our country neat and tidy like foreign countries. I am delighted to win the prize,” he said
Aryan of Neeri Modern stood second while Shravani Nanoti (third) and Gauri Kaple of Somalwar Nikalas (consolation prizes) were the other contestants.
Sonali Khaparde, teacher at Central India Public School, Kapsi, found the event insightful. She said, “The event has given students an opportunity to exhibit their latent talent. It has also helped them to sharpen their creative faculties and consider it as a career option.”
Those who could not win returned with lots of learning after expressing their thoughts through colours.