A State Level Painting Competition on Energy Conservation which was organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, NEEPCO, and the Department of Education was held at Hotel De Oriental Grand, Kohima on 14 November.

Principal Director of School Education, Thavaseelan. K, IAS, mentioned that art is a universal form of expression and increases motor skills.

He said there is a misconception that paintings and drawings only encourage creative skills. Art is essential for physical, emotional and mental well-being, he said, adding that art is an expression of both the abstract and the real world.

He told the students that art can help them discover and understand things about themselves that they never recognised before and that there is immense potential in this field. He further said the competition would give a wonderful platform to students and would boost their confidence, helping many to take it up as a career.

On energy conservation, Thavaseelan said unless everyone makes an effort towards it the future of humankind looks bleak. He concluded by telling the students that they are responsible for their lives and that they should have a ‘goal mindset’ which will make them focus on the process of getting their particular goals in life.

Principal Director, School Education, Thavaseelan K, was presented with the painting of the winner.

The judges at the competition encouraged the children who took part in the competition to focus on their uniqueness of being an artist and that they should always spread important messages through their artwork.

The first prize in the competition was bagged by A Bedila from Community Education Center, Dimapur; second prize went to Keningulie Vizo from High Mountain School Dimapur; and third prize went to Reeva Sharma from Hope Academy School, Dimapur.