Parkala: The Swarna Harusha Children’s Drawing Competition, held as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Netaji Sports Club, showcased the creative spirit of young artists while emphasising the transformative impact of art on children’s emotional well-being. The prize distribution ceremony was conducted in memory of the late teacher Shankar Kulal, drawing participation from 350 students across multiple schools.
Experts stress creativity as a tool for positivity
Addressing the gathering, Dr P. V. Bhandari, Medical Superintendent and Psychiatrist at Dr A. V. Baliga Hospital, Doddanagudde, said today’s children are easily distracted by digital influences, often developing negative tendencies at a young age.
He noted that art, music, sports, and creative hobbies have the power to redirect their minds towards positive growth.
“Creative activities transform negativity into positive energy. Parents must encourage such hobbies to safeguard children’s mental well-being,” he said.
Guests celebrate the healing power of art
Chief Guest Ramesh Rao, senior artist and President of Udupi Artists’ Forum, praised the competition, saying:
“Art carries us beyond imagination. It brings joy, erases worries, and flowers happiness in the mind. Everyone should embrace art as a hobby.”
Presiding over the programme, Ramamoorthy Bhat observed that drawing competitions help children break monotony and relieve stress.
A live one-hour watercolour demonstration by Manipal artist Satishchandra captivated the audience.
Dignitaries present included Manjunath Manipal, Chairman of the Standing Committee, Udupi City Municipality; Dinesh Hegde Atradi, Secretary, Parkala Education Society; Saku Pangala, Secretary, Artists’ Forum Udupi; and Tara Shashank from Global Edge Software, Bengaluru.
Club acknowledges contributors
Club President Balakrishna Parkala welcomed the gathering, while Mahesh Prabhu delivered the vote of thanks.
Prize distribution arrangements were coordinated by Treasurer Ravindra Acharya.
Prize Winners
Kindergarten Category
- Bhaktishree Bayari – Vidyodaya, Udupi
- Venkatesh Vamshi Krishna – Vidyodaya, Udupi
- Anay Shettigar – St Mary’s, Udupi
Consolation:
Agnya Acharya, Nachiketa Saralebettu, Sadhvin (Christ School, Manipal); Sangatya (SMS Brahmavar); Suchith K. (Parkala); Lakshya D. Poojary (Little Rock, Brahmavar); Dithya Nayak (Madhav Kripa, Manipal); Yadvi Devadiga (Karnataka Public School, Hiriyadka)
Primary Category
- Arya Pai – Podar International School
- Bhavani – Vidyodaya, Udupi
- Namyashree – G.M. Vidyaniketan, Brahmavar
Consolation:
Adheesh Poojari (Kajaraguttu); Vasavi Puttran (S.R. Public School, Hebri); Vedant Shetty, Bhanvishree (G.M. Vidyaniketan, Brahmavar); Ranya Rao (Vidyodaya, Udupi); Binisha Nayak, Bhargavi, Megul, Himami Kaker, Harshik Kundar (Madhav Kripa, Manipal); Prahlad Nayak (Podar International); Brindashree Shetty (Karnataka Public School, Hiriyadka); Anushka Nayak (Green Park, Hiriyadka)
Higher Primary Category
- Prabhat Udupa – Amrita Bharati, Hebri
- Praneeth – Amrita Bharati, Hebri
- Hiranmayi Bhat – Madhav Kripa, Manipal
Consolation:
Varsha Kamath, Dhyanesh Kulal, Rishabh Bhandari (Madhav Kripa, Manipal); Shamant Acharya (Basel Mission, Parkala); Karthik Prabhu (Green Park, Hiriyadka); Niharika (Vidyodaya, Udupi); Chinmayi Shetty (Rashtrotthana, Cherkadi); Viyan Devadiga (Christ King, Manipal); Nikhil (Perduru School); Tejas Shetty (G.M. Vidyaniketan, Brahmavar)
High School Category
- Vineesh Acharya – S.R. Public School, Hebri
- Krishna Prasad – Amrita Bharati, Hebri
- Prithviraj – Vidyodaya, Udupi
Consolation:
Pratham Kamath (Shanthiniketan, Alevur); Aditi (Government Girls’ High School, Udupi); Viksheeth (Parkala High School); Bindushree Shetty (Karnataka Public School, Hiriyadka)
