Date:17/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111750720200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

An initiative to encourage students from weaker sections

Staff Reporter

‘Schools into Smiles’ contest aimed at creating awareness among parents

— Photo: M.VEDHAN

Engrossed in their endeavour: Children translating their thoughts into visuals at the ‘Schools into Smiles’ painting competition organised in Chennai on Saturday.

CHENNAI: Through her painting that depicted a woman as a burning candle, N. Bhuvaneshwari, a middle school student, emphasised the need for enabling women to shine brighter with education.

She was one of the participants of the ‘Schools into Smiles’ painting contest organised by the Rotary Centenary Charitable Trust and the Cherian Foundation here on Saturday.

Children from different economic backgrounds, studying in various parts of the State, took part in the competition. The initiative was also aimed at creating awareness among parents.

“Poor awareness among parents and lack of opportunities to shape and showcase their children’s talent has been hindering the progress in education of students of the weaker sections,” said Benjamin Cherian, Chairman of ‘Schools into Smiles’ project.

“Students from 45 schools without proper infrastructure in other parts of the State took part in the competition and the Children’s Day celebration. Many of them have come to Chennai for the first time,” he added. The students interacted with some other students of schools with better infrastructure in the city and enjoyed a tour of the city. They visited various places including the Raj Bhavan, and noted educational institutions.

“At a painting competition, students can live their dreams through paper. Painting opens up their mind and boosts their creativity,” said Sushila Natraj, District Chairman of Inner Wheel District 323.

“Painting will tick their brain into thinking and help them make decisions better with the available options,” said Naina Shah, one of the judges of the Competition.

“Creativity, presentation and the medium will be some of the important factors determining the completeness of the painting in this competition,” said Priya Kathare, another judge.

“Painting makes an individual a better architect. Parents should understand the importance of painting and encourage their children,” said Sarojini Ajith, an architect and one of the judges.

The ‘Schools into Smiles’ project also gives importance to infrastructure in schools of rural areas. “We focus on libraries and science equipment in schools,” said Ms. Natraj.