Inter-school painting contest winners get UN awards

NEW DELHI - Winners of an inter-school painting competition, which aimed at promoting awareness of hunger and malnutrition issues among the youth, were awarded by the UN in the capital Saturday.

Hosted by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), hundreds of students from 18 schools in the National Capital Region — comprising Delhi and its suburban towns in adjoining Uttar Pradesh and Haryana — participated in the event.

“It is very encouraging to see the concern and compassion the younger generation has for people who never have enough to eat. Through their paintings, the students have not only reflected the difficulties that the poor in the world face, but have also explored solutions,” said Yeshiwork Aberu, WFP head of operations unit in India.

The painting competition attracted entries from around 1,700 students ranging from classes five to twelve who were divided into four groups of two classes each.

“What we need is firm commitment and persistent efforts. I am sure the participation of these students in this endeavour will pave way for a greater civil society movement against poverty and hunger,” Aberu added.

The awards were given away by Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution K.V.Thomas.

“Each category of paintings was judged by an independent expert in a particular field of art, from photography to sculpture to graphic design. Winners received prizes ranging from digital cameras to DVD players,” a WFP official said.

Around 180 consolation prizes were also awarded and all the participants were given a T-shirt and a certificate. The prizes were sponsored by the Britannia Nutrition Foundation, the official added.