August 13
Shimla
The Shimla Ice Skating Club organised a painting competition on Thursday, drawing participation from 42 students representing 12 schools across the city.
In the senior category, Akshat Tanwar of St Edward’s School secured the first position, followed by Akshaj Tegwan of St Edward’s School in second place and Kyra of St Thomas’ School in third.
In the junior category, Kriday Chauhan of Sacred Heart School won the first position. Hridyansh Lohmi of St Edward’s School stood second, while Kashish of Swarn Public School secured third place.
The competition was divided into two categories. Students up to Class 8 were given the theme “Seasons of Shimla”, while those from Classes 9 to 12 worked on “Transformation of Shimla.”
The junior participants creatively depicted Shimla through its changing seasons, with some paintings portraying all four seasons and others focusing on two seasons. Senior students, meanwhile, highlighted the transformation of Shimla by contrasting its old character with its rapidly changing urban landscape.
Students from Chapslee School, St Thomas’ School, JCB Public School, Shimla Public School, Sacred Heart School, Swarn Public School, Loreto Convent Tara Hall School, Auckland House School for Girls, Shalet Day School, Loreto Convent Tara Hall School, St Edward’s School and Dayanand Public School participated in the event.
Sushma Sharma and Jamuna Gurung served as judges. All participants were presented certificates, while the winners and talented performers received trophies and painting-related gifts.
Ice Skating Club secretary Rajat Malhotra said such competitions should be organised regularly to provide children with opportunities to showcase their talent. He said this was the second year of the competition, with participation increasing from 32 students last year to 42 this year.
He said the initiative also aimed to create awareness among children about climate change and environmental conservation. Through the theme “Transformation of Shimla”, students highlighted the contrast between the city’s traditional character and its rapidly changing urban landscape.
“Shimla should not be allowed to turn into a concrete jungle. Its natural and hill-town identity must be preserved,” Malhotra said, adding that the club sought to convey this message through the children’s artwork.
The organisers thanked the participating students, schools, teachers and parents and congratulated the winners. They said more such activities would be encouraged in the future to nurture the growing interest in art among children.
