Art by students on Road Safety

GANGTOK, 22 April: A total of 205 students from 18 schools from and around the capital expressed themselves through colors in the Road Safety Painting Competition on the theme “Causes of Road Accidents and its Prevention” here at Sir Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School on Saturday.
The competition was organized by Sikkim Traffic Police, East District as part of the 23rd Road Safety Awareness Week 2012.  The participating students were divided into junior [Class I to V], middle [Class V to VIII] and senior [Class IX to XII] categories, who painted on the theme. The paintings were judged by artists, Pankaj Thapa, Passang Dorjee and Karma Tenrab.
In the junior category, Sashi Saumya from Holy Cross stood on the first position followed by Abrajit Roy of Holy Cross on second and Manish Pradhan of Kye-di-Khang on third position. The consolation prizes were given to Marmit Lepcha of Modern SS and Jenus Rai of Tadong SSS.
Ratik Kumar Das of Holy Cross, Tulsi Karkidoli and Tsewang Tashi Bhutia of Kyi-de-Khang stood on the first, second and third positions respectively in the middle category. The consolation prizes were received by Chogyal Lama of Modern SS, Shristi Pradhan of Deorali Girls SSS and Hangchha of Bahai School.
In the senior category, Shiva Chettri of TNSSS, Rohit Gupta of Bahai School and Ashish Rai of Kyi-de-Khang were awarded the first, second and third prize respectively, while Jyotika Sharma of Holy Cross, Saumya Bhattacharjee of Army Public School and Sonam Chewang Bhutia of TNA received the consolation prizes.
Speaking to students, Mr Tenrab stressed that art should not be judged but should be understood instead. He encouraged students to pursue their interest in art without worrying about losing or winning. Likewise, Mr Dorjee encouraged young students to continue their efforts to express themselves through art even if people do not acknowledge these expressions. Mr Thapa also encouraged the students to continue with their artistic endeavours to be a successful artist in the coming days.
Speaking to media persons, Superintendent of Police [East], Dr MS Tuli mentioned that the painting competition was among the various activities to be conducted in the Road Safety Week by involving most of the stakeholders like students, drivers and others to create awareness on road safety. He informed that 24 April onwards they will conduct Road Safety patrols and invite the stakeholders to participate in it. The SP further informed that there will also be debates and open forums for free and fair discussions to understand problems and take suggestions from the public.