As part of the Independence Day Celebrations 2026, the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with MyGov, has launched a nationwide Painting Competition on the theme "India 1947 vs India 2047". The contest invites citizens to creatively showcase India's remarkable journey from independence to its vision for the future as it approaches the centenary year of freedom.
Embracing Our Differences 2027 - International Art Contest
The Embracing Our Differences organization has officially announced its 2027 Exhibition Call for Art, inviting artists, students, and creatives from around the world to submit original artworks that celebrate inclusion, diversity, kindness, and human connection.
The submission deadline for the international juried exhibition is 1 July 2026, with selected artworks to be displayed in a large-scale outdoor exhibition across Southwest Florida in early 2027.
Art as a Tool for Social Change
The annual exhibition is built around the theme “Embracing Our Differences,” encouraging artists to explore the richness of human identity, culture, and experience. Organizers believe that art has the power to inspire empathy, encourage dialogue, and promote positive social change without the need for words.
Participants are invited to create works reflecting themes such as:
- Inclusivity and acceptance
- Celebrating individuality
- Resilience against discrimination and bullying
- Cultural understanding and community connection
- Kindness, empathy, and shared humanity
International Outdoor Exhibition
Selected artworks will become part of a public outdoor exhibition featuring 50 billboard-sized images, each measuring approximately 16 feet wide by 12.5 feet high. Every displayed artwork will be accompanied by an inspiring quotation connected to the exhibition’s theme.
The exhibition is scheduled to be displayed from mid-January through April 2027 at multiple locations along Florida’s Cultural Coast in Southwest Florida.
Since its launch in 2004, the exhibition has reportedly welcomed more than 5.2 million visitors, while its educational programs have reached over 693,500 students.
Awards and Recognition
The competition offers a total of $6,000 in cash awards, distributed across three categories:
- Best-in-Show Adult: $2,000
- Best-in-Show Student: $2,000
- People’s Choice Award: $2,000
The People’s Choice Award will be determined through votes from exhibition visitors.
Submission Requirements
Before submitting, artists must ensure that their artwork follows specific technical guidelines:
- Artwork must be horizontal in orientation
- Recommended aspect ratio: 12.8 inches wide × 8.8 inches high
- Digital files must be at least 300 dpi
- File size must remain below 400 MB
- Each submission must include a short artist statement of up to 150 words
- Artwork titles must contain no more than five words
- The phrase “Embracing Our Differences” must not appear in the artwork or title
Artists are also instructed to label files using the format:
ArtworkTitle-ArtistName
Open to Everyone
The exhibition welcomes participation from:
- Professional artists
- Amateur artists
- Students
- International participants
There is no submission fee and no limit on the number of entries. Artists may also submit works that have appeared in previous competitions.
Participants must be at least 13 years old to submit independently. Younger artists may participate with parental or guardian consent.
Promoting Inclusion Through Creativity
The organizers describe the exhibition as more than an art competition, emphasizing its mission to create a society where individuality is celebrated and inclusion is embraced. Through large-scale public art, the initiative seeks to encourage reflection, compassion, and understanding among viewers from all backgrounds.
More details and submission information are available on the official website
Target Painting Prize 2026 - Invites Artists Worldwide
The TARTGET Painting Prize has announced the Target Painting Prize 2026, an international competition dedicated to celebrating contemporary painting and promoting artistic excellence on a global stage. Open to painters from every corner of the world, the competition offers artists the opportunity to gain international visibility and potentially see their work associated with the historic Ateneo de Madrid.
Painting Competition – Showcase Creativity on a National Platform
The Painting Competition organized by The Indian Art Fest offers artists across India a valuable opportunity to express their creativity and gain national recognition. Open to kids, students, hobbyists, and professionals, the contest ensures equal opportunity for participants of all skill levels.
Abstract Painting Competition: Express Your Creativity Through Colors
The Abstract Painting Competition invites creative minds from all age groups to explore the power of colors and imagination through abstract art. Organized by Qrencia, this competition encourages participants to paint an abstract representation inspired by their favorite color and showcase their artistic talent.
Abstract art allows artists to move beyond realistic forms and focus on color, shapes, textures, and emotions. This competition provides a platform for participants to experiment with colors and create unique artistic expressions.
Free Online Painting Competition by The Indian Art Fest
The Indian Art Fest presents a nationwide Painting Competition designed to celebrate creativity and artistic expression. Open to artists of all ages, this free online contest offers an excellent opportunity to showcase talent, gain national recognition, and receive official e-certificates.
Whether you are a child discovering art, a student building a portfolio, or a passionate artist refining your skills, this competition provides equal opportunity for everyone.
Why Participate in the Painting Competition?
This Painting Competition is more than a contest—it is a platform for growth, recognition, and creative exploration. Participation is completely free, making it accessible to all. Every participant receives an official e-certificate, while winners earn medals, special certificates, and national-level recognition through online showcases.
Weekly creative themes encourage fresh ideas and help artists experiment with new concepts. Each artwork is carefully evaluated by a panel of expert judges based on originality, creativity, and presentation, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Who Can Participate?
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Kids and school students
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College students
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Beginners and hobby artists
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Professional and experienced painters
Artists from anywhere in India can participate.
Accepted Art Forms
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Drawings and sketches
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Watercolor, acrylic, or oil paintings
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Poster art
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Folk and traditional art
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Digital and mixed media artworks
Rewards and Recognition
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E-certificate for every participant
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Medals and special certificates for winners
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National-level online recognition
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Artwork featured on official platforms
About The Indian Art Fest
The Indian Art Fest is a trusted creative platform dedicated to empowering artists across India. Through free online competitions, weekly challenges, and digital exhibitions, it encourages imagination, cultural expression, and artistic growth. The Fest believes in inclusivity, creativity, and providing recognition to every artist who dares to create.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Anyone in India, regardless of age or experience.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Participation is completely free.
Painting Contest on the theme Samriddhi Ka Mantra - Atmanirbhar Bharat
GEMA International Winter Painting Competition 2026
GEMA continues its legacy of nurturing artistic talent among school students through the International Winter Painting Competition 2026, a global platform that inspires creativity, innovation, and imagination. Over the years, this event has touched the lives of thousands of young artists, encouraging them to express themselves freely through the medium of art.
Shades of Tribal Heritage - Painting Contest 2025
Veer Gatha Project 5.0 – Honouring the Bravery of Gallantry Awardees
The Government of India has launched Project Veer Gatha 5.0 to commemorate the bravery of India’s gallantry award winners and to inspire students to learn about their life stories, courage, and values. This contest gives school students a platform to express admiration for national heroes through art, writing, multimedia and more.
What Is Veer Gatha?
Veer Gatha began in 2021 under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP). Its aim is to promote awareness of the acts of bravery of awardees, instill patriotism and civic values among young people. In previous editions, millions of students participated—from across India—submitting works in art, essays, multimedia, and poetry.
In its fifth edition (2025–26), the contest will include more creative and technological elements, focusing especially on “Samarik Parampara” — that is, military traditions, strategies, wars, and notable warriors of India.
The material may connect with contemporary contexts, bridging past valor and modern inspiration.
Who Can Participate & Formats
Veer Gatha is open to school students across India in three broad stages:
Preparatory Stage (Grades 3 to 5)
Middle Stage (Grades 6 to 8)
Secondary Stage (Grades 9 to 12)
Students may submit creative works in several media forms, such as:
Poem
Paragraph / Essay
Painting / Drawing
Multimedia Presentation
Short Video (anchoring, storytelling, reporting)
innovateindia.mygov.in
Suggested topics include:
- A gallantry award winner who inspires you
- The values learned from his/her life
- If given a chance, what you would do to keep their memory alive
- The military strategies or bravery of historical warriors (e.g. Shivaji, Prithviraj Chauhan, Kharavela, tribal uprisings)
Schools should not wait until the last date—if student works are ready, submit early.
Each school can submit four entries total, across categories depending on their grades.
In schools with fewer grade levels (e.g. up to class 5 or 8), all entries may come from the permissible categories.
Evaluation & Awards
The contest has three levels of evaluation—district, state/UT, and national.
Teachers and education officials will assist as evaluators at each level.
The awards are structured as follows:
National Level (“Super 100”): 100 winners (excluding previous winners), divided by category. Those winners receive a cash prize of ₹10,000 and certificates jointly from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education.
State / UT level: 8 winners per State / UT across categories
District Level: 4 winners per district
Each level’s winners (district, state, national) will also receive certificates, and may be felicitated by appropriate officials (District Magistrate, State Education Secretary, etc.).
Why Participate?
Students gain a chance to research and reflect on the lives of brave warriors and gallantry heroes
It encourages creativity across writing, art, and multimedia
It fosters values of patriotism, courage, civic awareness
It gives recognition at local, state, and national levels
It links students with national commemorative initiatives
How to Get Started
Schools should inform students and organize an internal plan for students to choose topics, create works, and guide them.
Encourage students to read reliable sources such as the Gallantry Awards portal and NCERT materials.
Make a shortlist of best entries per category and upload them on the MyGov portal during the submission window.
Prepare to share entries early so there’s time for revision and evaluation.
Stay tuned for announcements and results at each level.
Veer Gatha 5.0 provides a meaningful way for students to connect with India’s heritage of bravery and to express themselves through creative media. Schools and students who take part help ensure that the stories of valor are passed on to new generations.
“Rang De Veer”–All India Open Online Painting Contest
To honour the bravery and sacrifice of India’s Armed Forces, a nationwide painting contest is being held from 26 July 2025 (Kargil Vijay Diwas) to 15 August 2025 (Independence Day). The contest aims to instill patriotism among schoolchildren and raise awareness about the contributions of India’s fallen heroes.
Theme
“My Country, My Soldier, My Pride”
Participants are invited to create artworks that pay tribute to the fallen soldiers who have defended the nation’s honour in various conflicts and operations since 1947—including the Indo-Pak wars, Kargil conflict, and the recent “Operation Sindoor.”
Students may refer to www.honourpoint.in for information on India’s fallen heroes.
Who Can Participate
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Students of Class I to XII from schools across India
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Students of open schools under NIOS and ODL mode
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Children with special needs in regular or special schools
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Indian nationals studying in CBSE-affiliated schools abroad
There is no participation fee, and the contest is open to Indian nationals only.
Categories
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Junior Category: Class I to VI (or up to 12 years of age)
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Senior Category: Class VII to XII (or up to 18 years of age)
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Special Category: All children with special needs, across age groups
Prizes
Junior and Senior Categories
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1st Prize: ₹35,000 + Certificate of Excellence
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2nd Prize: ₹25,000 + Certificate of Excellence
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3rd Prize: ₹15,000 + Certificate of Excellence
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Consolation: 20 prizes of ₹5,000 each + Certificates
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Special Needs: 5 prizes per category
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Gift: A set of books for all winners
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Recognition: Certificates to the top 100 participants
How to Participate
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Create an original painting based on the theme.
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Digitize the artwork by scanning or taking a high-quality photo.
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File must be in A3 size (11.69 × 16.54 in) and minimum 300 PPI resolution.
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Submit the digitized painting via email as per category:
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Junior Category (Class I–VI):
Email to: honourpoint.rdv.junior@gmail.com -
Senior Category (Class VII–XII):
Email to: honourpoint.rdv.senior@gmail.com -
For Special Needs entries, add “Special Category” in the email subject line.
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Include the following in your email:
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Participant’s contact email ID
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A valid photo ID (School ID or Aadhaar Card)
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Timeline
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Entries Open: 26 July 2025
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Last Date to Submit: 15 August 2025
Varnnakkazhcha: Painting Colouring Competition for Kids
Malayala Manorama, in collaboration with Trinity Super Specialty Eye Hospital, Palakkad, is thrilled to announce a fun-filled Painting and Colouring Competition for children aged 3 to 15 years! Let your little artists splash their imagination on canvas and win exciting prizes.
๐ Event Date: 25 May 2025
๐ Venue: Trinity Super Specialty Eye Hospital, Palakkad
๐ Contest Categories
๐ถ 3–6 years – Colouring Contest
๐ง 7–12 years – Painting Contest (Crayons/Water Colours)
๐ฆ๐ง 13–15 years – Painting Contest (Crayons/Water Colours)
Whether your child is just beginning to explore colours or already a budding Picasso, there’s a perfect category for everyone!
๐ Exciting Prizes
Each category will have:
๐ฅ First Prize: ₹3000
๐ฅ Second Prize: ₹2000
๐ฅ Third Prize: ₹1000
๐ All participants will receive Certificates of Participation, celebrating their creativity and effort.
๐ Selected students will also receive FREE Malayala Manorama publications for 6 months — an inspiring treat for young minds!
Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) Competitions for Children
World Environment Day (WED) 2025 is just around the corner, and this year’s theme, "Ending Plastic Pollution," has inspired the Telangana Pollution Control Board (TGPCB) to organize a series of exciting competitions for students. This is an excellent opportunity for students to express their creativity while raising awareness about environmental issues and contributing to the global cause of reducing plastic pollution.
Event Overview
The TGPCB is organizing a special set of competitions to mark World Environment Day 2025. These will take place from May 21 to May 23, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM at the TGPCB Auditorium. The competitions will be held in two categories:
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Primary School Students
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High School Students
These competitions aim to engage students in highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and the need to tackle pollution in all its forms. The events are designed to be fun, interactive, and educational, offering students a chance to actively participate in raising awareness about the environment.
Competition Categories and Themes
The competitions will feature a range of creative activities, including:
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Dance
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Skit
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Painting
Each competition will focus on one of the critical aspects of environmental conservation, with themes such as:
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Land Pollution
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Water Pollution
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Air Pollution
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Plastic Pollution
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Energy and Water Conservation
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Increasing Green Cover through Plantation Initiatives
These themes encourage students to explore various environmental issues, learn about their impact, and come up with solutions to address them. Through these activities, students will also develop their understanding of how we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Prizes and Recognition
Winners in each category will receive special prizes and be recognized for their creativity and efforts to promote environmental awareness. The awards will be presented during a special program organized by TGPCB, highlighting the significant role young people play in shaping a more sustainable future.
How to Participate
Students are invited to participate in the competitions by preparing their performances or artwork based on the themes mentioned above. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talents and creativity while contributing to an important cause.
To participate, simply gather your team, get creative, and prepare your entry for one of the following:
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A dance performance focusing on one of the environmental issues.
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A skit that educates and entertains while raising awareness about pollution.
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A painting that illustrates the importance of environmental conservation and the role we all play in it.
The competitions will provide a platform for students to express their ideas and connect with others who share a passion for protecting the environment.
Why Participate?
Participating in the TGPCB competition offers students a chance to:
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Develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues.
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Raise awareness about the importance of reducing plastic pollution.
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Be part of a larger movement for a sustainable future.
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Gain recognition for their creative efforts.
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Win exciting prizes and be celebrated for their contributions.
NATIONAL LEVEL PAINTING COMPETITION

EduJunior Online Painting Competition
Are you ready to showcase your artistic talent? The EduJunior Online Painting Competition is the perfect opportunity for young artists to express their creativity and gain recognition for their hard work. Whether you’re a budding artist or someone who loves to paint just for fun, this competition is a fantastic way to get involved in the world of art.
Veer Baal Diwas Painting Competition
Ministry of Women and Child Development and MyGov Launch "India through My Eyes: Unity in Diversity" Painting Competition
The Ministry of Women and Child Development, in collaboration with MyGov, is thrilled to announce the "India through My Eyes: Unity in Diversity" Painting Competition. This competition provides a fantastic opportunity for young artists to showcase their vision of India’s unique and vibrant unity in diversity. Through the medium of painting, participants are invited to express how they perceive the diverse cultures, traditions, and communities that make India a remarkable nation.
About the Competition:
India is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, languages, and ethnic groups. The theme, "India Through My Eyes: Unity in Diversity," encourages participants to explore and highlight this diversity and how, despite our differences, India remains united. This competition is aimed at inspiring young artists to reflect on the beauty of India's unity and diversity, celebrating the uniqueness of every individual and culture, while promoting harmony and understanding.
Theme: "India Through My Eyes: Unity in Diversity"
The theme challenges participants to portray the unity of India through their own artistic lens. Artists can depict elements like diverse landscapes, colorful festivals, varied cultural practices, or the coexistence of people from different backgrounds and beliefs. This is an opportunity to creatively explore how these differences come together to form a strong, unified nation.
Technical Parameters:
Legibility and High Definition:
- The painting should be legible, with every detail clearly visible. This will allow the viewer to fully appreciate the intricacies of the artist’s vision.
Submission Format:
- Participants must submit their paintings in PDF format to ensure clarity and resolution. This format ensures that the artwork maintains its quality and can be easily accessed by the judging panel.
Age Group:
- The competition is open to young artists, encouraging creativity and artistic expression from the youth of India.
Gratification and Recognition:
To celebrate the creativity and efforts of the participants, the top 20 winners will each be awarded a cash prize of 1,000 INR. This is a wonderful opportunity for young artists to gain recognition and reward for their talent and hard work, while also contributing to a national cause that emphasizes unity, harmony, and creativity.
Why Participate?
This painting competition is more than just an artistic endeavor; it’s an opportunity to showcase your perspective of India’s diversity and unity. For young artists, this competition serves as a platform to express their creativity, connect with the essence of the nation, and contribute to a greater conversation about the strength of India's unity despite its diversity.
By participating in this competition, you also become part of a larger movement to celebrate India’s rich cultural fabric and encourage others to recognize and appreciate the beauty in diversity.
Important Dates:
- Start Date: December 27, 2024
- Last Date: January 04, 2025
How to Participate:
Create Your Painting: Think about what “Unity in Diversity” means to you and capture that vision through your artwork.
Ensure High Quality: Ensure that your painting is legible and clear, with attention to detail, as the clarity of your artwork is essential.
Submit Your Painting: Submit your painting in PDF format via the MyGov platform or the specified submission channels by the last date.
Celebrate Your Creativity: Take this opportunity to reflect your creative talent and passion for India’s unity through your art.
Conclusion:
The "India through My Eyes: Unity in Diversity" Painting Competition is a wonderful opportunity for young artists to showcase their talent, creativity, and understanding of India's diverse culture. The competition encourages the youth to express their unique vision of India and contribute to the ongoing celebration of national unity and diversity. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning to explore the world of painting, this competition welcomes your creativity.
Don’t miss this chance to gain recognition, win a prize, and be part of a movement that highlights the beauty of India's diversity. Submit your artwork and let your creativity speak for the spirit of unity in diversity!
For more details and to submit your entry, visit the MyGov platform and follow the official guidelines.
Surakshakala Painting Competition: Promoting Road Safety through Art
Surakshakala Painting Competition: Promoting Road Safety through Art
The Surakshakala Painting Competition, an initiative under Project Surakshit Marg by Kuttukaran CSR in association with the SCMS Institute for Road Safety and Transportation, invites students to express their creativity while promoting road safety awareness. This exciting event is aimed at spreading the important message of road safety through art and engaging young minds in a cause that affects everyone.
Drawing and Painting Competition: Stay Safe Online
Are you passionate about art and eager to make a difference? Here’s an exciting opportunity to showcase your creativity and contribute to spreading cyber awareness through the Stay Safe Online program. This national-level initiative aims to educate Digital Naagriks about safe and secure digital practices for a wide range of audiences, including children, teens, teachers, parents, and senior citizens.
The Drawing and Painting Competition is one of the many engaging activities under this program. Let your imagination flow and create stunning artwork that inspires others to stay safe in the digital world. Read on for details!
Terms and Conditions
1. Submission Guidelines:
Use a flat A3 size paper (any variety/quality) with a 1 cm external border.
2. Originality:
Participants can submit only one artwork per category. Ensure your submission is original. Copied work, including drawings or paintings sourced from the internet, will not be accepted.
3. Acceptable Tools:
Drawing: Use color pencils, crayons, oil pastels, or sketch pens.
Painting: Use watercolors, oil paints, or acrylics.
4. Restrictions:
Do not depict national flags, individuals, organizations, brand names, or religious themes in your artwork.
5. Adherence to Guidelines:
Entries that do not comply with these rules will not be considered.
6. Usage Rights:
By entering the competition, participants grant the organizers the right to publish their artwork on websites, social media, and other promotional platforms such as Stay Safe Online, Digital Naagrik, and ISEA.
7. Disqualification:
Any false information or rule violations will result in disqualification.
8. Exclusive Submission:
Once submitted, your artwork cannot be reused in other competitions. Doing so will result in disqualification.
Important Dates
Last Date of Submission: 5th January 2025
Announcement of State-Level Winners: 21st January 2025
Announcement of National-Level Winners: 30th January 2025
Award Ceremony: Date to be decided (TBD)
Prizes
State-Level Winners:
First Prize: ₹3000/-
Second Prize: ₹2000/-
Third Prize: ₹1000/-
National-Level Winners:
First Prize: ₹10,000/-
Second Prize: ₹5000/-
Third Prize: ₹3000/-
Who Can Participate?
This competition is open to everyone with no age limit. Whether you’re a child, teenager, teacher, or senior citizen, this is your chance to express your creativity and make an impact.
How to Participate
Prepare your masterpiece while adhering to the guidelines mentioned above and submit it before the deadline on 5th January 2025. Let’s come together to promote a safer digital future through the power of art!























