Painting Competition in Government Schools – STRIVE (Sea Turtle Release Initiative for Vital Ecology) Initiative

Panchayat Union Middle School, Gandhinagar – 09.02.2026

The Panchayat Union Middle School, Gandhinagar saw strong participation with 25 students participating in the event.

In a unique effort, the school’s teachers had guided the students with pertaining to the theme of “Save Sea Turtles” by providing them with reference images from the internet. This made some of the drawings look similar but contained each individual student artist’s unique style.

According to Mr. Lenin Raj, Programming Head of KadalOsai FM 90.4 CR and one of the judges, the first prize winner from this school delivered perhaps the finest artwork among all participating schools.

A unique feature of this campus was the joint nurturing of 70 varieties of herbs by students — reflecting environmental consciousness beyond the competition theme.

KadalOsai FM 90.4 CR coordinators carried a sea turtle plushie to all schools to engage with the students while addressing them on the importance of sea turtles, but the students in this school initially assumed that the toy was the first prize award. However, after clarification, the headmaster was amused with the toy and used it to engage with the students, which was delightful to watch. During his speech, the elderly headmaster reflected on earlier times when turtle meat consumption and myths surrounding turtle blood were prevalent. He emphasized how awareness has evolved and reinforced the importance of protecting sea turtles to preserve marine ecosystems.