The ambience outside the Chepauk Stadium was almost similar to the minutes before a cricket match. Around 11 a.m., all the stands were full and half an hour later the Chennai Corporation Mayor Ma. Subramaniam rang the bell and waved the Rotary flag. The action, however, was in the stands and not on the grounds.
More than 20,000 students painted their way into the Guiness record entry effort organised by the Rotary Club of Madras Central and Abirami Ramanathan of Abirami Mega Mall. With the enthusiastic participation from 272 Corporation Schools, 150 private schools and 250 differently-abled students, the event, a homage to the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Anna Durai, will compete for an entry in the Limca Book of Records too.
Apart from the myriad of hues the students created on canvas, the stands sported the most colourful milieu of colours with the mingling of various uniforms from different schools.
An overall first prize of Rs.25,000 and World Junior Artist title awaits the best entry. Six categories of participants are to get Rs.10,000 each as first prize and 1000 consolation prizes of Rs.100 each awaits the students along with the participation certificates with the mention of the entries in the records.
“It is a nice opportunity for our students to compete with the mainstream students and feel one among them,” feels Ms. Claudis of C.S.I. School, Mylapore which caters to hearing impaired children.
Divyashree from St. Anne’s School, Madhavaram, was engrossed in her painting and the noise did not disturb her. Angel and Kousalya from Ayanavaram Corporation school enjoyed their artistic outing with the 9,600 strong contingent of Corporation school students.
At the end of the event the students got to take home a painting stand, watercolours, drawing kits and pastel.
