Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, July 20:

Nine child artists today received the 'Kuni Chitrakar 2014 Award' at a formal function organised at the Odisha Modern Art Gallery here, a release from the Bhubaneswar-based non-profit organization Soumya Memorial Trust (SMT) said.

Kuni Chitrakar Award 2014Writer and former Odisha DGP Bipin Bihari Mishra conferred the awards to these nine talented child artists.The award comprised a citation and a trophy. Mishra lauded for award winners for their exceptional painting skills, competitive spirit as well as focus.

This year the SMT felicitated young and dynamic artist Manash Kumar Das for his outstanding contribution to the field of art.Manas, who happens to be hearing and speech impaired since birth, is a very passionate painter, the release said.

The Trust also announced to provide free art coaching to three ‘Kuni Chitrakara’ ( child painters) at the Orissa Modern Art Gallery for one Year.

SMT also organized an exhibition of paintings by over a hundred child artists at the Orissa Modern Art Gallery. In this exhibition SMT showcased art works of more than 100 child Artists. The themes of these paintings were climate change, culture, social awareness, Puri Ratha Yatra and other subjects.

"This award programme recognizes the efforts of children who demonstrate a unique artistic vision of our great culture and arts. SMT celebrates their ideas, skills and innovation that would drive the growth of Odia culture," chairman of the Soumya Memorial Trust Kanhu Charan Parida said.

Last Sunday ( July 13), the Soumya Memorial Trust had organized a painting competition for "Kuni Chitrakara" at Orissa Modern Art Gallery. More than 100 children from different schools participated in this competition in three different categories.

This is the third year of Kuni Chitrakara Awards competition for children, trustee of Soumya Memorial Trust, Bhabani Mohanty said