Bhubaneswar: Approximately 58 school-going children participated in a nature-themed painting competition organized by the Shree Jagannath Society Japan (SJSJ) at Little India, Nishikasai, in Tokyo on Saturday, a day after World Environment Day, which fell on June 5. The paintings will be featured in SJSJ's annual souvenir, 'Shree Jagannath Yatra', which is set to be unveiled during the Rath Yatras at the Indian embassy in Tokyo, Central Japan's Kasugai City, and the Shree Ram Mandir later this year.
Theme Inspired by World Environment Day
The organizers based the competition's theme on this year's World Environment Day theme: 'Inspired by Nature, For Climate. For Our Future.' Gyanindra Mishra, a member of SJSJ, explained, 'Through this effort, we brought together Lord Jagannath, who is worshipped in the sacred wooden form and is closely connected with nature, the Japanese tradition of revering nature, and the world community for World Environment Day.' He added, 'The competition is meant to inspire children and families towards creativity, environmental awareness, cultural harmony, and togetherness.'
Participants from Various Schools
The 58 participants came from the Global Indian International School, Global Wisdom International School, and Tokyo International Public School, in addition to many Indian and Japanese children. Among them, 13-year-old Muskan Dhandia, a Grade 9 student, painted Mother Earth holding the planet to depict how nature takes care of us. Similarly, Akshita Mishra portrayed all elements of nature in her artwork.
Guest Speakers and Cultural Exchange
Two members from the Brahmakumaris, Hitomi Asaoka and Evelyn Sasamoto, spoke about the relationship between nature and human beings. Mishra also delivered a talk about Lord Jagannath, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual connection to the environment. The event successfully merged environmental consciousness with cultural appreciation, fostering a sense of global community among the young participants.
