The 4th “My Beloved Ocean” International Children’s Environmental Drawing Contest | Group Award Winner Interview
Written by Deoksoon Seo / Photo credit by Pitchandikulam Forest
Can you imagine children sitting in a forest, not at a desk, but right on the ground surrounded by trees, expressing nature through their drawings? That’s exactly what the children at Pitchandikulam Forest, an environmental organization in India, did—and the winner of the Group Prize, ‘My Beloved Ocean_Alliance★’, at the 4th International Children’s Environmental Drawing Contest was born. Let’s meet this special group that is building a sustainable environment through small yet meaningful steps within their local community!
Q. Congratulations on winning the “My Beloved Ocean_Alliance★” award! How do you feel about the achievement?
A. Congratulations on winning the “My Beloved Ocean_Alliance★” award! How do you feel about the achievement?
A. We’re truly delighted and honored to receive this award. This contest gave our children an opportunity to show their talents and become more aware of environmental issues. There was even a proud moment when one of our students was selected for the Ocean Dreamer Best Award. Mr. Suresh, the Panchayat President of Pothur, attended the award ceremony to present the certificates to the participants. He also encouraged the children, highlighting the importance of environmental education through art and applauding their dedication and creativity.
Where Young Minds Let Their Creativity Flow Through Art Our organization supports children in nurturing scientific curiosity, empowering them to ultimately contribute to ocean conservation efforts. This drawing contest provided a valuable opportunity for young participants to explore their creative ideas and express their unique perspectives on the sea and its conservation. It was a powerful experience for these curious minds to use their creativity to discover new ways to protect the ocean.
[ Title: My beloved Ocean / R.Magesh wari(12), India ]
[ Title: Don’t Polllute ocean / DSR Shakthishaleeni(12), India]
Q. We found it very impressive that the children are learning in a forest, not in a school or a learning academy. Could you tell us more about Pitchandikulam Forest and your organization’s mission?
A. Pitchandikulam Forest is an environmental organization based in Auroville, India. With over 51 years of experience in restoration ecology on the Coromandel Coast, we are committed to transforming and sustaining the environment. Our ethno-medicinal forest and the Adyar Eco-Park demonstrate what we can achieve in terms of restoration. Our mission focuses on restoring watersheds in Tamil Nadu, preserving and rehabilitating local coastal forests, and offering various educational programs to the local community.
Q. What inspired the children to participate in the Drawing Contest?
A. Pitchandikulam Forest offers a wide range of environmental education programs for children. One of our key initiatives is combining art and environmental education. Through activities like drawing, sculpting, and engaging in recycling art projects inspired by nature, we nurture creativity while raising awareness of environmental issues. These programs motivated the children to join this Drawing Contest.
Q. Could you tell us about one of your ocean conservation activities or campaigns?
A. I would especially like to highlight our ‘Sea Turtle Monitoring Program’. During the breeding season, injured or dead sea turtles are often found along the Indian Ocean coastline. This led us to initiate awareness campaigns, targeting local fishermen and their families, to improve their understanding of marine life and conservation.
Where Young Minds Let Their Creativity Flow Through Art Environmental art activities not only inspire a sense of awe and appreciation for nature, but also play an important role in encouraging children to care for nature and actively participate in its conservation. On October 4th, 2024, more than 75 children aged 5 to 17 participated in an “Under the Sea” paper craft workshop, where they explored marine life through creative hands-on activities.
Students Take Action for the Earth Pitchandikulam Forest continues to lead meaningful environmental campaigns in collaboration with the local community. On World Car-Free Day 2024, students and teachers from Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Chinna Porur participated in a vibrant street rally. Armed with banners and placards, they marched through the town, raising awareness about the importance of reducing pollution, conserving resources, and promoting eco-friendly transportation like walking and cycling. These environmentally sensitive students are putting the knowledge they have learned into action. Their small yet meaningful steps are a promising sign of the big changes they can inspire in the future.
Q. Following this group award, what future goals or dreams would you like to share with us?
A. This drawing contest nurtured children’s artistic talents while helping them gain a deeper understanding of ocean conservation. We will continue to offer meaningful programs that foster creativity and environmental awareness in these young minds. We hope the young artists will continue expressing themselves through their art to inspire others and make a bigger impact on environmental issues.
Pitchandikulam Forest is a place where generations unite to learn and take action for the environment. What has sustained this organization for over 50 years is a deep, pure love for nature. What children experience in nature and express through art will stay with them for life, and these moments of connection with nature will leave a lasting impact on their hearts. We believe that the voices of today’s children will transform into creative ways of protecting the ocean in the future.
“If you want to go far, go together.”
We may not be able to do it alone—but together, we can protect the ocean.
Environmental conservation is the key to securing our future.
Please remember that Human in Love will always be at the heart of this movement.
Our oceans are under threat from pollution and climate change! The “My Beloved Ocean: International Children’s Environmental Drawing Contest” is a campaign created by children to share why the ocean is so important, the dreams they have for it, and the actions we all need to take to protect it and our planet. Through this contest, children are calling on adults to care, take action, and join the fight to save our marine environment. The contest is organized by Human in Love and sponsored by KOREAN Re.
🏠 Official Website: https://mybelovedocean.org/
🐳 Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_beloved_ocean/
