Celebrating Student Achievements and Artistic Excellence
Winning is wonderful, but for me, awards are simply a reflection of the creative journey my students have embarked upon. Seeing them shine on international stages or inter-school competitions is the true tapassya ka phal, or fruit of my hard work.
This is a sweet memory from 2011, when our art class won the International Rose award. Ten of our students were selected from all over India in a competition by the Czech Republic. It was a great honor to have the consulate come and felicitate our students.
It was an honor to be invited as a judge for an art competition organized by the Lions Club of Juhu. Here I am with some of the wonderful children from more than 30 BMC schools who took part. Their energy and creativity were just amazing.
A group photo with all the young artists and organizers at the Lions Club of Juhu art competition. It was a beautiful afternoon celebrating art and community, surrounded by palm trees and happy faces.
Here we are at the prize distribution ceremony for the inter school art competition. Seeing the excitement on the children's faces as they receive their awards is always a heartwarming experience.
As judges, we had the lovely task of looking through all the creative artworks submitted by the children. Each piece told a unique story, and it was so impressive to see the effort taken by everyone.
A happy moment with the other judges and organizers from the Lions Club of Juhu. It is always inspiring to be part of events that encourage art and creativity in our community.
Here we are, carefully looking at one of the beautiful paintings. Judging is not just about picking a winner, but about appreciating the effort and imagination of every single child.
About Awards and Recognition
Winning is wonderful, but I always tell my students that participating in national and international competitions is about finding their own creative voice. Whether it is an inter-school event or a global platform like the Czech Republic’s ICEFA, the goal is simple: to feel proud of what you have created. When we prepare for these, we focus on confidence, teaching you how to handle pressure while keeping the joy of drawing intact.
Beyond the classroom, I am often invited to judge local events, such as those organized by the Lions Club of Juhu, where I work with children from over 30 BMC schools. Seeing their raw energy and creativity confirms what I have believed since 1988: art is a universal language.
We do not push participation to win trophies. We do it to help you build your pehchaan, your identity. When you step out of your comfort zone to present your work, you learn resilience. This experience is invaluable, especially if you are building a portfolio for NID, NIFT, or other art college admissions. These accolades do not just look good on paper; they prove that you can translate your imagination into a cohesive, impressive piece of art. If you are looking for guidance that celebrates your unique journey and helps you find your confidence, I would be happy to welcome you to our studio in Vile Parle West.
Looking for art guidance in Mumbai?
You can search for specific exam prep, workshops, or hobby classes.
More from Art Exam & Portfolio Preparation by Shefali Raj
More services by Shefali Raj