Tourism News

Young Talents Worldwide Celebrated in Kerala Tourism’s Global Painting Contest

Published in Newsletter Issue No. 386 - October 2025

Kerala Tourism’s International Online Painting Competition for Children culminated in a vibrant award ceremony, with Mr. P. A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Tourism, Kerala, honouring young winners whose artwork reflected the theme ‘Village Life in Kerala’. The contest, which has grown into one of the most ambitious international outreach programmes of the department, drew remarkable participation from children between the ages of four and sixteen.

The initiative was designed not only as an artistic platform but also as a cultural bridge. By inviting children from around the world to express their ideas about Kerala through art, the campaign engaged entire families, classrooms, and communities, helping spread awareness of the state’s heritage and lifestyle. The Minister noted that such innovative campaigns strengthen Kerala’s image as an experiential destination and create lasting goodwill across countries.

The response this year was overwhelming, with 57,308 submissions from 132 nations. Of these, 4,620 came from abroad, 46,464 from Indian states outside Kerala, and 6,224 from within Kerala. The winners represented a truly global mix: Steven David from Bangladesh and Varnana Ratheesh from Kerala secured the top honours, while children from Serbia, Bulgaria, Russia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Germany, and the UK also featured among the awardees. From the ‘within India’ category, participants from Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra received prizes, with Kerala’s own young artists Jaganath K. M., Malavika V. P., and Sahasra Vinu joining the list of winners.

In recognition of their efforts, international and pan-India winners will be hosted on a five-day family trip to Kerala, offering them a firsthand experience of the state’s famed hospitality. Winners from Kerala will enjoy a two-day stay at premium KTDC hotels. Alongside the top prizes, 72 children received special awards, and more than 100 contestants earned consolation prizes.

The competition also had a strong digital impact. Promoted in 24 languages, including 14 foreign ones, the campaign is estimated to have reached nearly seven million people worldwide. During the contest period, Kerala Tourism’s website saw a surge in traffic with close to one crore visits, while subscriptions to its official YouTube channel climbed sharply. Officials also observed a rise in foreign tourist arrivals during this time, reflecting the wider influence of such creative initiatives.

The award ceremony was attended by senior officials including Mr. D. Jagadees, Additional Secretary for Tourism, Kerala and Mr. Mohammed Saleem, Tourist Information Officer, Kerala, marking the successful conclusion of an event that brought global attention to Kerala’s culture through the eyes of children.