Student Achiever: ‘I thank the school for giving me this golden opportunity’

Great things are done by a series of small things brought together,” Vincent Van Gogh once said. This happens to be exactly the mantra for Aadya Gupta, an Apeejay School, Pitampura class VII student, who made a mark for herself in the world of art. By participating in the Bureau of Energy Efficiency 2024 painting competition held by the Ministry of Power, in Category A, she was among the top 50 winners from 8.5 lakh participants!

She earned herself a certificate, a Dom’s art kit, a bag, and Rs 2,000 in cash. This achievement showcases her talent as well as the nurturing environment the school provided.

In an impromptu interview, Aadya shares how her teacher at the school nurtured her talent.

What was your reaction to winning the prize?

It was an amazing and surprising experience. I wasn’t even there when the call came; my mother received it. Later, she called my father, and then they told me. I couldn’t believe it at first, but once it sank in, it felt incredible. More so, since the competition had multiple levels, including an interstate level.

What inspired you to start painting?

I’ve loved art since childhood. My junior school art teacher encouraged me a lot and even awarded me. That recognition made me want to explore painting even more. My present art teacher has also been a big influence and motivator for me.

What styles and mediums of art do you prefer?

I prefer painting over sketching or shading. My favourite medium is watercolours because they’re quick to work with and create amazing results. I like to plan my work monthly. For instance, one month I focus on landscapes, and the next, I might work on portraits or abstract art.

Describe the artwork that earned you recognition in the competition.

For the first level, I created a painting of a child hugging the Earth. It symbolised environmental conservation and showed a timeline of how efforts could improve the Earth’s condition but also emphasised that much more work still needs to be done. For the second level of the competition, I painted Ardhanareeshwar, representing the union of male and female energies. The artwork showcased renewable energy and the immense potential of humans to transform the world for the better.

How has participating in art competitions shaped your artistic journey?

Participating in these competitions has been a huge learning experience. I’ve seen the work of so many talented artists, which has given me new ideas and shown me areas where I can improve. It’s been transformative for my journey as an artist.

Do you see art as a hobby or a potential profession?

For now, I’m taking it as a hobby since I’m in class VII. But who knows? I might pursue it as a profession in Fine Arts later.

What kind of support did your parents give you?

My parents were incredibly supportive. They told me to focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about winning or losing. That mindset helped me stay calm and confident, and I think it made all the difference.

When did your artistic journey begin?

It started in my childhood when I realised I wanted to be an artist. Over the years, with encouragement from my teachers and parents, I’ve honed my skills and truly started enjoying the entire process of creating art.