More than 100 students from local schools participated in a drawing and painting competition organised under the theme ‘Green Railways for an Energy-Secure Future’ at the Mysuru Rail Museum on Sunday.

Organised ahead of World Environment Day scheduled for June 5, the competition was held across three different age groups — primary, middle and high school levels — to create art on sub‑themes tailored to each grade category.

The participants filled the museum’s lush grounds with colour and creativity. “The setting provided a panoramic, environmentally rich backdrop that inspired entries reflecting conservation, sustainable energy, and the role of railways in building an energy‑secure nation,” said a statement from the organisers.

During the programme organised under the guidance of Divisional Railway Manager, Mysuru, Mudit Mittal, the Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer, South Western Railway, Mysuru Division, Prabhat Ranjan Shukla, encouraged the participants to express their imagination through art and to reflect on the current energy challenges the country is facing due to disruptions in oil supply chains due to geopolitical issues. 

Mr. Shukla highlighted the importance of balancing developmental needs with ecological protection and the contribution of greener railway initiatives towards national energy security.

A jury of railway officials will evaluate the artworks, and accordingly, the top three drawings/paintings in each age group will receive awards, and consolation prizes will be presented across all groups in recognition of the participants’ efforts, said a statement here.

“The Mysuru Rail Museum remains committed to educational outreach and environmental awareness, and will continue organising programmes that engage young citizens in sustainable practices and heritage conservation,” the statement added.