Zee Kannada encourages Karnataka's school kids to paint their desires

The cities of Mandya and Gadag were buzzing with excitement on the 11^th of November 2019 as Zee Kannada’s favourite talents spent the day with government school children on account of Children’s Day 2019. Zee Kannada, the number 1 Kannada General Entertainment Channel across Karnataka, successfully engaged with our future generation across the North and South of Karnataka with Bannisu, a special Children’s Day 2019 campaign. Elaborating the tagline of the campaign, Bannisu bayāsidā chitra barÄ“yōnā translates to ‘Let’s paint our desires’, to inspire the youth and achieve greatness with their inner talent. A pure blend of entertainment and education was exhibited in the drawing competition themed ‘Save the Nature’, with a dual emphasis on creativity whilst spreading awareness on the need to conserve our planet Earth.

An exciting day for the government school students of Mandya and Gadag as their day began with registering for Zee Kannada’s Bannisu drawing competition that provided them with this rare opportunity of portraying their talent and creativity. Zee Kannada is known for their talent platforms and with this, the channel sets to inspire today’s youth. Over 300 student’s applications (150 from Mandya and 150 from Gadag) poured-in from grades 1^st to 5^th across government schools who were equipped with Zee Kannada branded colouring kits that included drawing sheets and colour pouches. Children across Mandya and Gadag schools received the mentorship from 5 esteemed judges, and were they were allotted a time of 1-hour for to complete the competition. Madenoor Manu from Comedy Khiladigalu Season 2, Manthana from Comedy Khiladigalu Season 2, and Srujan Patel Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs Season 14 played as judge and were an integral part of this one-of-a-kind activity in Mandya, and Shri Ram Kasar from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season 11 & Sangeetha from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs Season 16 at Gadag.

The healthy yet resilient creative drawing competition witnessed 3 winners from both cities who received a winning certificate and a memento from Zee Kannada that helped motivate every participant to find their inner voice. Through this, the students received the opportunity of not only understanding and embracing their talents, but also engaging with their beloved talent artists who gave their unforgettable words of wisdom. Their personal struggles through their growth that lead them to ultimate success, and their continued journey to greater goals resulted in an inspirational day for all students.

Srujan Patel Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs Season 14 commented, "Hailing from a low-income background, I did not obtain the measures or encouragement to identify and establish my talent. From singing intensively at home, my grandmother and teacher determined me to audition for Zee Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Having successfully passed the first round, I was unable to work my way to travel to Bangalore for the next round. To make this happen, my family sold our cow, our only means to income, that helped me become a participant of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs Season 14, and lead me here to you today. While talent is definitely an asset, I would urge you to go ahead and explore it with the support of your family and friends. I would also like to thank Zee Kannada for helping me regain my cow and supporting me through this endeavour.”

Madinoor Manu from Comedy Khiladigalu Season 2 commented, "When I was growing up, owning 10 rupees was a difficult task. While I faced a tough financial situation, I was extremely motivated to act. However, my town did not receive such opportunities from organization to showcasing any talent, be it acting, dancing, singing, running or even drawing. As my family’s support was limited, I held on to my passion of acting and moved to Bangalore in search of such platforms. Thanks to Zee Kannada, I own a four-wheeler and I am exactly where I want to be today.”

Shri Ram Kasar from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season 11, commented, "My mother, father and I, all had different plans for when I grow up but I always knew music was my ultimate goal. In my journey, I struggled with several auditions but it was Zee Kannada that trusted in me and my talent. Today, be it any city, state, or country, I travel to, my name is followed by the channel name. Therefore, I would advise everyone here to follow your passion and find yourself the right platform to showcase yourself.”

Sangeetha from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs Season 16 commented, "Wish you all a very happy children’s day in advance. Being a proud resident of Gadag, I only wish you all the very best and hope nothing keeps you limited from achieving your dreams. Having received all the support one could possibly have, I would say, it definitely isn’t easy, but it’s worth the struggle. My blindness does not stop me for pursing anything I aim for. Therefore, I wish for you to always be above your insecurities.”

Parent of Chaitanya from 5^th grade commented, “My daughter relates herself with Zee Kannada’s Kamali character with the absolutely no negativity and vulgarity. She has been following the show since its launch and has developed big dreams and hope like Kamali. She wishes to grow up and travel to a big city such a Bangalore or Mysore for her higher education, and come back to do something for her city and people of Gadag. I am proud to see her growth and would urge every parent to support their children through their hopes and dreams. I would also like to thank Zee Kannada for choosing to celebrate children’s day in our city with government schools. There has always been a bias towards between government and private schools, and we believe every parent should be encouraged to trust the public education system as it provides students with equal opportunities.”

A teacher from Mandya commented, “I believe Zee Kannada’s Weekend With Ramesh is one of the most impactful shows today and wish for every young individual to follow this and understand the common man’s struggles. With our world growing at this fast pace, not everybody receives the comfort or pampering of life. Therefore, it is imperative to see the courage and strength that it takes our leaders and respected individuals to achieve their dreams. I hope for a day when a student of mine will be on the Sadhakara seat and I will be invited as the special guest and receive the opportunity to bless my student. Thanks to Rammesh Aravind and Zee Kannada for this exceptional show.”

The successful campaign helped the students recognize the gravity of saving our planet regardless of living in any part of the world, and the power each and every one of us have to make this change. The essence of this was captured with beautiful drawings were the students utilized various elements such as planting trees, conserving water, and limiting the use of plastic for a better tomorrow. The day ended on a happy note with a special lunch including all students, staff and stars, sharing the joy of this year’s Children’s Day.