Cuttack: On December 17, 2023, the Judicial Calendar of Odisha, featuring artwork created by school children, was unveiled for the third consecutive year at the Justice Gati Krushna Mishra Auditorium of the Odisha Judicial Academy.
Initiated on November 12, 2023, painting competitions on the theme of “Global Warming” were organized for students in Class VII to X throughout the state. The District Courts, under the auspices of the High Court of Orissa, conducted the competitions, drawing the participation of 1782 children. Each district selected three outstanding paintings, totaling 90, which were subsequently brought to Cuttack.
A committee composed of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, Justice Savitri Ratho, and Justice Gourishankar Satapathy meticulously evaluated the 90 paintings. Ultimately, 12 artworks were chosen as the best representations, and these were included in the Judicial Calendar.
The 12 artworks featured were of Shriyans Panda from Cuttack, Sibasish Das from Kendrapada, Subha Ommkar Rath from Kalahandi, Samapika Nayak from Jajpur, Rudra Prasad Patra from Jagatsinghpur, Priyadarshini Muduli from Mayurbhanj, Basudev Gamango from Gajapati, Shovit Kushal from Sonepur, Satyajit Sahoo from Cuttack, Ashirbad Das from Angul, Yogeswar Deep from Nuapada, and S. Satyam Achary from Koraput. These artworks have earned a place in the Judicial Calendar of Odisha for the year 2024.
During the event at the Odisha Judicial Academy, Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, the Acting Chief Justice, unveiled the calendar in the presence of judges from the High Court of Orissa. Distinguished personalities, including renowned academician and writer Dr. Pratibha Ray, accomplished vocalist and Padma Shri Awardee Smt. Shyamamani Devi, and acclaimed sculptor Shri Rabi Rath, graced the occasion as special guests. The gathering also included former judges of the High Court, the Advocate General of Odisha, members of the High Court Bar Association, and government officials.
The twelve young artists were honored by the Acting Chief Justice, judges, and guests with certificates of appreciation, medals, and prizes. This recognition marked a moment of pride for both the children and their parents who attended the function. The paintings were showcased on large screens for the audience to appreciate.
Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, the Chairman of the Judicial Calendar Committee of the High Court, extended a warm welcome to the guests. During his welcome address, Justice Sahoo underscored the significance of literature, music, and art in human life. He also emphasized the crucial need to protect nature and wildlife for the sustenance of human existence.
Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, the Chairman of the Judicial Calendar Committee of the High Court, extended a warm welcome to the guests. During his welcome address, Justice Sahoo underscored the significance of literature, music, and art in human life. He also emphasized the crucial need to protect nature and wildlife for the sustenance of human existence.
Shri Rabi Rath, a key participant in the selection process, expressed that art is the manifestation of an artist’s thoughts and should not be subjected to judgment. He commended the High Court for recognizing and honoring artists and their contributions. Rath remarked that artists seek appreciation for their work, as it serves as a motivating factor. He praised the children’s artistic endeavors, acknowledging their skillful expression through colors and spatial management on paper.
Smt. Shyamamani Devi conveyed her congratulations to the High Court for undertaking the task of identifying young talents from across the state and providing them a platform for showcasing their abilities.
Dr. Pratibha Ray took a moment to appreciate the artistic endeavors of each child and encouraged them to continue pursuing art. She commended the High Court for its innovative initiative.
Justice Savitri Ratho emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing talent in children. She stressed the need to cultivate and support the artistic abilities of young minds.
In his keynote address, Acting Chief Justice Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi highlighted the High Court’s initiatives led by Dr. S. Muralidhar. Dr. Sarangi commended the transformative impact of children’s art, turning the ordinary date calendar into a visual delight. Quoting Dr. Justice S. Muralidhar, he acknowledged that children often have challenging experiences with the courts, either caught in custody battles or as witnesses/victims of crimes. The High Court’s efforts aim to convey the judiciary’s care for them, making the institution transparent and more accessible to the people.
Emphasizing the importance of hard work, the Acting Chief Justice encouraged the children. Justice Gourishankar Satapathy expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks.
For the third consecutive year, the High Court has released a calendar featuring children’s artwork. While past themes were “Family” and “Nature & Wildlife” in 2021 and 2022, this year’s focus was on “Global Warming.”
