EDC holds “Young Digital Artist Awards” at VIVA 2011

Over 300 students from 60 schools across Bangalore participate; Students from VIBGYOR High bag the top honours

EDC, pioneers of Digital Creative Technology Solutions and thought leaders in the space, organized India's First "Young Digital Artist Award" as part of its nationwide "Ideas Ahead" initiative. This competition, in association with HP, was the showcase event of VIVA 2011, the annual festival of VIBGYOR High, one of the leading chains of educational institutions in India. Over 300 children from 60 leading schools made paintings using MS Paint, with seniors using the themes of "My City" and "Go Green, Give Life" and juniors drawing on subjects of "My School" and "My Favourite Animal". There was a tie in the junior segment where fourth standard student Shreya Menon of VIBGYOR High shared the laurels with her classmate Ishita Patel - both having drawn paintings on the theme of My School. In the seniors segment, Suhas Badal, a fifth standard student of VIBGYOR high, won the award for his painting on the theme of My City.

The 'Ideas Ahead' initiative by EDC is aimed at promoting digital art & creativity among the youth, and is part of the company's Moral Social Accountability (MSA). The competition was open for students in the age group of 10 to 16 years on Feb 1 and 6 - 10 years on Feb 2. The winners were felicitated by Mr. Ravi Kumar CEO, EDC and Ms. Archana Srivastava, Principal, VIBGYOR High, Bangalore.

All participants were given One hour of time at the VIBGYOR High's computer lab during the contest. The artworks were judged on five criteria namely Originality, How Concepts connects with the theme, Digital Innovativeness, Clarity of the theme, and Attractiveness. The four member panel of judges comprised Mr. Pavanbir Singh, Design Director, Idiom, Ms Varsha Shelar, Center Head and Head of Academics, Image College of Arts, Ms. Gurpreet Kaur, Faculty, Image College of Arts, Animation and Technology and Mr. Adhinarayana Rao K Lead Graphic Designer, EDC Creative Technology Solutions (P) Ltd.

Mr. Ravi Kumar, CEO, EDC, said, "Learning experience extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom. The Young Digital Artist Awards is our effort to inculcate a realistic and enjoyable experience by providing a creative platform to think beyond paper and pencil. In sync with modern times, the digital platform was chosen to imbibe a sense of freedom of expression and at the same time, fostering life skills that are the need of the day."

Ms. Archana Srivastava, Principal, VIBGYOR HIGH, MARATHAHALLI said, "One of the aims of VIVA, which is in second year now, has been fostering integrative, innovative and critical thinking in students so as to make them knowledge seekers who attain their maximum potential through an enjoyable competition. As envisaged, "Young Digital Artist Award" was the most innovative and showcase of the event. We thank EDC and HP to have come up with idea, sponsoring it and executing it in a very professional manner."

Mr. Appa Durai, Country Manager, Indigo & Inkjet Press Solutions, HP - India said, "We believe that "Young Digital Artist Awards" will lead to contextual learning and help in development of students as thinking professionals with ability to meet the future challenges. We are glad to be part of VIVA 2011 in line with our philosophy to support educators who are using technology in groundbreaking ways inside and outside the classroom."

EDC has innovated creative technology solutions using the best mix of brand, creativity, experience and technology. Effectively, this translates into synergistic partnerships with clients and creation of solutions that are rich in functionality and compelling in usability resulting in long lasting business impact. Creativity and Technology constitute the twin strands of EDC's DNA that has helped it emerge amongst India's top 50 companies in 2010 at The NASSCOM EMERGE 50!