Thematic paintings on walls to delight Madurai residents, tourists

On Sunday, nearly 42 painters participated in the event organised by the Corporation as part of Area Based Development (ABD) approach, where important streets are beautified with local participation.  Prize money has been announced to make the event more interesting and attractive. The first prize carries Rs 20,000 and the second Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 has been fixed for the third best drawing. One of the painters, Sangili, studying in Class 12, said that earlier they have painted as a group in Race Course Road and bagged the first prize at the event. 

“Now we are drawing as individuals. I am confident that I will win the first prize,” Sangili said. The concept of his painting is the role of youth in preserving monuments. Another senior participant, Ezhil, said that ever since the arrival of flex banners they had very little opportunity to express their creativity on public walls and opportunities such as these competitions are viewed as great chance for them to do their best. The best thing in the drawing competition is that they are asked to paint only images with social messages. They are also happy that they could contribute for the beautification of their city and it is a matter of pride said Ezhil. The major impact of the drawings is that the political graffiti would no longer find their place in the walls of Madurai. 

“The 500-metre stretch of wall near Madurai Railway Junction is an important wall as most tourists who visit Madurai will cross this road. It is part of ABD approach as the area around Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple has been selected on the first place for beautification purpose,” said Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Nanduri. He added that such works will be extended to other important roads like New Prison Road, Race Course Road and so on. “We aim to prevent defacement of the walls with such images. A separate urination facility will also be constructed near the walls to prevent the paintings from getting defaced,” the Corporation Commissioner added.