Colombo,November 12 (newsin.asia): The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka held the annual Shankar’s International Children’s Competition at the Indian Cultural Center in Colombo in writing, painting and drawing, to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first and longest serving Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Known as Chacha (Uncle) among Indian children, Nehru was very fond of children, and they, in turn, loved him. His birthday November 17, is celebrated as Childrens’ Day in India.

Shankar’s International Children’s Competition was started in 1949 by celebrated Indian cartoonist Shankar Pillai, who was running a popular satirical periodical called :”Shankar’s Weekly”.

Shanka Pillai was a recipient of several awards including top Indian awards like Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan.

Entries in the competition are sent to New Delhi for the Shankar’s International Children’s Competition. Participation in the competition has increased greatly over the years with children from over 130 countries participating and winning prizes.

(The featured picture at the top shows the Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, with a section of children who took part in the competition)