Art For Change
We are pleased to present the ‘Art For Change’ series, an innovative initiative aimed at harnessing the transformative power of art to drive positive social and environmental impact through various competitions. Through this series, we seek to inspire and empower school students across the nation to become agents of change by expressing their perspectives on pressing environmental issues through creative mediums. At USO, we believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries, spark dialogue, and inspire tangible solutions. By engaging young minds in artistic expression, we foster a culture of empathy, creativity, and activism, laying the foundation for a brighter and more inclusive future.
USO Activity Under 'Art For Change' Series - 2025
We are committed to fostering environmental stewardship and empowering youth as catalysts for change. Based on this commitment, USO is proud to announce the theme for our upcoming national painting competition for schools – ‘Our Earth, Our Future‘. This theme is especially important as it aligns with the 2025 Earth Day theme of “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing the collective responsibility we all share in transitioning to renewable energy sources and creating a sustainable future.
About 'Our Earth, Our Future'
‘Art for Change: Our Earth, Our Future’ is more than just a painting competition — it is a movement of hope, action, and imagination. This year, we invite schools and students from across India to come together and use their creative voices to shape a brighter, greener tomorrow. Through colours and creativity, let us raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment and inspire meaningful change. Each artwork will become a message — a message for sustainability, unity, and a better future for all.
Let us harness the power of art to reflect on the challenges our planet faces — from climate change and deforestation to pollution and dwindling natural resources — and reimagine a world where sustainability, harmony, and innovation lead the way. Through each thoughtful stroke of colour and every spark of creativity, we take a step closer to protecting our Earth — not just for today, but for generations to come. Let every canvas be a voice for the voiceless, a vision of a better world, and a reminder that even the smallest creative expression can inspire a global movement for a greener, more compassionate future.
Join us in shaping the future — one artwork at a time!
Rules & Student Participation Template
An Inclusive Competition
At USO, we are proud to promote inclusivity by extending our initiatives, such as the ‘Art for Change’ competition, to special schools as well. By opening this competition to Special Schools, we aim to create a more diverse and equitable landscape in which every student has the chance to express themselves, showcase their talents, and contribute to society. In this way, we get to celebrate the unique perspectives and creativity of students from all backgrounds, inspiring change and promoting a culture of acceptance, understanding, and respect for diversity.
Competition Rules & Guidelines
Browse through the sections below to find all the details — including who can participate, the themes to choose from, how to submit entries, and important rules and guidelines.
This competition is open to all USO Member Schools:
- Students of Std. 1-12 can participate through their school.
- Specially abled students (Divyangjan) – both Independent and High Support – can participate through their school.
If you are not a member school, please apply for USO Membership by filling the online form. (Click here to fill the form)
This competition is free for all USO Member Schools. No registration fees from students.
If you are not a USO Member School, please fill out the online registration form.
The main theme of the competition is ‘Our Earth, Our Future’.
Topics for students of Std. 1-12 are as follows:
- Sub-Junior Category (Std. 1, 2, 3): My Dream Garden at Home
- Junior Category (Std. 4, 5, 6): Inside the Magical Rainforest
- Pre-Senior Category (Std. 7, 8, 9): My Green City of the Future
- Senior Category (Std. 10, 11, 12): Earth 2.0 – My Vision
Topics for students from Special Schools is based as per the following categories:
- Independent & High Support (Age Group: 5-15 yrs): My Dream Garden at Home
- Independent & High Support (Age Group: 16+ yrs): Inside the Magical Rainforest
Please ensure that these are strictly followed:
- Entries must be original artwork created using any painting medium, including crayons, pencil colours, sketch pens, watercolors, acrylics, oils, etc.
- Size for all entries is A3 Landscape mode (11.7 x 16.5 inches).
- No writing/slogan on the artwork is permitted.
- Paintings not following these guidelines will be disqualified
Kindly note the following important dates:
- Registration: April 11 – 21, 2025
- School to conduct the competition during the week of Earth Day – April 22 – 25, 2025, and submit photos to: info@usoindia.org or (specialschools@usoindia.org).
- Last date for receipt of paintings: April 30, 2025
- Announcement of results: May 31, 2025
Please note the submission criteria as follows:
- School to choose 3 entries per category and send hard copies of the paintings to USO. The address is USO House, USO Road, 6, Special Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110 067. Please mark the package to the attention of Mr. Gopal Datt Sharma (Art For Change).
- Each entry to have student information on the back: Student Name, Std, School Name, USO Membership ID, School Address, Topic, Category (Type of disability, age group).
All entries shall be judged on the paintings’ creativity, theme interpretation, artistic skill, and overall presentation.
Please note that the judges’ decision will be final and binding on all. We shall not entertain any decision with respect to the judgement.
Please see below:
- All participants to receive Participation E-Certificates (list from school required).
- One ‘Best Entry’ from each school per category to receive Printed Certificate and Medal.
- ‘National Winners’ in each category to be awarded a Printed Certificate and Trophy.
- USO reserves the right to reproduce, distribute, and display the artwork on offline or online channels, with due credit to the student.
- USO reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not comply with the rules.
- USO reserves the right to amend or modify the rules as deemed necessary.
Our Previous Activities
USO is committed to organizing a variety of extracurricular activities aimed at spreading awareness on specific issues. From workshops and seminars to interactive events and campaigns, we engage students in diverse activities designed to educate and inspire action. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster a sense of social responsibility and empower students to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Art For Change : Painting Out Plastics (2024)
Art for Change: Painting Out Plastics competition was organised by the USO as a nationwide initiative to inspire change through creativity.
- Launched on March 22, the competition was not just about artistic skill, but also about celebrating human expression, unity, and the power of visual storytelling to raise awareness on environmental issues.
- With participation from 24 states and a total of 6,600 students, including 6,254 regular students and 346 specially-abled students.
National Drawing Competition For Specially Abled Children (2023)
The competition, aimed at highlighting the importance of women in our lives, offered a heartfelt platform for artistic expression and gratitude. The competition celebrated the impact of women-mothers, teachers, caregivers, and role models who inspire and empower, leaving a lasting impression on young hearts and mind.
- This competition launched on February 3, and was centered around the theme ‘The Women Who Make a Difference in My Life’
- This competition featured two inclusive categories: Individual and High Support.
- The event witnessed participation from 14 states, covering 47 schools, and brought together 1,236 students who expressed their admiration through powerful and emotional artworks.
ABC2 - Anybody Can Cartoon (2022)
This competition organised in partnership with Junior Diamond. The initiative successfully blended learning with expression, allowing young minds to engage with a socially significant issue through the powerful medium of art.
- This national-level cartooning competition was launched on May 18 and was open to all schools across India.
- Centered on Gender Equality, the competition encouraged students to express their views on fairness, inclusion, and empowerment through creative visual storytelling.
- It saw enthusiastic participation from 25 states, covering 91 schools, with a total of 2,378 students taking part.
National Science Painting Competition For Specially-Abled Children (2021)
Held under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, this competition was launched on November 16 in collaboration with CSIR-NIScPR and in partnership with UNESCO. The initiative reflected a shared commitment to environmental awareness, scientific thinking, and global cooperation.
- Competition theme, ‘Building Climate-Ready Communities’, was aligned with UNESCO’s theme for World Science Day for Peace and Development, encouraging students to explore the role of science and innovation in addressing climate challenges.
- The event saw participation from 913 students across 34 schools in 15 states, providing a platform for young minds to creatively express their ideas and solutions for a sustainable, climate-resilient future.
ABC2 - Anybody Can Cartoon (2020)
This competition, organised by USO in collaboration with Junior Diamond, was the first national-level online contest for schools.
- Launched on July 6 and it was designed to offer comic relief during the stressful COVID-19 period while encouraging students to explore their creativity through humour and art.
- Centered around the theme ‘Coronavirus’, the competition invited students to reflect on their pandemic experiences in a light-hearted and expressive way.
- A total of 401 students from 34 schools across 16 states participated, making it a vibrant and unifying platform for creative expression during challenging times.
Specially Abled Children’s National Poster Making Competition (2020)
Held completely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this competition was organised in collaboration with CSIR-NIScPR and in association with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Launched on June 5, the initiative aimed to ensure continued student engagement and inclusion during the lockdown period.
A total of 27 schools participated, with students showcasing their creativity and resilience through this accessible and inclusive digital platform. The competition underscored the importance of equal opportunities and creative expression for all learners, regardless of circumstances.
Specially Abled Children’s National Science Painting Competition (2019)
This was our very first painting competition specially curated for children from special schools, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward inclusive education and creative empowerment. Organised in collaboration with CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) and UNESCO, and in association with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
The event was a heartfelt tribute to the artistic spirit and unique talents of differently-abled students across the country. Held in conjunction with World Students’ Day and the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
National Children’s Science Painting Competition (2018)
The painting competition held on the occasion of World Students’ Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, was a vibrant tribute to the power of imagination and education. Organised in collaboration with CSIR-NISCAIR and UNESCO, the event brought together students from grades 1 to 12 across the nation, uniting them in a shared celebration of creativity, innovation, and national pride.
This initiative aimed not only to honor the legacy of Dr. Kalam India’s beloved “Missile Man” and a visionary scientist but also to encourage young learners to express their thoughts and dreams through the powerful medium of art. With themes inspired by science, peace and sustainability values close to Dr. Kalam’s heart .
Not A USO Member School?
We extend a warm invitation to special schools nationwide to become integral members of our community by applying for USO Membership. Our membership period spans from April 1 to March 31 each year.
With USO Membership, schools unlock the door to a spectrum of engaging activities, all conducted on a national level. While some events are accessible at a nominal charge, others may involve a nominal student participation fee. Registration is compulsory for participation in all our activities.
Join our vibrant community of schools and embark on a journey of exploration, learning, and camaraderie with USO – where each school is not just a member but an integral part of our shared educational journey.
Join our educational community by filling out our online Membership Form now (includes payment link).
Have Questions?
If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us: (011) 4106-8486 / 4165-1103 / 98100-46619 or email: info@usoindia.org