Pavan Kumar, a Class 9 student at Ramakrishna Vidyalaya from Shivamogga, won the state-level logo design competition conducted by Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) on ill-effects of usage of tobacco.

The commission had conducted a state-level logo design competition for schoolchildren across the state and invited entries. The entries had come from at least 20 districts. The committees at district levels shortlisted three best designs and sent them to the commission, which was then forwarded to Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath for the final selection.

"Chitrakala Parishath has selected four logos and we have given a cash award of  INR 10,000 as first prize, INR 8,000 as second and INR 2,500 for two students as third prize," Kripa Alva, the commission chairperson said.

Speaking after receiving the prize, Pavan Kumar said, "Every day, while going to school, I see many people standing and smoking cigarettes at the bus stop or near some petty shop. Some aged people smoke even when they are coughing. I designed the logo keeping all this in mind."

Nikitha Sikkalagara, a Class 9 student from Rabakavi Govt school of Bagalkote district said, "In my village, I can see most men, both young and old, smoking and chewing tobacco. I have even witnessed people suffering from cancer. This motivated me to design a logo."

Somashekar L from Davanagere District and Bhavana B Choudary of  Doddaballapur have won 3rd and consolation prize with cash prize of INR 2,500 each.

Dr Shastry, President of Karnataka Cancer Society, Dr Vishal Rao, US cancer surgeon and member of high power committee on tobacco control and Dr Pratima Murthy, Professor and head of the de-addiction centre, NIMHANS were part of the event.