Art Against Addiction: National Anti-Drug Cartoon Contest Celebrates Young Talent
A United Creative Campaign
In a significant collaboration between the Kerala Cartoon Academy and the All India Malayalee Association (AIMA), a national-level Anti-Drug Cartoon Competition was successfully organized in Kochi, aimed at raising awareness among school and college students as well as emerging cartoonists. The initiative brought together creativity and social responsibility, encouraging young minds to address the issue of substance abuse through the medium of art. The results of the competition were officially announced on July 6, 2025.
Recognizing Creative Excellence
The competition featured two main categories—Senior and Junior—to accommodate participants across age groups. In the Senior category, the first prize was awarded to Anjana S Raj from Kottayam, followed by Arshad P from Malappuram who secured the second position. The third prize was won by Atul S Raj, also from Kottayam.
In the Junior category, the first prize was jointly shared by Ishaan Gokulam and Parvathi Ravichandran, both from Ernakulam. Nived V Menon, also from Ernakulam, was awarded the second prize. The third prize was shared by Abhay L. P. from Thiruvananthapuram and Ashwathi Ram M. P. from Kannur.
Awards and Ceremony
The prize distribution will take place during AIMA’s 18th Annual General Meeting scheduled on July 13, 2025, at Meenooz Auditorium, Kozhikode. The winners in both Senior and Junior categories will receive cash prizes of ₹10,000 (First), ₹7,500 (Second), and ₹5,000 (Third), respectively. In addition, all winners will be honored with sculpted mementos, certificates of appreciation, and book kits.
To further promote awareness, the selected cartoon entries will be displayed at various schools and colleges throughout Kerala, turning these creative works into educational tools for drug prevention.
Jury and Judging Process
The initial round of screening was conducted by members of the Kerala Cartoon Academy, while the final jury comprised a panel of distinguished professionals. The jury included cartoonist Gopikrishnan, film director Vinod Mankara, retired Assistant Excise Commissioner Anilkumar T., Kerala Chalachitra Academy Secretary Ajoy C. Chandran, journalist Dhanasumodh, and AIMA National Additional Secretary Jayaraj Nair. Their collective expertise ensured a fair and impactful selection process that highlighted both artistic merit and social message.
Organizers and Leadership
The entire initiative was driven by a team of committed leaders from both organizations. Gokulam Gopalan, President of AIMA, and K. R. Manoj, General Secretary of AIMA, played pivotal roles in coordinating the campaign. On behalf of Kerala Cartoon Academy, Chairman Sudheer Nath and Secretary E. Satheesh provided key leadership and organizational support. Their combined efforts helped in turning this vision into a national movement of artistic expression and awareness.
Conclusion: The Power of Art to Inspire Change
This competition stands as a powerful example of how art can serve as a transformative tool for social awareness, particularly when it comes to challenging issues like drug abuse. Through the thoughtful and creative contributions of young artists, this initiative has sparked a nationwide dialogue, using visual storytelling to influence minds and hearts.
By displaying these impactful cartoons across educational institutions, Kerala Cartoon Academy and AIMA are not just celebrating talent but also sending a strong message—creativity can be a compelling voice against addiction. This campaign reminds us that meaningful change often begins with a single brushstroke of awareness.