District Information Centre today organized an inter-school painting competition at Learning Temple High School, Kathua.As many as 27 students drawn from 13 schools participated in the painting competition which was organized in association with Private Schools Association Kathua to commemorate ongoing “Van Mahotsava”.ADC, Dr Bharat Bhushan, was the chief guest on the occasion,The chief guest planted saplings followed by plantation drive by school management, staff and students.While addressing the students, Dr Bharat Bhushan exhorted upon the student community to be a tool for creating awareness among all the stakeholders in their respective neighborhood. He said plants are vital asset for human survival which gives us clean and livable environment besides giving us produce like wood, medicines, timber etc. He said apathy towards environment will have dire consequences on human existence.Manish of Little Flower High School Kathua bagged first position while second and third positions were secured by Ishani of DAV Senior Secondary School Kathua and Lavanya of Sacred Heart Smart School Kathua respectively.The chief guest Dr Bharat Bhsuhan gave away trophies and certificate among the winners and participants.Later, vote of thanks was presented by President Private Schools Association Kathua Sat Paul Mansotra.Among others, Chairman, members of school management, teachers of participating schools, officers/ officials of Information Department and a large number of students were present on the occasion.