The Art Centre for Children and Young People, Finland has bestowed a diploma to Puducherry girl Sushma Saravanan in recognition of her painting skills at an international art exhibition under the theme, 'Together'.

There were more than 6,800 entries from children and youths from 66 countries. Sushma, a Class XI student of Kendriya Vidyalaya submitted her acrylic painting on an A4 canvas for the contest.The Centre awarded 670 participants with diplomas for their splendid artworks. Sushma’s work was one among them.

Out of the 670 paintings, the centre’s jury further chose 186 paintings that are displayed at the 16th international art exhibition for children and young people at its cultural centre from October 4. The exhibition will continue till the January19 next year. The remaining paintings can be seen in digital form on the centre’s website and through touch screens installed at the place of the exhibition.

Sushma has a place for art in her heart as is evident from the numerous awards she has won so far. She has attended 16 painting workshops and has taken a liking to photography too. She won a gold medal at a national level children art exhibition overcoming stiff competition from over 2,200 students from 22 states and 2 union territories in the country in 2010.

She came second in the international children's art competition on the theme, 'creation' hosted by London-based children art forum, 'Look and Learn' in 2013.