Imphal | The Imphal Peace Museum, in collaboration with the Manipur Tourism Forum, observed Hiroshima Day with a painting competition on the theme “Peace and Reconciliation” at the museum in Red Hills on Thursday.

Nearly 80 students from different schools took part in the competition, using art to express their ideas about peace, harmony, friendship and a world free from conflict.

During the programme, Haobam Joyremba, Director of the Imphal Peace Museum, interacted with the students and spoke about the historical significance of the Battle of Imphal during the Second World War and its connection with Japan. He said the museum stands as a symbol of reconciliation between India and Japan and plays an important role in promoting peace education among young people.

Joyremba also shared the moving story of Sadako Sasaki, the Japanese girl who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima but later developed leukaemia due to radiation exposure. He explained how Sadako folded paper cranes while praying for peace and recovery. The paper crane has since become a global symbol of hope, resilience and peace.

The students were also taught the traditional Japanese art of making Origami Cranes. The activity helped them learn about Japanese culture while understanding the wider message of peace and compassion.

The painting competition was held in two categories. Group A included students from Classes III to VI, while Group B was for students from Classes VII to X. The young participants created colourful artworks highlighting friendship, unity, harmony, environmental protection and the need for a world without war.

Cash prizes and certificates were presented to the winners and participants. The organisers appreciated the students for using their creativity to convey strong messages of peace.

The programme was attended by Dr. L. Surjit, President of the Manipur Tourism Forum; Paonam Surjit, Secretary; Kh. Krishnan Singh, Treasurer; and Haobam Joyremba, Director of the Imphal Peace Museum.

The organisers said Hiroshima Day should not be seen only as a day to remember the tragedy of the atomic bombing. It should also remind people of the need to reject violence and build a future based on dialogue, empathy and mutual respect.

The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes and certificates, followed by a collective pledge by the students to promote peace, friendship and harmony in their schools and communities.