from daijiworld's special correspondent

Panaji, Aug 20: With a view to awakening the society about social evils, four major colleges in Goa have carved out unique project of portraying social evil through comics.

What started as a project to draw comics related to human trafficking issues, has turned into a mega-exhibition with state's major educational institutions joining hands in the endeavour.

"We have put up exhibition at Goa's prominent Kala Academy premises in Panaji. We will be holding such an exhibition elsewhere around the state to educate masses especially women and child about their rights," stated an organizer.

Delhi-based Metamorphosis organization, in association with World Comics India, has helped the students learn how to draw comics on social subjects. Around 100-odd students from state's premier institutions like -- Salgaonkar Law College, Miramar, DMC, Mapusa, Rosary College, Margao and Xavier's College, Mapusa – have contributed for this exhibition.

"The students were trained on social communication. During this training they developed posters and booklets that conveyed a strong social message using comics," stated Anirban Dutta, Director, Metamorphosis.

He said that the campaign is a part of the initiative undertaken by the United Nations Fund for Development of Women (UNIFEM), to combat human trafficking and to further the rights of women and children.

"It was fun learning and later we were more enthused when we heard that our creations would be displayed in an exhibition," stated Vijayashri Irekar, student of Salgaoncar college of Law, Miramar. The students in Goa have put up their exhibition under title "Goenkar Changemakers," she stated.

Dutta stated that change can only be sustained when the young people of the community take an initiative. 'Goenkar Changemakers' is a step towards that direction. This is a group of extremely dedicated and bright young people who are going to make a difference in Goa, he stated.