Colourful start to school arts festival

Renu Ramanath

Financial aid for needy artists likely

KOCHI: The 46th Kerala State School Kalotsavam began with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy lighting the lamp at the colourful main venue at Marine Drive here on Thursday evening.

In his address, the Chief Minister called upon youngsters ``to imbibe the values of our cultural heritage.'' He expressed happiness at the implementation of the revised manual for the arts festival and hoped that this would do away with the unhealthy competition that marred the reputation of the festival.

Education Minister E.T. Mohammed Basheer, delivering the presidential address, said the Government was considering the option of providing scholarship to financially backward students who performed well in the festival. The Government would also consider the option of providing financial assistance to needy students for taking part in the festival.

Mr. Basheer's suggestion was endorsed by the Chief Minister in his address.

The inaugural session, which began after a colourful cultural procession of schoolchildren, started with a welcome song and stage presentation. Public Instruction Secretary Lida Jacob welcomed the audience. Sports Minister Dominic Presentation gave away the prize for the winner of the competition held for selecting the festival logo. K.M. Hassan, art teacher in Government Higher Secondary School, Pezhakkappilly, received the prize. Mayor Mercy Williams was present. Director of Public Instruction A. Ajith Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.
(The Hindu-20/01/06, Friday)