Tiny tots were initiated not only into the world of letters, but those of art, music and dance as well this ‘vidyarambham’ at Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan. Around 60 youngsters began their journey of knowledge on Wednesday at the ‘Aadyaaksharavedi’ prepared by the Desiya Balatharangam in association with the Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan, State Institute of Languages, Nehru Youth Centre and Regatta Dance Academy.
The rite was inaugurated at 7.30 am by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who initiated 10 children into the world of letters by making them write the Malayalam alphabet in rice. Health Minister V S Sivakumar, former Chairman of Science and Technology Department, Government of Kerala C G Ramachandran Nair and State Institute of Languages Director M R Thampan also initiated children into the world with letters.
The learning of art was also given equal importance and children were given a few basic lessons in dance, singing, playing the ‘veena’, painting and sculpting. Dance teacher Girija Chandran of Regatta Dance Academy, sculptor Aryanad Rajendran and artist Sanandaraj were some of the ‘gurus’ who introduced children into the world of art and culture.
There was also a felicitation ceremony for teachers, where eight ‘gurus’ in various fields were honoured with a plaque, ‘ponnada’ and a purse. K P Venugopalan Nair, former headmaster of Government Model School, Thycaud, and recipient of state award for best teacher was among those felicitated. The other ‘gurus’ honoured included P Gopinathan Nair, chairman, All-India Gandhi Smarak Nidhi; Kattoor Narayana Pillai, vice-chairman, Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi and Thevarthottam Sukumaran, exponent of ‘Kathaprasangam’.
Mass initiations were also held at the Asan Smarakam at Thonakkal, Thunjan Parambu at Attukal and by writer P Govinda Pillai at the residence of Sivankutty MLA.
‘Vidyarambham’ at Vettucaud Church
‘Vidyarambham’ was held at Madre De Deus Church, Vettucaud, under the stewardship of Archbishop Soosaipakiyam on Wednesday. The rites began at 8 am. As many as 489 kids were initiated into the world of letters on the occasion.
John Paul, manager of Marian Engineering College; principal of St Xavier’s College Fr Paul Sunny SJ; Christ Nagar School principal Kurien Chalangady CMI; Rev Fr Dasappan SJ; parish vicar Fr Cyrus Kalathil; Rev Fr Joseph Chalil; and Rev Fr Jerome also led the ceremonies. Gifts were distributed to all kids who were initiated into letters.