KANNUR: “Gone are the days when arts, sports and literary activities were kept outside the curriculum. Extracurricular activities play a crucial role in the development of students’ personality,” said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while inaugurating the 57th Kerala School Kalotsavam at the main venue set up at the Police Parade Ground on Monday. The fest is claimed to be the biggest cultural festival in Asia.
“Besides providing students a platform to present their talents, the Kalotsavam enriches art and culture. Many art forms of Kerala owe their survival to the School Kalotsavam. It may be recalled that several renowned musicians, actors and writers of our time emerged through the School Kalotsavam,” said the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
He said the government had initiated every step to curb unhealthy competition at the Kalotsavam venues, with the major measures being revision of the Kalotsavam manual and scrapping of the Kalathilakam and Kalaprathibha titles. “While it is very difficult to eliminate them fully, the government is committed to curbing unhealthy practices,” he said.