THRISSUR: That Thiruvonam and Teachers’ Day fall on the same day – Friday – this year is a happy coincidence for students of Thaikkattussery ALPS, an aided school in division 30 of Thrissur corporation. To mark the twin occasion, students had a special gift for teachers: Their own brand of clothing with designs made employing the technique of vegetable printing.
On August 30, the school introduced the ‘Veggie Vastra’ brand at a function held to felicitate teachers of the division. The invited teachers were all draped in ‘ponnada’ that students of Class 1 to 4 designed.
‘Veggie Vastra’ was conceived under the aegis of the school’s Arts and Craft Adventure Club. The patterns on the ‘ponnada’ were made using a variety of vegetables, including onion, okra and carrot.
“We came up with the idea for ‘Veggie Vastra’ during the school’s summer arts camp. Students were enthusiastic to learn the art of vegetable printing. It was challenging to take up a project for the entire school. However, the cooperation of all the students made it possible,” said Keerthi, schoolteacher who led the project.
The students also designed a logo for the Art and Craft Adventure Club at the camp, which was held in April-May.
Keerthi said the students were divided into three teams, each focusing on vegetable carving, designing and printing. “Members switched teams after every session to ensure the students learned every process. They were eager and ready to experiment with colours and patterns,” she said.
Headmistress Prasanna said ‘Veggie Vastra’ has been a transformative experience for students and teachers.
“Work on the ‘ponnada’ was carried out on Saturdays. Normally, students hesitate to come to school on Saturdays. However, in this case they were all happy to be involved,” she said.