KOCHI: A three-day cultural event titled ‘Naatarivu’ was organised by the NSS unit (National Service Scheme) of Sacred Heart College, Thevara.The programme was conducted on a large scale with exhibitions, workshops, competitions, symposiums and performances. The programme aims at sensitising the young generation regarding organic farming, eco-friendliness and the need to create a ‘new way of life’ for subsistence and sustenance.
The highlight of the event was the State level intercollegiate and school competitions focusing on traditional art, culture, rituals, clothes, tools, artefacts and the way of life at large.Students from across the state participated in the competitions.The exhibitions also focused on different facets of the lifestyle of yesteryears, its simplicity, goodness and truthfulness, which is fading fast.
On all the three days there was a performance by nationally acclaimed artists. The performances include padayani, mudiyettu, theyyam, kalarippayattu, kurathiyattam, nadanpattukal and gothra kalaroopangal. ‘Nadan Fashion show displaying the traditional dresses was also part of the event.Representatives from Royal families of Travancore, Kochi and Kozhikode participated in a symposium related to the history of local kingdoms of Kerala.
NSS Unit of SH College Thevara, Kochi collaborated with Kerala Folklore Academy in organising this event. Kerala State NSS Office, MG University NSS Office, Adivasi Gothra Kala Sangham, Attappadi, Wayanadu, CVN Kalari, Kozhikkodu, Moozhukkulam Sala, Chalakkudy and a host of other NGOs and art and cultural organisations were actively involved in organising the event.