Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

Electrifying show ends children’s fest

Photo: K. Pichumani

Children perform at the valedictory function of ‘Art Arattai Aarpattam’ on Friday. —

CHENNAI: The inside and outside of Sir Mutha Venkatasubbarao Concert Hall reverberated to an electrifying mix of sounds on Friday night when the all-children Percussion Band performed to the beats of drums, chants, vocals and guitars. ‘Kottu Murasae’ indeed was a perfect ending to the 20-day children’s festival of dance, drama, music and films, ‘Art, Arattai, Aarpattam,’ organised by NalandaWay Foundation and UNICEF.

Children performed eight different pieces; each focussing on the various rights of children looked from their viewpoint, reminding the audience of children’s responsibilities. The performance was befitting as the occasion also coincided with the 20th anniversary on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

UNICEF’s special report on the State of the World’s Children 2009 was also released, in which the book examines the evolution, impact of the convention in the last two decades, challenges and actions that need to be taken.

Giving statistical information on the achievement seen in the last 20 years, Satish Kumar, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF (Tamil Nadu and Kerala), said there has been a marked reduction in the number of under-five deaths. “From 12.5 million deaths in 1990, it has fallen to less than nine million in 2008,” he said.

But, despite the advancements, Africa and Asia present greater challenge for the rights of children. “We need to make the best interest of children the primary aspect of governance,” he said.

K.S. Sripathi, Chief Secretary, explained why women and children are victims of abuses and why they need to come out. The second edition of the festival had 97 NGOs partnering with NalandaWay. Sarvodaya activist and veteran Gandhian Krishnammal Jagannathan and actor-director Revathi spoke.

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