Students from Dakshina Kannada district are talented in the cultural sphere, said Sulochana G.K. Bhat, chairperson, Bal Bhavan, Karnataka State Bal Bhavan Society.
She was speaking at “Makkala Habba”, a cultural festival, organised by the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, Women and Child Welfare Department, and the District Programme Implementation Samiti of Bala Vikasa Academy in the city on Thursday.
Ms. Bhat said the talent of students from the district was evident as the “Balashri” award this year had been given to students from Mangalore and Belgaum. Children from Mangalore schools had been part of the winning team of the inter-district cultural competition held recently, she said. Ms. Bhat said that it was important for adults to encourage creativity amongst children as they were the future of the country.
However, there was an air of negativity in attitudes towards children and they were always told what not to do. Instead of placing limits on them, a positive atmosphere that enabled them to express themselves should be created. Koragappa Naik, president, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, said that such events created an opportunity for children to express their talents and share it with others. Students should try to keep away from mobile phones and involve themselves in cultural activities. They must strive to excel not only at the State level but at the national level, he said.
Mounesh Vishwakarma, resourceperson for schools and one of the chief guests, said students must overcome their inhibitions and participate in cultural activities. He said they must try to get away from the distraction of the TV and mobile phone to take part in dance or music. He enthused the young audience, consisting mainly of students with a game that checked their alertness.
Nine children, who got the “Kala Shree” awards, were felicitated for their talents in different cultural field.
The students presented a cultural programme including folk dances, patriotic dances, and folk music.
