The third day of the Thiruvananthapuram revenue district school arts festival saw the venues packed as the group events got into full swing.
The spirit of the participants, coming from different backgrounds and fighting different odds, was evident. Aswini S. of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Cotton Hill, bagged the first prize in folk dance and Bharatanatyam while coming second in Kuchipudi.
She was taught free of cost by her teacher Ragini R. Panicker, as her family could not afford the fees.
Another disciple of Ms. Panicker, Sai Krishna K.R. of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School, Pattom, came first in Mohiniyattom and second in Kuchipudi in the high school category.
Immediate concern
For Bibin S. of Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School, Attingal, the immediate concern is a permanent house.
His father is a daily-wage labourer and they are currently living in a relative’s house.
A best actor at the sub-district school arts fete earlier, he came first in the Malayalam Story Writing in the higher secondary category.
Double delight
It was double delight for Darsana Higher Secondary School, Nedumangad, as twins Niranjan R.D. and Neeraja R.D. both won. While Neeraja came first in Thiruvathirakkali in the high school category, Niranjan came first in light music. He also came second in Kathakali music and third in classical Music. When the folk dance performances in the upper primary section finished, the judges expressed their displeasure as they felt the folk elements were getting watered down by western influence.
