Writer Sethu and actor Jayasurya share their thoughts on how to make the State School Arts Festival better next time.
M. K. Sanoo , critic
"There is nothing wrong in giving a prize or token of recognition to the students. But I feel that this rush for getting grace marks needs to be curbed. Otherwise, why should parents or teachers fall into the trap laid by people making fake appeals? These incidents may be a reflection of a general trend in various fields, including literature where people go out of the way to get awards. The organisers could think of measures that would help in turning the festival into a creative space without unnecessary competition."
A. Sethumadhavan ,
writer
"It’s a fact that many students are getting a chance to display their talents. But there is a kind of exploitation happening at these festivals. To meet the exorbitant expenses for various events, especially dance competitions, the common people are either pledging their property or selling it. This is painful. By going for fake appeals, parents seem to be teaching children on how to cheat. Such unfortunate incidents are happening at a time when corruption is being celebrated in society. I am also wondering why the organisers are not able to stick to the time schedule. The students are forced to wait for hours to get on to the stage owing to poor planning and implementation. At this time of IT and technology, is it that difficult to maintain the time schedule? It is high time the system of giving grace marks was abolished. What relevance is there for grace marks in such a festival of arts?"
Jayasurya , actor
"The correction process should start from parents and teachers. Please do not put the children into unnecessary tension by asking them to outperform his counterparts. Sachin Tendulkar will not come on to the ground thinking that he will score a century today. He will only think about performing to his best. Naturally, he will end up making a century. Likewise, let the children perform without fear of whether the next or early contestant will bag more marks. Tell them to perform well and not think about how others will perform. Let us free the children from the chains of unhealthy competition."
