The Malabar Christian College (MCC) ground was on Saturday chosen as the main venue of the 55th State School Arts Festival, marking the end of six days of uncertainty.
The decision was taken at a meeting attended by Social Welfare Minister M.K. Muneer, MLAs A. Pradeepkumar, Elamaram Karim, and C.K. Nanu, Kozhikode Mayor A.K. Premajam, District Collector C.A. Latha, and Commissioner of Police A.V. George.
Earlier, Mananchira Square was declared as the main venue by Education Minister P.K. Abdu Rabb, but the city Corporation raised an objection, pointing out that it was renovated at a huge cost and the conduct of a big festival could cause damage.
With political and cultural leaders supporting this view, the authorities looked for other options. The Mayor and Mr. Pradeepkumar suggested Swapna Nagari as the alternative, but it was too far from other venues.
It was then that the MCC ground was considered. It was also the venue when the festival was held here in 2002. The college ground has already been allocated for the conduct of the National Games, but Dr. Muneer contacted Sports Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, who gave the green signal.
The list of venues will be finalised later. Venues considered include Town Hall, Gujarati Vidyalaya, St. Joseph’s BHSS, Providence GHSS, Parish Hall, BEMGHSS and Government Model HSS.
Ms. Premajam will chair the organising committee in place of Dr. Muneer. The Minister did not want to accept the post because the bylaw demanded that the local MLA in whose constituency the main venue is situated should lead the committee. Mr. Pradeepkumar should have thus become the chairman, but he too declined. The Mayor was then chosen as the chairperson. Committees were also formed for the conduct of the festival, which will be held from January 15 to 21.
