School children from the suburbs and villages got an opportunity to showcase their hidden talent during the eighth anniversary celebrations of the Littles Trust, a Non Governmental Organisation working among underprivileged children in rural areas, on the outskirts of Madurai.
The anniversary function held on Gandhi Jayanthi saw 310 students, including 160 girl students, mostly from working class background from the neighbouring villages of Nagamalai Pudukottai participate and express their different talents.
During the morning session, the children were shown interesting films, which included "Meena", the UNICEF animation series which is a major hit among kids from the rural areas in many North Indian States. The film features a lively little enchanting girl who combines elements of humour and compassion to tackle discrimination. Dr. S. Ravikumar, artist and publisher, inaugurated the film screening session.
Actor and theatre personality Shanmugaraja distributed prizes to the kids and delivered a special address urging them to nurture their skills in art and music in addition to their studies.
Other aspects
There was a play to create awareness among students on various issues. Yoga sessions and painting competitions, besides songs, music and dance performances marked the celebrations.
T.R. Parvatha Varthini, executive trustee, Littles Trust, read out the annual report and said that the aim of the event was to provide a space for the students to showcase their talent, thus encouraging them to perform at various levels in future. A few NGOs working among children too participated.
