“Girls are Superstars” is the message of Art Arattai Aarpattam 09, a festival being organised in partnership with UNICEF by NalandaWay, an NGO that supports children from challenging situations.
Sriram Ayer, founder CEO, believes all forms of art can be used to connect with children. This year, they have organised a 20-day children’s festival across 32 districts in Tamil Nadu, starting November 1. The festival features concerts, films, street plays, documentaries and competitions.
Classical pianist Anil Srinivasan has contributed to the cause of NalandaWay by training their Girls Choir who will be performing with him at the inaugural event, Kannamma, tomorrow at Sir Mutha Venkatasubba Rao Concert Hall, Lady Andal School premises.
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Appreciating Sriram Ayer’s initiative, Anil Srinivasan said, “One event in isolation does not make a difference” and stressed the need for more such programmes. He hoped to continue working with them in the future.
Popular musicians Sikkil Gurucharan, Navin Iyer, Vedanth Bharadwaj, Rakesh Raghunathan, and Johnanathan will also be performing with the children. Vedanth Bharadwaj said such a show was relevant because it was in celebration of women who had achieved so much in society in contemporary times.
The show will feature Subramania Bharati’s compositions which celebrate womanhood.
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As part of the festival, “Naangathaan Superstars”, a 12-part serial will be telecast on Star Vijay from November 2, Monday to Thursday, between 6.30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Directed by popular Tamil film directors such as Revathy, Rohini, Manobala and Gnani, the serials are based on real life stories of girls who have achieved their goals despite all odds. For more information about the festival, visit www.nalandaway.org/aaa