For five days, 90 children from all over the Dakshina Kannada district participated in “Makkala Utsava”, (children's festival), held in Bantwal taluk. Ganesh Mandir in Vamadapadav, where the festival was held recently, was a hub of activity and learning. Children, between the ages of eight and 15 years, enjoyed the activities, all of which had a non-academic approach to learning.
Various activities
The summer camp had a festive air. Children exhibiting their skills in craft and performed magic tricks for which they had to understand the elements of Science.
A play “Kere Ulisi” (Save the pond) was performed. The play was entertaining as well as helped with awareness on conservation of water. The children also staged a play titled “Makkala Rajya” (Kingdom of children).
Kavana K, a student of Std VII, St Rita Higher Primary School, Vittal, was enthusiastic about participating in the festival. Like the other children, she also enjoyed the session on magic where the children were told about superstitions and the need for a scientific temperament. “I also loved vegetable carving. It was very interesting and I enjoyed it,” she said.
Shivani, a student of Std IV from SVS School, Bantwal, was fascinated by the variety of activities at the festival while Mahesh, a student of Std VI of Guardian Angels School, Madanthyar, was happy that he got an opportunity to make new friends.
All the participants said that they liked the different games they were introduced to such as “finding a partner” and a “lawyer game”, which they said was entertaining and from which they learnt a lot.
The festival was jointly organised by the State's Bal Bhavan Society, the women from Bantwal Taluk, the Child Welfare Department, and the Taluk Bal Bhavan Committee.
Over 15 schools participated in this event. With a little help from resource persons, the event helped in identifying and developing the creative talents in children.
