‘Upp kapp ramb, nok polik nund, chood chood ruchla jaad ver. Purushland pnya purushul veray, vishw daab raam vinur vem’ A teenager recites the Vemana padyam in her own style as her grandfather looks on. Appalled at the pronunciation , her grandfather recites the poem the right way .
This is one of the scenes of a Telugu play being rehearsed at the ‘Vesavi Shikshana Shibaram’ organised at Balanandam. While Hyderabad witnesses a surge in summer camps introducing young adults to different activities, Balanandam’s ‘vesavi shikshana’ remains unique. “Since its inception Balanandam’s focus has been on Telugu and encourage children and teenagers to embrace its warmth. Even now we carry forward the ideals of our founders Nyayapathi Raghava Rao and Kameshwari (Annayya and Akkayya),” points out Lavanya, Balanandam’s manager. In fact, the programme Balanandam started by Annayya and Akkayya on All India Radio was a Sunday special programme which attracted children to the radio.
During these summer holidays, there is high drama at the centre. The session starts at 10. 30 am and continues till 3.30 pmall with a lot of sandadi (bustle). While groups of playful students run around, a small gang of girls — Gomati, Surekha, Lalantika and Mridhula — are excited at making new friends here. Elsewhere a few boys are playing UNO cards, others play ice and water and a game of cricket through cards.
Besides dance and music, there are sessions on painting, theatre and karate. “We encourage children to choose the activity,” adds Lavanya. The closing ceremony on June 2 will see children performing on stage. “Most of the children who come here enjoy the activities because there is no stress of studies. We want our children to focus on the arts, music and dance. Some parents do enquire if we can teach them handwriting too,” smiles Lavanya and adds, “Our focus on Telugu doesn’t mean we are against English. That language is learnt in schools anyway. We want them to know the rich history of our language and culture. Through skits and burra katha sessions, we create an interest in them,” explains Lavanya.
In one corner, girls sing the new poem they will perform on the stage. “ Amma naaku pettindi paala buvva, naana naaku nerpadu budi budi nadaka, taata naaku nerpadu neeti padyalu, avva naaku cheppidni jaati kathalu.” Dance instructor Badrinath observes that children share a special bond with these teachers.
“ Hyderabad lo summer camps leni rojullo, ee vesavi shibaram start ayindi. There is a charm to it,” he adds. Karate master Ajaz talks about the importance of self-defence for girls. “We help them understand that these skills are not to hit just anyone; it is only for protection,” he says.
