The annual Chinnara Mela, summer camp conducted by theatre repertory Rangayana, will conclude on Sunday with the participating children holding a “desi santhe” (native bazaar).
Noted folklorist P.K. Rajashekar will deliver the valedictory address.
The children, who have been introduced to various forms of desi culture during the monthlong camp, will be staging three plays a day for three days. Pushparani by Chandrashekar Kambar, Ajji Mattu Mommaga by Nagaraja Kalkatti and Mantrada Hoovu by Manjunatha Belakere were staged on Thursday. Holige Beke Holige by Brahmachar, Rutugana by Bhavani Prakash and Hakim Nanjunda by Chandrashekaraiah will be staged on Friday. Desi Sambhrama by Somashekar, Nyayakke Jaya by S. Malathi and Kurigala Kanasu by Siddur Prasanna will be staged on Saturday.
Announcing this at a press conference here on Wednesday, B.R. Jayaramaraje Urs, Secretary, Department of Kannada and Culture, said that over 400 participating children were introduced to various forms of native culture. They were also exposed to the basics of theatre and other art forms, including music and dance, by resource persons. The children also interacted with various theatre personalities.
Manu, a naturalist, created awareness among them on the need to conserve flora and fauna, by organising ecology walks every morning. Films on environment protection were screened in the evenings, he added. They were introduced to vermicomposting by Jagannath. Marisiddamma, an exponent in folk music, narrated folk stories and taught folksongs to the children. Hakim Rehman Khan of H.D. Kote gave a lecture demonstration on medicinal plants, Mr. Urs said.
Snake enthusiast ‘Snake' Shyam of Mysore organised an exhibition of snakes and informed the children on the importance of conserving nature.
Fire safety
Fire Services personnel gave a demonstration on fire safety and extinguishing fire. Artists from Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts A.P. Chandrashekar and Vanita taught the children various drawing techniques.
Chinnara Mela aims to rectify shortcomings in the schooling system which pays scant attention to developing the creative side of children, according to Mr. Urs. Also, the camp encourages children to develop a love for theatre.
