10,000 youngsters testing the art waters

By O J George

Asia’s biggest youngsters’ conclave of art competitions begins at Thiruvananthapuram today. About 10,000 youngsters from high schools, higher secondary schools, and vocational higher secondary schools are trying their hands for a prize in the competitions of tune, rhythm and festivities.

The schools youth festival of Kerala has entered the 49th year. Next year the mela would have its golden jubilee, even though there were breaks in 1972 and 1973.

The competitions would be held at 16 venues in 216 items.

This year the festival has uniqueness in combining the melas of high school, higher secondary and vocational higher secondary sections. Earlier, these were being held separately.

The district which fetches the highest number of points would fetch the gold cup.

The cultural pageant being taken out in the afternoon from University stadium to Putherikandam maidan would be a feast for the eyes.

The participants from northern districts like Kannur and Kasargod had reached last night itself.