Date:18/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/18/stories/2006111801890200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Time for fun and some learning too

Special Correspondent

GALA TIME: Students participating in the Chilli Pilli Mela-2006 at Bal Bhavan in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Bangalore: These children were entertained and in turn showed off their own skills in music, dance, skits and crafts.

The Chilli Pilli Mela organised every year by the Promise Foundation brings together primary school children from government schools, being helped under the programmes for Assisted Learning.

This year, nearly 500 children from five government schools in South Bangalore participated in the mela held at the Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park. Besides watching a magic show and enjoying song and dance numbers by adult volunteers, students also learnt some craft work.

This was in addition to interacting with the city's artistes, dancers and singers. The teachers who accompanied the children said they left the mela with new ideas to use art in learning.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd provided buses for transporting children and volunteers and Nightingales Elder Club helped out. Student volunteers from Madiwala Government High School were present.