Date:01/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/01/stories/2006120117550300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Chinnara Habba attracts 100 schools

Staff Reporter

The festival will be oragnised from December 14 to 17

A FESTIVAL: Kishan and H. Sudarshan drumming to announce the `Chinnara Habba - Kidz 2006' in Bangalore on Thursday. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

Bangalore: The call for talent is now on. Packed with music, games, theatre, dance, aptitude test and drawing competitions, the Canara Bank Chinnara Habba-Kidz 2006 will embody the buoyant spirit and endless curiosity of children. The festival is on from December 14 to 17 at Sree Kanteerava Indoor Stadium. Actor Ramesh Arvind will inaugurate the festival. It will be complete with exhibition-cum-sale, cultural programmes, and play stations for children.

Referring to underprivileged children in the State, H. Sudarshan told presspersons here on Thursday, "This is a new concept. Through this event, we have managed to reach out to many street children as well. A percentage of the proceeds will support `Project Maanasa', a rehabilitation programme for mentally challenged destitute women and children."

With an attempt to provide children a valuable and educational experience, Chinnara Habba would host several hands-on art activities.To recognise the brave acts of children, the festival would give away Bravery Awards, he added.

The event, which would witness the participation of 100 schools, was on the lookout for four Junior RJs (radio jockeys) aged between 10 and 16.

"Children should move away from the practice of sitting with their textbooks all day. We should try to inculcate the practice of physical activities among children. We should celebrate childhood," said nine-year-old S.S. Kishan, Guinness Record holder for being the Youngest Film Director.