Date:16/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/16/stories/2008051655081100.htm

Karnataka

Cheerful learning is the mantra

Vishwa Kundapura

About 200 students are taking part in Chukki Mela

ENTHRALLING: Artiste Mandya Ramesh entertaining the children at the Chukki Mela.

KOLAR: Carving a niche of its own in the cultural field of Karnataka through multifarious activities and novel experiments, Adima, a cultural organisation in Kolar, is once again in the spotlight.

The premises of Adima on Terahalli Betta, near here, is abuzz with dance, singing, painting and other activities of children.

About 200 students of rural and urban areas of the district are taking part in the summer camp called “Chukki Mela.”

Started on April 25, the camp is slated to conclude on May 19. Unlike paid summer camps of big cities such as Bangalore, the one in Terahalli Betta is catching the imagination of the world of tender minds.

The activities at the camp are helping children to keep themselves away from the boredom of television and instil confidence and inculcating a good personality.

Though the camp is dedicated to science and mathematics subjects, it is made lively and interesting for the participants.

Dance, singing, painting, toy making, film show, story telling and the like form the part of the camp, making it a unique experience for the children.

The resources persons, renowned in their respective fields, are imparting them many a lessons of life in their own style.

Eminent writer S. Raghunath donned the role of story teller taking the children to a fascinating world. Versatile theatre and film personality Mandya Ramesh and “Duniya” fame Vijay added special flavour to the camp on different days.

During his interaction with children, Mr. Ramesh enthralled the youngsters by mimicking various kinds of laughter and weeping. Answering several questions from children, he underlined the importance of dedication and hard work to make it big in life.

Mr. Vijay, while throwing light on his real life, stressed the role of positive approach.

District Judge A.V. Chandrashekhar, who visited the camp, spoke to the children and underscored the importance of protecting tanks, premier source of water in the district.

Adima founder Kotiganahalli Ramaiah was overwhelmed by the response the camp evoked. “If the young minds are given proper direction, their talent could be channelised in right way. This, I hope, will go a long way in creating a healthy society,” Mr. Ramaiah told The Hindu.