MYSORE: The uninhibited fun at the cultural extravaganza this summer may have come to an end for these children, but the memories of the month-long event have intensified the sense of craving in them. On its part, Rangayana, the Mysore-based theatre group, encouraged by the success of the event, has decided to widen its reach next year.

Even as the came down this evening on Chinnara Mela, Rangayana has decided to extend the summer camps to more places in north Karnataka next year.

Rangayana had organised summer camps in Bagalkot, Gadag, Dharwad and Bellary districts for the first time.

Nearly 1,300 children participated in these camps, and over 125 resource persons helped these children hone their skills. As a social responsibility to reach all, at least 10 per cent of the children from economically weaker sections of society were provided free admissions.

Coordination

The director of Rangayana, Chidambara Rao Jambe, told The Hindu that it was for the first time that such an event involving a huge number of children in different places had been coordinated.

The event also succeeded in providing opportunities to the children to identify themselves with the experiments of Rangayana, he added.

Rangayana is also considering the idea of restricting Chinnara Melas in a town for a maximum period of two years. This will enable it to reach more centres over a period of time.

Accessible

A positive outcome of these camps is that Rangayana could spread its reach to these places that hitherto were untouched, Mr. Jambe pointed out. Rangayana should not be restricted to Mysore and surrounding areas, and should be made accessible to people far and wide. These initiatives also dispel the criticism on Rangayana being Mysore-centric, he added.

Rangayana's initiative to start month-long Chinnara Melas in Bagalkot, Gadag, and Hoovina Hadagli could trigger interest among children of these areas that can bring out their inherent creativity and talent. The camps with real objective of providing a platform for children's talent are limited in these areas at present, he added.

Awareness

Not only were the children exposed to various aspects of fine arts and performing arts, the camps focused on creating awareness about the folk art forms of the region.

At Hoovina Hadagli, the children were exposed to local folk art forms that are losing prominence in the region, such as Mullina Kunita, Doddata, and Togalu Bombe Aata.

This, Mr. Jambe said, was important, as children should be aware of the cultural heritage. He said that in the present education system, creating awareness about cultural heritage among children was being ignored.

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