The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Fewer disputes, but poor turnout at fete

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 10, 2006

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Fewer disputes, but poor turnout at fete

Staff Reporter

SPIRIT OF COMPETITION: An official updates the points scored by each educational sub-district at the district school Kalotsavam being held at the Government Boys HSS in Thripunithura. Photo: H. Vibhu

KOCHI: From a low-key start to a relatively controversy-free atmosphere, Ernakulam Revenue School Kalotsavam, which concluded on Monday, presented myriad experiences to the host town, Thripunithura.

The State Government's decision to scrap Kalapratibha and Kalatilakom titles helped check unhealthy competition, a feature of previous festivals.

Dance events were held minus usual controversies associated with them. But the decision not to use live accompaniment to dance and arts events evoked mixed reactions among parents and students. A section of them pointed out that the cost for participating in various dance items had come down. Others felt that there was not much difference, as they had spent a good amount for recording songs in CD format. Confusion regarding the new manual popped up on several occasions. Students, parents and teachers came up with a variety of complaints before the organisers.

According to the new manual, no participant can lodge a complaint alleging that the judgment was wrong.

Teachers and parents tried to present their complaints in a different manner following the new guideline.

A group of teachers and team managers had alleged that a judge had slept off during the staging of a drama competition for the upper primary section.

Despite such allegations, the number of complaints had come down considerably. An expert committee will give a final judgment on Wednesday regarding the appeals.

The festival had its share of problems right from day one of the competitions. Most seats meant for the audience remained vacant, unlike in the past when venues were packed.

Differences cropped up within the organising committee while going into the reasons for the poor turnout. A section of them alleged that the Kalotsavam was not given adequate publicity.

The timing of the festival also created problems for the organisers.

With Kochi hosting the State School Kalotsavam from January 19, a good chunk of the teachers deputed for the revenue district Kalotsavam had to be shifted to various committees formed for the conduct of the State-level festival.

One wonders if this was the reason why organisers seemed to be in a hurry to wrap up the event.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala