Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Of open spaces and public speeches

Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the capital city, which is rapidly becoming space-starved, the children's park set up on the premises of the State Central Library has come as a whiff of fresh air.

Set up between the Library's main building and its children's wing the park was constructed with financial assistance from the Life Insurance Corporation of India and was designed by `Habitat.'

The park has merry-go-rounds, water fountains and not to forget a beautiful lawn. At one corner of the park a small stage and a podium have been set up.

According to Library officials the stage has been designed as a public platform for small groups of children to come together and deliver public speeches on any issue of their choice. There are also a couple of cement benches for the `audience' to sit back and enjoy the oratory. All that a group wishing to organise an evening of fiery speeches has to do is to intimate the Library officials in advance. After that all the world can, quite literally, become a stage. Minister for Education M.A. Baby, who inaugurated the park, expressed concern over the fact that open spaces, where children can run around, are rapidly becoming fond memories. The Minister also chided parents for imposing unnecessary restrictions and for forcing studentstochoose professions.

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