BANGALORE: Children from 50 schools in the city will have a chance to exhibit their storytelling abilities from July 21.

Kathalaya, a city-based trust, will conduct its second international storytelling festival "Kathothsava 2006" in three categories.

Geetha Ramanujam, Executive Director of Kathalaya Trust, said it has organised a story-writing contest for primary school children (first round conducted already), and storytelling competition for middle and high school children.

The one meant for the middle school is called "Tell a tale" and the one for high school is called "Potter mania".

The contests cater to children of all age groups. All the competitions will be in English. "We want to make storytelling an integral part of school curriculum but without burdening the children and make a positive social change in life," says Ms. Ramanujam.

"Tell a tale" will be held on July 21 and 22 at Bal Bhavan while "Potter mania" will be held at the Chancery Hotel on August 4.

"Katha mela" will kick off on July 29 at Kanteerava Stadium. Kathalaya's first publication, "Storytelling for educators", by Geeta Ramanujam will be released on the occasion.

Reviving tradition

A rally with a motto to revive the dying tradition of storytelling will be a part of the programme.

It is roping in film and theatre personalities such as such as Nagesh Kukunoor, Mahesh Dattani and Revathi Menon with the children.

"Apart from the various competitions that will be held for children, workshops and certificate courses for parents, teachers and educationists will be held," says Ms. Ramanujam.

Kathalaya intends to establish "Story land", an international centre for storytelling on the outskirts of Bangalore.

Kathalaya Trust can be contacted on 26689856 or visit www.kathalaya.org.

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