The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Women from slums display artistic skills

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 11, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Women from slums display artistic skills

Staff Reporter

NGO organises `kolam' contest for self-help group members NGO organises `kolam' contest for self-help group members in city

SHOWING THEIR TALENT: Women at the `kolam' competition organised by Development Promotion Group on Saturday. — Photo: R. Ragu

CHENNAI : `Margazhi', the Tamil month known for intricate `kolams', is three months away. But, the Chennai Corporation Ground at Mehta Nagar, Aminjikarai, wore a festive look on Saturday with `kolams' made in vibrant hues.

Twentyfour members of various women's self help groups participated in the kolam contest organised by Development Promotion Group, a non-governmental organisation.

Besides the usual designs, several contestants tried out new patterns and materials.

While a team drew kolam with flowers, two others used pulses and crystal salt mixed with colours to decorate their kolams.

Participants were from seven slum areas, including Appaswamy Street at Chetpet, Davidpuram at Kilpauk and Mandapam Salai.

V. Valarmathi, a SHG member of Kotturpuram, said such contests were conducted in the city to encourage the women members and bring out their artistic skills. This year, cookery and quiz contests have also been included, she added.

The team from SHG at Mandapam Salai won a cash prize of Rs.1,000 for their design of India Flag decorated with pulses that stood apart.

R. Bhakter Solomon, chief executive officer of Development Promotion Group, said that the organisation, which was started six years ago, aimed at community development in urban slums and rural areas by forming SHGs.

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