The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Children initiated into world of letters

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 22, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Children initiated into world of letters

Special Correspondent

Good response to Vidyarambham ceremony organised by churches

Photo: S. Mahinsha

Into a new world: Poet O.N.V. Kurup initiating a child into the world of letters, and (right) Father Joseph Chacko of the St. Geroge’s Cathedral performing the initiation ceremony of a child at different functions organised in connection with Vidyarambham in the city on Sunday.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thousands of children were initiated into the world of letters on Sunday at public functions organised by religious institutions, charitable organisati ons, educational institutions and cultural and media establishments across the city as part of the Vidyarambham ritual marking the conclusion of the Navaratri festival.

A large number of Christian families participated in the ceremony, signifying the evolution of the Hindu tradition into a multi-religious practice. While children from Hindu families drew the sign of the `Om’ and wrote `Hari Sri…’ as per their tradition, those participating in functions organised by Christian churches and organisations drew the cross and wrote the alphabets and holy words from the Bible to symbolise their entry into the world of learning.

Elaborate arrangements were made for Vidyarambham in front of the idol of Goddess Saraswathi at the Navaratri Mandapam of the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple and the Poojappura Mandapam, the Thunchan Smaraka Samithi at Iranimuttam and the Kumaranasan Memorial, Thonnakkal. Dozens of temples across the city and its suburbs arranged functions. Poets, scholars, painters, dancers and musicians were present at the functions to administer the first letters to the children.

The functions organised by the Madre de Deus Church, Vettucaud, and the day care centre under the St.George’s Orthodox Syrian Church drew good response. Pilgrims of different faiths from several places in Kerala and the neighbouring States brought their children to the function held at the Madre de Deus Church. Parish priest Johnson Alexander said 200 children had participated in the function. Joseph Chalil and Binu Joseph Alex were also present to guide the children into the world of letters.

More than 20 Christian families brought their children for the ceremony organised by the St.George Day Care Centre.

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