KOZHIKODU DISTRICT CROWNED THE OVERALL CHAMPIONS AT THE 51st KERALA STATE SCHOOL ARTS FESTIVAL

   The curtain fell on the six-day cultural extravaganza on Saturday 23rd January,2011. Kozhikodu district crowned the over all champions at the 51 st Kerala State School Arts Festival. The students from Kozhikodu which won 819 points,lifted the coveted gold cup, Thrissur was the first runner up with 776 points and kannur the third runner up with 767.
    Among the schools, Durga Higher Secondary School,Kanhangad, took the top position in the higher secondary School category with 108 points. In the high school category, St Teresa's AI Higher Secondary School, Kannur came first with 73 points. Presenting the cup K.J Yesudas musician said the spirit of the
festival should not be lost in the cut-throat battle for victories.  Mr Yesudas again said" you are not to defeat any one,but to prove your talent"  Mr Yesudas was the winner of the light music competition in the 1958 edition of the then youth Festival. The victory at the festival was the first step in a long arduous journey every artiste would have to make in search for excellence.
    Mr Yesudas had a word of caution for the parents who pushed their wards in to unhealthy competition and said parents and Gurus had no place at the festival which was the celebration of youth.Your role ends with encouragements and inspiration you instill in your wards. 52nd edition of the festival  will be in January,2012  in Thirissur district.

     Children from 18 schools and other groups such as the student police cadets took part in a mass rally that was flagged off at the municipal ground,Kottayam. The colourful procession showcased the unique cultural traditions of the state.Hundreds of people who had thronged the road sides to witness the rally.Mohiniyattom,Bharatanatyam,Kathakali, Theyyam,,Mayilattom, folk dance, Thiruvathirakali,Oppana,Padayani,Panchvadyam, Shingarimelam and Chendamelam were showcased in the procession

Prof.John Kurakar