A colourful procession in city of Pooram

THRISSUR: A colourful procession of dancers, scouts and bands and various art forms marked the  beginning of the 52nd state school youth fest here on Monday. The official ceremony began with a team of 14 dancers performing a dance melange, choreographed by Kalamandalam Kshemavathi, with background score written by lyricist Yusuf Ali Kecheri and tuned by music director Vidyadharan. In the absence of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, noted singer KJ Yesudas inaugurated the function.“The observations made by past winners have been noted and their recommendations to increase the prize money are  under review,” Minister for Education Abdu Rabb said in his address. The Minister had a word of advice for the parents: “The appeals have increased and it is our earnest request to parents that the festival should be an environment conducive for healthy rivalry, not petty cases at the court.”The parade was flagged off from the Students’ Corner in Thekkinkadu at 4 pm by Inspector-General B Sandhya to converge at the corporation stadium. Director of Public Instructions A Shahjahan hoisted the flag at 10 am.  Guest of honour K J Yesudas made some sharp comments on the prevailing system: “The festival that should spread goodness among children and nourish their talents is a battlefield for the egos of parents nowadays. One should remember that art is a God-given gift and it cannot be forced upon the stage like an unripe fruit. The trend is creating a poor image in front of the public,” he said.“The jury should not forget that the judgement of each art form is given using truth and fairness as the parametre. No bias is admissible there. “There are better facilities today, which are necessary, but those should not be used to taint the basic objective of such festivals: rewarding the best talent.“I have never prodded or promoted anyone. The media is doing it these days and creating controversies,” he said.“Think about the shortcomings if you are judged and given a thumbs-down, my children. And you, parents, let your children experience the dark side of life as well, such as hunger. It will stand them in good stead,” he said.Yesudas concluded his speech by reciting the lines from the work of Sree Narayana Guru, ‘Jathibhedam Mathadvesham’ which is his usual message at all functions. He followed it  with a devotional song.Cultural Minister K C Joseph gave away the awards for the best media reports on the youth fest for last year.   Minister for Cooperation C N Ramakrishnan honoured Chirayinkeezhu Sreekandan Nair, famed designer at the function.Later in the evening, the competition for the events of the festivals started. P C Chacko MP, Mayor I P Paul, District Collector P M Francis  and Therampil Ramakrishnan MLA were among those present.