Tiny tots initiated into the world of learning

PUDUCHERRY: Children were initiated into the world of learning on Vijayadasami day here on Thursday. Vijayadasami has always been considered by the Malayalee community as an auspicious occasion for “Vidyarambham” (beginning of learning).AG Ramachandran Nair, (retired) head of the Department of Chemistry, Pondicherry University, led the rituals associated with the ceremony on Thursday morning at the Kerala Samajam Hall.He wrote the first letters with golden ring on the tongues of the tiny tots who were dressed in dhothis, angavastras and seated on their father’s lap. He then helped the kids to write their first letters “Hari Sri Ganapathaye Namaha” on a big plate filled with rice. Nearly 15 kids participated.The ritual of writing their initial letters is to invoke the blessings of Saraswati, Goddess of Learning and Art.The Srilakshmi Hayagriva temple in Muthialpet also witnessed the ritual.The kids wrote Hari Namosthu Sitham and also Tamil letters A.. Aa.., E.., Ee.. in plates filled with rice.The sight of enthusiastic parents taking part in the function with their kids is expressive of the importance they give their wards’ education.