Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Apr 6: The Kalaa Kaushalya 2025 Summer Art Camp began with a colorful and culturally rich inauguration ceremony at the premises of Kalaa Tapas School of Music, Indrali. The event celebrates the nurturing of talents, encouragement of skills, and the joy of artistic expression.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof Dr Varadesh Hiregange, director of the Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences, MAHE, Manipal. In his presidential address, he said, “The three guests expressed that this is a great opportunity for the participants and urged them to make the most of it in their academic lives. This is a unique summer camp, and the trainers are highly qualified.
I had seen their performances back when I was a journalist. This is the first time I’m seeing a summer camp being held in a home setting. The Bhaskar family is large, not just in numbers, but in the way they treat society as part of their family. Shravya is my student. She possesses a rare artistic talent, but more importantly, she has a child-like heart, which is clear and pure. Art is a great thing, but a clean heart is even greater. Now she is pursuing her PhD and organizing this camp, taking on great responsibility at a young age”.
He further stated that “When she sings, it transforms the present moment, it’s as if a new world is created. We often tell many things to children, but when it comes to art, it is the parents who need to be told. Children are interested, but sometimes parents don’t allow them to pursue their passion because they don’t understand it. Parents must recognize and support their children’s talents. Holidays shouldn't be forced into structured camps just for the sake of it. We must also teach that education shouldn't feel like a punishment, like entering a jail every day. Schools should not be solely academic; camps like this should be part of the educational system. We need to redefine education.”
The program was officially inaugurated by Dr Virupaksha Devaramane, psychiatrist and author. He emphasized, “A summer camp during holidays is one of the best ways to spend time. It helps encourage children's hobbies. How we spend our free time is crucial, some waste it by roaming or falling into bad habits like alcohol addiction. Many of these issues arise because children didn’t develop hobbies early on. In IT companies, there might be 1000 employees, but someone trained in Bharatanatyam will stand out because every program includes dance. During these 8 days, I encourage children to go home and write what they learned each day. As a psychiatrist, I see many depressed people who feel they lack value in life. Extra-curricular activities help keep our minds healthy. Practicing any form of art regularly helps develop good habits and keeps us away from bad ones. Art instills empathy, and people with empathy don’t hurt others. In today’s society, where we see constant conflict, art promotes harmony. There is art even in nature, like birds building nests. Those who practice art see the good in others. Concentration improves through practicing art, which also supports academic performance. Overcoming sadness and maintaining mental health are all benefits of being involved in any art form. I wish all the children a happy 8-day camp. This is just the beginning, may you all have a bright future.”
Poornima, deputy director of the department of Kannada and Culture, Udupi District, graced the occasion as a chief guest. In her address, she said, “I thank all the parents and students for participating in this camp. When we were young, we used to visit our grandparents' homes during holidays. But in today’s busy times, parents prefer sending children to such camps, which are truly essential. Nowadays, students are pressured only to score marks, but these types of camps help develop their extracurricular skills. Dr Devaramane is also an author, showing that he has nurtured both academics and art. He rightly mentioned that children who waste their time often fall into addictions. I feel sad we didn’t have such camps during our childhood. Working in the cultural department, I attend many programs in different languages. Preserving our languages and traditions is important, and camps like this help in that. Shravya has organized this camp wonderfully. The fees are very reasonable, and the trainers are professionals. This Kala Kaushalya camp has truly been a success. I believe the children sitting here today will come forward as future leaders.”
Rtn Gururaj Bhat, president of Rotary Udupi, sharing his thoughts, said “This camp is a valuable opportunity for children. In school, we see NCC, Scouts, and other clubs until 9th grade, but by 10th grade, all these are stopped because parents insist on focusing only on academics. Subramanyam Basri encouraged his children in art, and we see the result in Shravya, who started Kala Tapas. Organizing this camp takes two months of planning, and even that is not enough, unexpected challenges always come up. But the trainers are professionals, and they will guide the students well in the field of art. We didn’t have camps like this. We used to climb trees, pluck fruits, and swim in rivers. Today, students have great opportunities. If parents say only study, children should voice their desire to learn art as well. Nowadays, children are given phones as early as 8th grade. But instead, you should say, I don’t want a phone, I want to attend art classes.”
The event was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the guests. Students of the school recited the prayer song. The summer camp will be from April 6 to 13. The camp will conduct various sessions like dhyana and pranayama, music, mandala art, calligraphy, theatre, Yakshagana and other Art performances.
He event witnessed the presence of Prof Dr Varadesh Hiregange, director of the Gandhian Centre for Philosophical Arts and Sciences, MAHE, Manipal; Dr Virupaksha Devaramane, psychiatrist and author; Poornima, deputy director of the department of Kannada and Culture, Udupi District; Rtn Gururaj Bhat, president of Rotary Udupi; Subramanyam Basri, convenor; Shravya S Basri, director, Kalaa Tapas School of Music; P V Bhat, Yoga Guru; M S Giridhar, music trainer; Aparna U, calligraphy coach; trainer Suman Acharya, students, parents and others members.
Shravya S Baasri, director, Kalaa Tapas School of Music welcomed the gathering, Manasa Kukilaya proposed a vote of thanks and Hemanth Kanth compered the event.