Wed Nov 27 15:56:47 UTC 2024: ## Kollam District School Arts Festival Kicks Off with Emphasis on Holistic Education
**KOTTARAKARA, November 27, 2024** – The 63rd Kollam Revenue District School Arts Festival commenced Wednesday in Kottarakara, Kerala, with a focus on the importance of extracurricular activities in a well-rounded education. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, inaugurating the festival, highlighted the event’s significance as a celebration of talent and a platform for exploring complex issues through artistic expression. He lauded the participation of thousands of students showcasing diverse art forms.
Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchurani, presiding over the function, praised the flawless organization of the previous state-level festival held in Kollam and emphasized the upcoming state-level event, Asia’s largest cultural festival, to be held in the state capital. Approximately 7,000 students are participating in this year’s Kollam district festival, competing in over 30 events across 14 venues. The festival features a wide range of performances, including drama, music, dance (Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi), and traditional art forms like Maragamkali, Oppana, and Chavittunatakam. The festival concludes on Saturday. Ajay V. Kumar from Amrita Higher Secondary School won the first prize in Chakyarkooth in the high school category.
First Piper 