The alumni of the 130-year-old Bangarupalem Zamindar Government High School, have been conducting the painting competition for the schoolchildren for over two decades
At a time when fine arts are receiving a raw deal in schools and colleges, a group of friends in Chittoor, the alumni of the 130-year-old Bangarupalem Zamindar Government High School, have been conducting the painting competition year after year for the schoolchildren for more than two decades.
The 1982 Class X batch of the BZ High School embarked on the mission to promote competitive spirit among the students of various schools in the district headquarters town, when they came out with their first series of competitions in painting, essay writing, elocution and sports in 1992. Since then, it continues to be an unbroken chain of success with overwhelming response from students and parents, many of whom happen to be the alumni of the BZHS.
K. Karthikeyan and C.V. Nityananda, friends from their kindergarten days in Chittoor, are in the forefront of holding the contests. Both being sportsmen and lovers of painting say they hope to continue the tradition and make it an everlasting institution in the service of fine arts. They are elated to say that they cherish strong support from their batch mates in this regard.
On Sunday, nearly one thousand students from all over Chittoor and surrounding areas thronged the BZHS to take part in the painting competition. “We have split the categories into juniors from 6 to 9, and seniors from 8 to 10 classes. Separate prizes are created for girls and boys. In all, we will be giving nearly 100 prizes for those contesting here. Parents are coming in large numbers to support us every year. We are coming out with contemporary themes like child labour and environment protection for the young minds,” the duo said. The organisers distribute drawing sheets and pens to all the contestants, and crayons and other painting stuff to the poor. The Kannemara Library, which holds a unique collection of books for all, sponsors the contests.
“Subjects of drawing and painting are much neglected ones in the schools now. But, these aspects go a long way in moulding the children into meaningful citizens in future. We also plan to introduce more areas of fine arts and sports in our competitions for the students soon,” they said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by K. Umashanker / Chittoor – October 13th, 2014