Sargavasantham 2014 refers to the vacation camps proposed by Kerala State Institute for Childrens Literature (Kerala Balasahitya Institute under the Department of Cultural affairs, Govt of Kerala). This has 7 different camps in diverse locations of God's own country, during April, May 2014. All are residential and selects registered students (40 to 50 per camp) from all over the state. The camp covers topics like Drama, Story, Poems, Media, Cinema, Fine arts and Enviroment. An excellent opportunity for participants to travel and visit many tourism centres.
Since last year the camp is conducted in various locations, said their Director, presiding over the inaugural function. Student participants who had attended the camp last year, like Nihaldas and Ganga had difficulty in containing their enthusiasm and said they were eagerly awaiting for the camps this year.
Coordinator, Dr Radhika C Nair and other staff members of KSCIL are doing a wonderful task moderating the sessions.
STORY CAMP AT CALICUT
Here is a simple and direct report of the Inaugural session. Valsala Teacher spoke elaborately and her speech is narrated from memory; hence might have omissions; please excuse. The lucid manner in which she spoke underscored her calibre as a veteran expert in teaching and writing.
" In yesteryears, children were merely a simple part of the society, rather extended families. They didnt have much freedom to express and gain their wishes. The present generation is very lucky and quite blessed. The transformation is such that every child is unique and is considered a separate entity and personality is let to bloom independantly as one grows. From birth itself, their dream, wishes and aspirations are acknowledged. But, parents should not think that children as individuals are to be taken care of and should be provided for...But rather as perpetuators of mankind..."
Teacher clearly pointed out the difference between reporting for media as a journalist and preparing literary works. Journ alism needs only superficial narratation of an incident and is simple. Channels call the development of such threads as a story. But, in literature, its better to start writing short stories. Initially it would be of the realistic category. Because one can easily pen on matters that one has experienced and on those that have touched one's heart. Slowly a young writer grows out of it with conscious effort. Real life instances and dreams form only the thread for a story. It should be introspected and contemplated or subjected to imagination and interpretation at a secondary level. From this stage, the writer can weave the story. The young writer thus grows out of realism. For this young writers need good language skills and depth in writing. They should gradually develop their own style and format. A thorough idea on the world around us is an utmost necessity. To be abreast of current scenario, they should regularly read contemporary works. Apart from this, teacher inspired children to read classics very well. This would provide a firm grip and sound base on story writing. Its always better to start with short stories and gradually proceed to novels as the canvas and time required for novels is immensely large. She warned children to keep dictionaries off from their writing tables during creative writing. The words naturally would have relevant meaning in the context intended, which happens automatically. Before venturing out as an independant young writer, extensive and exhaustive reading to gain a strong base in literature is quintessential.
In the past, society had more of values and morals. People were conscious of God and Divinity. Later the thrust shifted to materialism and amassing wealth became first priority. This led to widespread social degradation, violence and corruption. To rejuvenate society, writers must have a spiritual inclination, for which each person should "look inwards". Epic Ramayana was recreated by Thunchath Ezhuthachan with focus on Bhakti, with aim of uplifting man to soul consciousness. She also elucidated why and when Spanish writer, late -Gabriel Garcia Marquez chose to create a sweet world through magical imagination and gift of words in his novel " 100 years of solitude". she recommended all aspiring wirters to read the english version of the novel. She also described the context of Veenapooovu by Kumaran Asan.
The inaugural session had a beautiful prayer that took audience to the right ambience in a minute, followed by a welcome speech by the Governing Body member Haridas Mokeri. He said that Calicut was the appropriate location for conduct of story camp; Kozhikode being he traditional platform of many veterans like Uroob, Thikkodiyan, SK Pottekkad, Vaikkom Mohammed Basheer, MT Vasudevan Nair etc. Many popular contemporary story writers are also from Kozhikode. He said the camp which was earlier centered around Thiruvananthapuram only, has been extended to other districts since last year and was a grand success. He credited this to the present Director, Prof. Nedumudi Harikumar.
In his presidential address, the Director said that a book titled "Sargavasantham 2013" was compiled with the works received from participants of Story camp, Poetry camp and Drawing camp all clubbed together in a mutually linked manner. It is published at a discounted cost of 150 INR and showcases the talent of new generation. He recommended all to buy a copy. He also talked on his initiative of moving the published books from KSCIL headquarters to all schools in the state at discounted rates of upto 50 %, which has boosted sales well.
Offering felicitations on the occassion, Kamal Varadoor, (President, Press Club, Calicut) invited participants to be at their best not only during the residential camp but also in life here after. Only when the society is positive, would media reporting and stories become positive, as it is a mere spot description of daily events around us.
Other Governing body members; T Shebin, PV Sharafunniza also spoke on the occassion.
Many eminent writers like Subash Chandran, KP Sudheera, VR Sudheesh, Dr Khadeeja Mumtaz , UK Kumaran, KP Ramanunni, NP Hafis Mohammed, Indu Menon, Chandraprakash, PK Parakkadavu interacted and guided the participants during this camp.
The concluding session on 28th noon was inaugurated by MK Raghavan, former MP, Kozhikode. He appreciated the institute for considering Malabar for the programme.
During the final interaction with UK Kumaran, students were set on thought mode - What is the greatest surprise in life? Its nothing but that nobody in this world is aware of what is going to happen the very next moment; but we think and behave as if we are eternal beings on this earth. Death is an inevitable reality. There are many other things to worry about as well. But, one should always focus only on the positive aspects of life and live happily with content. His very work Policukarante penmakkal narrates a similar theme. He also quoted the pains of veteran poet NN Kakkad, who wrote Saphalameeyathra bearing the pain of cancer. He also explained to them about classics and the qualities that take up a work to such great levels.
The camp has given freshers an opportunity to know what to read and how to develop one's skills, while it gave others a chance to discuss in depth their doubts in writing with experts. In general, participants were enthusiastic that they expressed their wish and represented their wish that the duration of the camp be extended to a week,in future, showing the success of the event. Let all participants hold this as a memory to cherish their lifetime.
Since last year the camp is conducted in various locations, said their Director, presiding over the inaugural function. Student participants who had attended the camp last year, like Nihaldas and Ganga had difficulty in containing their enthusiasm and said they were eagerly awaiting for the camps this year.
Coordinator, Dr Radhika C Nair and other staff members of KSCIL are doing a wonderful task moderating the sessions.
STORY CAMP AT CALICUT
Here is a simple and direct report of the Inaugural session. Valsala Teacher spoke elaborately and her speech is narrated from memory; hence might have omissions; please excuse. The lucid manner in which she spoke underscored her calibre as a veteran expert in teaching and writing.
" In yesteryears, children were merely a simple part of the society, rather extended families. They didnt have much freedom to express and gain their wishes. The present generation is very lucky and quite blessed. The transformation is such that every child is unique and is considered a separate entity and personality is let to bloom independantly as one grows. From birth itself, their dream, wishes and aspirations are acknowledged. But, parents should not think that children as individuals are to be taken care of and should be provided for...But rather as perpetuators of mankind..."
Teacher clearly pointed out the difference between reporting for media as a journalist and preparing literary works. Journ alism needs only superficial narratation of an incident and is simple. Channels call the development of such threads as a story. But, in literature, its better to start writing short stories. Initially it would be of the realistic category. Because one can easily pen on matters that one has experienced and on those that have touched one's heart. Slowly a young writer grows out of it with conscious effort. Real life instances and dreams form only the thread for a story. It should be introspected and contemplated or subjected to imagination and interpretation at a secondary level. From this stage, the writer can weave the story. The young writer thus grows out of realism. For this young writers need good language skills and depth in writing. They should gradually develop their own style and format. A thorough idea on the world around us is an utmost necessity. To be abreast of current scenario, they should regularly read contemporary works. Apart from this, teacher inspired children to read classics very well. This would provide a firm grip and sound base on story writing. Its always better to start with short stories and gradually proceed to novels as the canvas and time required for novels is immensely large. She warned children to keep dictionaries off from their writing tables during creative writing. The words naturally would have relevant meaning in the context intended, which happens automatically. Before venturing out as an independant young writer, extensive and exhaustive reading to gain a strong base in literature is quintessential.
In the past, society had more of values and morals. People were conscious of God and Divinity. Later the thrust shifted to materialism and amassing wealth became first priority. This led to widespread social degradation, violence and corruption. To rejuvenate society, writers must have a spiritual inclination, for which each person should "look inwards". Epic Ramayana was recreated by Thunchath Ezhuthachan with focus on Bhakti, with aim of uplifting man to soul consciousness. She also elucidated why and when Spanish writer, late -Gabriel Garcia Marquez chose to create a sweet world through magical imagination and gift of words in his novel " 100 years of solitude". she recommended all aspiring wirters to read the english version of the novel. She also described the context of Veenapooovu by Kumaran Asan.
The inaugural session had a beautiful prayer that took audience to the right ambience in a minute, followed by a welcome speech by the Governing Body member Haridas Mokeri. He said that Calicut was the appropriate location for conduct of story camp; Kozhikode being he traditional platform of many veterans like Uroob, Thikkodiyan, SK Pottekkad, Vaikkom Mohammed Basheer, MT Vasudevan Nair etc. Many popular contemporary story writers are also from Kozhikode. He said the camp which was earlier centered around Thiruvananthapuram only, has been extended to other districts since last year and was a grand success. He credited this to the present Director, Prof. Nedumudi Harikumar.
In his presidential address, the Director said that a book titled "Sargavasantham 2013" was compiled with the works received from participants of Story camp, Poetry camp and Drawing camp all clubbed together in a mutually linked manner. It is published at a discounted cost of 150 INR and showcases the talent of new generation. He recommended all to buy a copy. He also talked on his initiative of moving the published books from KSCIL headquarters to all schools in the state at discounted rates of upto 50 %, which has boosted sales well.
Offering felicitations on the occassion, Kamal Varadoor, (President, Press Club, Calicut) invited participants to be at their best not only during the residential camp but also in life here after. Only when the society is positive, would media reporting and stories become positive, as it is a mere spot description of daily events around us.
Other Governing body members; T Shebin, PV Sharafunniza also spoke on the occassion.
Many eminent writers like Subash Chandran, KP Sudheera, VR Sudheesh, Dr Khadeeja Mumtaz , UK Kumaran, KP Ramanunni, NP Hafis Mohammed, Indu Menon, Chandraprakash, PK Parakkadavu interacted and guided the participants during this camp.
The concluding session on 28th noon was inaugurated by MK Raghavan, former MP, Kozhikode. He appreciated the institute for considering Malabar for the programme.
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| Story camp as part of Sargavasantham 2014 - Director (KSCIL), Krishnakumar(Balabumi), PK Parakadavu and UK Kumaran with participants |
The camp has given freshers an opportunity to know what to read and how to develop one's skills, while it gave others a chance to discuss in depth their doubts in writing with experts. In general, participants were enthusiastic that they expressed their wish and represented their wish that the duration of the camp be extended to a week,in future, showing the success of the event. Let all participants hold this as a memory to cherish their lifetime.
