Children return to schools amid a festive mood in Ernakulam
Songs, dance performances, distribution of gifts, sweets, and flowers turned the 'Praveshanolsavam' into a festive mood. Although a few tiny tots broke into tears amid the new surroundings, the teachers and non-teaching staff lost no time in consoling them, as evident from the scenes witnessed in several schools on the first day of the new academic year.
At the Government Girls' Lower Primary School, Ernakulam, the children were welcomed with colourful caps made out of chart paper. The senior students were also around to ensure that the younger students remained happy on the inaugural day. The Government High School at West Kadungalloor near Aluva wore a festive look as the district-level 'Praveshanolsavam' was held on the campus.
Minister for Industries P. Rajeeve, who inaugurated the programme, said that the new curriculum will equip the children to tackle the challenges in life beyond the knowledge gathered from textbooks. The inclusion of topics such as good habits, the importance of cleanliness, and the ill effects of drugs will enable them to become responsible citizens, he said.
Sethu, the author, who spoke on the occasion, said that learning one's mother language will unite humanity. The learning of mother tongue cannot be set aside in our educational system, he said. Name slips with messages related to cleanliness were distributed among the students as part of a campaign by the Suchitwa Mission.
Parvathy Gopakumar, Assistant Collector, Ernakulam, who inaugurated the 'Praveshanolsavam' at the St. Joseph U.P. School, urged the children to face the challenges in their lives as part of the journey ahead. 'If you can overcome these challenges, you will be able to move forward with courage,' she said. Anthony Asanparambil, Chairperson of the Maradu Municipality, inaugurated the Thrippunithura sub-district programme held at the Government Lower Primary School in Mangayil. Children were welcomed to the campus with colourful balloons and sweets.
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