Melody of children resonates at ‘Puttani Kalarava’

The Hindu

Udupi, 10 December 2010: The “Puttani Kalarava” programme organised by Alevoor Gram Panchayat, Lions Club, and other organisations at Alevoor recently brought not just the talent of children to the fore, but also delivered messages about health. To drive home the message that children should be given nutritious food, a child from the local anganwadi centre came to the stage wearing a crown made of carrots, ornaments and costumes made from different vegetables.

 

This attracted the attention of audience at the programme. She held a placard: “use nutritious food, protect health”. Children from nine anganwadi centres wearing different costumes added colour to the programme. The joy, playful talk and laughter of the children did justice to the title of the programme called “Puttani Kalarava” in Kannada, which translates as “melody of the children”.

 

As if all this was not enough, the programme was inaugurated by blowing toy trumpets. To give insight to parents especially mothers about dealing with children, a talk by psychiatrist P.V. Bhandary was arranged on the occasion. “Don’t keep scolding children for their mistakes, encourage them when they do good things. Spot their talent and spend more time with them,” said Dr. Bhandary.

 

 

He said it was a challenge to bring up children till they attained the age of six. Children bit their nails or chewed their fingers because they could be feeling insecure. This problem could be there when there were conflicts between parents or when they felt neglected by them. “Adults should understand that it is difficult for children to explain their pain,” he said.

 

He said it was wrong to compare children with other children. “It is essential to emphasise on the positive aspects of the child. Children should not be taunted through negative comments,” Dr. Bhandary said. General Manager of Badagabettu Cooperative Society Jayakar Shetty Indralli inaugurated the programme. Alevoor Gram Panchayat president Harish Kini were graced the occasion.