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Where the arts and fun jelled
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An international youth festival was held in the city as part of The World Malayalee Conference where Keralite children across nations showcased their talent
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HAPPY HOMECOMING A glittering extravaganza by the children at the World Malayalee Council
It is a well choreographed scene. A young lady strikes a classic Mohiniyattam pose while coconut trees sway in the background to an old boatswain's tune.
The background is part of one of the eight stages set to platform the International Youth Festival in Gokulam Convention Centre, in the city. The young lady, 16-year-old Jennifer Stanley from New York, is a trained dancer and is one of the 400-odd participants in the age group of 11-19 who have come from USA, Europe and West Asia to be a part of this event.
Maiden effort
The two-day youth festival is a first of its kind conducted under the patronage of the World Malayalee Council as part of its fifth Global Conference held from August 1-6.
The WMC was formed 11 years ago with the membership of Keralites in around 40 countries and the international youth festival, a maiden effort to showcase young Malayalee talent both within the state and abroad.
"A dais to bring our kids closer to our culture" says Indira Rajan, WMC vice chairperson of Kerala Province and Managing Director of Pragati International School, in sync with this effort. And perhaps it does, as 11-year-old Bluinse Thomas from Vienna agrees.
She gets a `first hand feel' of the dances and the nuances of the art better while watching her Keralite counterparts.
On the other side of the shore, it is an excited group of students from Navanirman Senior Secondary School who, amidst the thrill of grabbing the first and second prizes for Thiruvaathira and Oppana agree enthusiastically on the `fun' aspect in participating with their cross country cousins.
The contests ranged from Bharathanatyam, kuchipudi, folk dance and the like to light music, drawing and painting competitions. "The response has been overwhelming and I was extremely surprised to see the students' and parents' commitment as they came down all the way from places like New York and Qatar exclusively to be a part of the event." says K.S.Nathan, general secretary (WMC) for Kerala Province.
The brother-sister duo Vivin and Vismaya, trained bharathanatyam exponents from Qatar, are true examples in this regard.
The International Youth Festival is a beginning in a series of events planned by the WMC, which includes seminars on education, health, fisheries and cultural shows by eminent personalities in the art industry.
The week-long event is managed by Impresario Event Marketing Company Ltd and coordinated by a team led by Hariharan Iyer.
The festival is a clear model of yet another step taken by Malyalees to reiterate and spread the radiance of God's Own Country across the globe.
JETHU ABRAHAM
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