TIRUVANNAMALAI: The premises of Sri Arunachala Ramana Atma Vidya Mandir, located in a reticent Vallivagai, Tiruvannamalai, came alive as hundreds of children from the vicinity exhibited their talents at the finale of the talent fest Ramanarpanam, conducted by the ashram and the devotees.
The motive of hosting the contest in the town was to bring out the skills of children and provide them a platform. Six schools – Middle schools in Kalasthambadi and Sanananthal, High schools in Mathulambadi and Vallivagai, SNS Matriculation Higher Secondary School and SRGDS Matriculation Higher Secondary School participated in the competition. The list of events included oratorical, recitation and skit. While the first round (intra-school) was held a month ago, the first three winners were qualified for the final round (inter-school) which was held 11 January on the ashram premises.
The children staged plays themed on “Sathyam Vadha, Dharmam Chara”, translated as “speak the truth, follow Dharma”. If actor Nagesh stole the show by his performance in Thiruvilayadal, the children of Kalasthambadi Middle School enraptured the audience with their laughter-filled play on Dharmi which won the second place.
In his special address, ashram acharya and head, Swami Ramanaswaroopananda, said, “The event was organised to bring out the talents, explain the glories of Lord Arunachala, develop Bhakti in children and is an offering to the Lord. In future, we plan to handle regular yoga classes, sessions on culture for children and provide career guidance for youngsters.”
The ashram also organises various camps from time to time for the benefit of people living in the locality.
The chief guest of the event was District Chief Educational Officer L Nataraj, who spoke on the importance of providing an opportunity for children. The principals of the schools were also present during the occasion.