The Department of Arts and Culture, Tamil Nadu Government, conducted its annual painting, classical singing, and Bharathanatyam competitions in Chennai and various districts in Tamil Nadu. In Chennai, the first level competitions were held on Nov. 17, 2010 at the Govt. Music College, Adyar.
The topics for the painting competition were given on the spot. The participants were asked to perform a song or a dance of their choice in the music and dance competitions.
All the competitions were conducted in two categories, juniors and seniors. The first prize winners from all the districts qualified for the finals which was held at Pudukkottai on Dec. 29 at Sudharsan Vidya Mandir School.
On the day of the finals, the place was filled with children carrying paintbrushes, shruti boxes, and many children in dance costumes. The organisers provided breakfast and lunch for the children. The competitions started in the morning and continued till the evening.
A peacock, which had come to see the children dance, was seen on the terrace of the school early in the morning!
The results were announced during the prize giving ceremony which was held at around 5 p.m. The preparations for the ceremony were upheld for sometime due to heavy rain. The chief guest for the function was P. A.Mani, IAS, Commissioner, Department of Arts and Culture.
After the welcome address and the chief guest’s speech, the results were announced and prizes were given away. Three prizes were given in each category (junior and senior).
Among the finalists were, V.N.Nivetha of Velankanni Mat. Hr. School, Ashok Nagar and P.Swethambari, Sir Sivaswamy Kalalaya in music, K.Sahaana of P.S.Senior and S.Maanasa of Sir Sivaswamy Kalalaya for dance and R. Saanthini of Hindu Colony Chellammal Vidyalaya Sr. Sec. School, Nanganallur and P.S. Nandini of Sir Sivaswamy Kalalaya in painting.
P.S. Nandini walked away with the first prize and the cash award of Rs. 10,000 in the painting contest and S.Maanasa who won the third prize in classical dance received a cash award of Rs. 5000. Both these winners are from Sir Sivaswamy Kalalaya, Mylapore.
Photos : P.S. Nandini (above), S. Maanasa receiving their prizes.