SOCIAL SCIENCE: School Induction Program

School Induction Program - Day 1

We went to St. George's Mount High School, Kaipattoor, for our School Induction Program. It is popularly known as Kottikunnu School as it is located on top of a hill. We reached the school at 9 a.m. Then we met the Headmistress of the school, Kavitha Ma'am. She advised us to be good teachers and gave us her best wishes. We signed our attendance and later met our mentor teachers, Shaji Sir and Manoj Sir. We were assigned topics to be taught and allotted classes accordingly. We took attendance of some classes.

A Kathakali performance was organized for the students of class 10 as a part of their Malayalam chapter, 'Pralobhanam'. The program began at 11 a.m. with the inauguration and lighting of the lamp. The presidential address was given by Kavitha Ma'am. The program was presented by the Pathanamthitta Kathakali Club. Vimal Raj Sir, the President of the Kathakali Club, and Venu Sir, the Joint secretary of the club, gave us a complete picture of Kathakali, its importance, and its cultural richness. He also spoke about an initiative to establish Kathakali clubs in 10 high schools across the district in order to promote the art form among the younger generation. In these clubs, interested students can learn the different aspects of the art including the literature, signs, rhythm, make-up, and costume designs.

The Kathakali was a visual treat and a great experience, even for first-time viewers. It is a silent art that makes the audience awestruck. The Nalacharitam Attakatha, written by Unnayi Warrier is based on the Mahabharatha, and tells the story of King Nalan and his consort Damayanthi. The scene performed on the day was about Kali and Pushkaran, how Kali convinced Pushkaran to defeat Nalan and separate Nalan and Damayanti. The program concluded at 1 p.m.

In the afternoon, a Cleanliness Drive was organized in the school, and the students of various classes, including those in NCC were allotted places to clean inside the school campus.

The first day of School Induction Program was a great and enriching experience for both of us.