Aimed to turn its cultural legacy into an entitlement for the young, the Ayroor grama panchayat in Pathanamthitta, a hotbed of Kathakali, is now offering children a chance to learn the classical art form as part of their school routine.
Starting next week, all five lower primary schools in its limits will organise sessions once a week for teaching Kathakali mudras (sign language). The project, being implemented as part of an arts education plan approved by the local body, intends to engage children in classes three and four in the art form.
Ampili Prabhakaran Nair, president of the local body, says an annual plan for Kathakali education has been approved by the panchayat council and four trained artistes have been appointed for leading the sessions. The project is part of a continuing drive by the local body to foster a love for the art form among youngsters.
