Children’s camp calls for nurturing values and harmony beyond marks

Mangaluru: The valedictory of Chinnara Kalarava, a six-day children’s learning workshop organised by Chinnara Chavadi Mangaluru and St Mother Teresa Vichara Vedike in collaboration with St Aloysius High School, was held here Saturday.Speaking at the ceremony, Roy Castelino, president of the vedike, said that though India was built on the foundation of secular principles, there are forces today that attack those ideals. “Incidents are taking place that undermine the aspirations of the Constitution. To rebuild a harmonious India, it is essential to nurture human values and harmony among children from a young age,” he said.Manoj Vamanjoor, district coordinator of Chinnara Chavadi, said the unity displayed when children from different backgrounds play together sends a strong message of national integration. Expressing concern about the current education system, he said it focuses mainly on marks while overlooking children’s hidden talents, which has adversely affected the cultural and literary fields.Honorary advisor of the Vedike, Flavy Crasta Attavar and camp teacher Raj Mukesh Sulya expressed hope that such camps would help children become socially responsible citizens. Camp participants and parents also appreciated the initiative.Students who secured high marks in the recently held SSLC and PUC examinations were honoured during the programme.Presiding over the programme, Purvi Shetty, immediate past president of Chinnara Kalarava, said camps like this help reduce mental stress among children and promote peace of mind.