For R Mounithi, a student from a tribal residential school in Erode, the dream of holding a professional camera seemed distant. His fascination with photography had until now been limited to imagination. That changed dramatically last Friday when he was handed a DSLR camera for over an hour, marking the beginning of a transformative journey into the world of shutter speeds and lighting.
Government Initiative Fuels Artistic Dreams
Mounithi is one of 400 students from approximately 40 Adi Dravidar and tribal schools across Tamil Nadu participating in a unique, state-sponsored initiative. The students are currently attending a five-day residential camp at SRM College of Agricultural Sciences in Acharapakkam, Chengalpet, which will run until December 30. The program, organized by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, aims to provide comprehensive training in a diverse range of skills.
The curriculum is notably broad, designed to offer an 'out-of-school' exposure. Alongside photography and filmmaking, the camp includes leadership development sessions and instruction in 16 different traditional and classical art forms. To ensure quality, the government has empanelled specialized resource persons and training agencies to conduct the workshops.
Building Leaders Through Cultural Exchange
T. Anand, Commissioner of the Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, highlighted the program's expanded scope compared to last year. "The primary aim is to build leadership skills through various art forms. All expenses are borne by the government," he stated. The selection of students was carried out over recent months by the respective schools based on the department's directives, allowing participants to choose topics matching their interests.
Kalai Vizhi, a resource person at the camp, emphasized the invaluable aspect of cultural exchange. "This program gives students, who may not have had the chance to travel, an opportunity to interact. A student from Nilgiris gets to connect with someone from Chennai, breaking geographical and social barriers," she explained. The government is investing ₹6,000 per student for this holistic educational exercise.
From Aspiration to Confidence
The initiative is already igniting passions and building confidence. R. Hari, a Class IX student from Salem, shared his ambition. "I aspire to become a director. I am being trained in story writing now. This training has given me the confidence to participate in filmmaking contests and even perform as an RJ in storytelling programs to gain more experience," he said. His sentiment reflects the wider interest subjects like filmmaking have garnered among the attendees.
The array of arts being taught is extensive, ensuring there is something for every creative inclination. The list includes:
- Paraiattam, Therukoothu, and Folk Dance
- Bharatanatyam and Theatre
- Silambam and Karate
- Storytelling, Puppetry, and Creative Writing
- Mime, Clay Craft-making, and Rap Music Training
This ambitious camp represents a significant step by the Tamil Nadu government to empower students from tribal communities by providing them with platforms for creative expression, skill development, and personal growth, ultimately aiming to shape them into future leaders.
