T.N. School Education Department wants art and culture to be part of students’ life

It is rolling out initiatives to include folk art, music and theatre in school education

Following an announcement made earlier this year on a focussed effort to introduce extra-curricular and co-curricular activities in government schools, the Tamil Nadu School Education Department is working on rolling out initiatives including folk art, music, and theatre in the coming months. 

In an addition made to the usual school timetable this academic year, the department had said that two periods a week would be allotted for students of classes VI to IX for extra and co-curricular activities

. “In schools, the department wants students to be expressive, and is of the belief that art and culture is an integral part of their education. Whatever they are good at- be it painting, performing arts, folk arts or theatre, they will be encouraged to learn and perform,” said R.Sudhan, State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha. 

He said that the emphasis was on ensuring students were socially responsible, well rounded citizens. “Students will choose and learn art forms that they are interested in, and we will also bring in experts to teach them. All of these activities are also expected to culminate in talent showcases, and competitions conducted across blocks as well as at the State level,” he added.

  Musician T.M. Krishna, who has been working with the department on these initiatives, said that efforts were being taken to encourage local art forms to the students in schools. 

“At the district level, art forms which are prevalent are being mapped and local artists who can become facilitators will be identified. This will greatly benefit local artists who will be engaged in working with the students. Art teachers in schools will also be involved and tapped as resource persons,” he said.

“Schools are places where creative energies are to be encouraged and that they lead to the widening of thought processes. Art plays a central role in cultivating an open, equal, and harmonious society,” he added.