'Sir, we want our school back'; this is how Chief Minister responded to demand of students from Vellarmala school

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 63rd Kerala State School Kalolsavam began in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, with over 15,000 students showcasing their talents over five days in 249 events across 25 venues. The inaugural event featured a group dance by seven children from Vellarmala School in Wayanad, whose performance deeply resonated with the audience.

The students’ dance reflected the trauma they endured during the devastating landslides in Wayanad, illustrating their journey from peaceful lives to the disaster, and their resilience in surviving it. The poignant lyrics "From the ashes, we rise, and on the strength of our wings, we soar to the sky" captured the emotional essence of their experience.

Following the performance, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan interacted with the students. When asked by the children about the future of their school, which was displaced due to the landslides, the Chief Minister reassured them, saying, "Your school is a good school; it will remain right where it is," offering them comfort and hope.

This emotional opening set the tone for the rest of the festival, which will feature a variety of cultural and artistic performances by young talent from across the state.