THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More than 100 children took baby steps into formal education in Kerala Kaumudi conducted Vidyarambham program. The SNDP hall in Pettah on Tuesday was filled with small giggling and confusing wails from the little many. All were received into the hall with sweets.

The instructors held the small fingers of the children and made them trace ‘Panchaksharam’ mantra on the grains of rice spread on the platter along with betel leaves. Neuro expert Dr Marthandapillai, Chief Minister's Scientific Adviser M.C. Dathan, former DGP A Hemachandran, dancer Dr Neena Prasad and neurologist Dr Shaji Prabhakaran were the main instructors of the event who guided children into the world of education.

Kerala Kaumudi Associate Editor V S Rajesh and Deputy Editor A C Reji lighted the Bhadra Deepam( lamp) to officially start the event in all divinity. The instructors( Acharyas) later engaged in interactive talks with the children. When asked about what they liked most, many withdrew with shy glances while some revealed their liking for singing and drawing.

Tantri Neelakanta Yogeeshwar of Powdikonam Padipura Illam presided over the ceremony. The ceremonies started at 8 in the morning and continued till 9:30 am. Inauguration ceremonies were also held in other units of Kerala Kaumudi.

Kerala Kaumudi gave gift packs containing water bottles, tiffin boxes and books to all the children who came to write their first letters. Children's photos will be printed free of charge by Paramount Studios.

Kerala Kaumudi felicitated all public personalities who gave consent to become Acharyas for today’s event.