KOLLAM: The 62nd State School Arts Festival got underway in the district Thursday morning. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the function at the Kollam Asramam Maidan. Ministers V Sivankutty, K N Balagopal, J Chinchurani, K B Ganesh Kumar, K Rajan, Kodikunnil Suresh MP, Mukesh MLA and others participated in the function. Actress Nikhila Vimal was the chief guest at the function.

‘Children, teachers and parents should remember that participating in a competition is the most important thing. It is a festival of teenage minds. So don't pollute those minds with an unhealthy sense of competition. Parents should see this as a children's art competition. Those behind today will be ahead tomorrow. Today, our arts festival has become the largest youth festival in Asia. The children should not see art as just a means to score points. Babies should avoid that practice. At every step we should aim to create protection and personal development through art education for artistically inclined children. Art festivals should lead to this goal. I have one more thing to tell you. Art should also be seen as a way to ensure that children do not get addicted to alcohol and drugs and to save them from its grip. This will help you lead a healthy life,' the chief minister said while inaugurating the fest.

‘There is one thing what the great poet Vyloppilly said. Mayurasandesaka's peacock went with the message through the asramam grounds. At this point we should remember that he said that any venture here will be a huge success because it is the place where the peacock's peal fell. It was here at Chavara that the play 'Ningalenne Communistatkki, which progressively changed the popular theater culture of Kerala, was staged. Kathakali was first staged in Kollam. Kollam's contribution in anti-occupation struggles is also worth mentioning. Tribal art will also be considered as a competition from next year, the chief minister said. The chief minister also congratulated actress Asha Sarath who dance on the stage.

The city of Kollam will be a gathering place for about fourteen thousand artists for the next five days. Minister V Sivankutty had earlier said that more than 20,000 people, including contestants, escorting teachers and parents, are expected to reach Kollam till January 8th.Tens of thousands of spectators from the districts are also expected. Rooms have been arranged for those coming from other districts. Help desks have been arranged at the railway station and bus stand to receive them.

Drinking water and first aid facilities have been arranged at each venue. The service of the medical team is with the help of private hospitals. Ambulance service will also be available at the venues. Drinking water and fire and rescue team services are ensured at all venues. Corporation staff will be there for cleaning operations.

Police helpline
The police has started a special control room to report complaints. The number to call is 112 and 9497930804. A surveillance camera system has also been installed in all venues.