Bhubaneswar: Although the summer holidays have commenced, it is no time to sit idle. In fact, it is ‘edutainment’ time – where learning becomes fun. With parents also not wanting their wards to while away their time, many educational institutions in the city have come up with innovative ideas to keep the children busy. A large number of summer camps have come up, offering a wide range of creative activities for the kids – the right way to keep their growing minds busy. The city-based Modern Art Gallery inaugurated a fortnightlong long summer workshop titled, ‘Fine Heart’ for children on its premises here, Sunday. At the workshop children will be imparted training in painting (both tribal and modern), pottery, terracotta, sand art, glass painting, pattachitra, wall hangings, paper craft and calligraphy. On the inaugural day, the young minds were taught the basics of pottery. The workshop was inaugurated by noted Odia film actor-director, Srikant Gautam.
The organiser behind the camp Tarakant Parida said, “Children have forgotten to play with mud as they live in a ‘smart’ city. Therefore, we provided a platform for them so they can utilise their creative minds while playing with mud, sand, paper and vibrant colours and create something new. Through these activities, they can express their emotions and feelings.” City-based DAV Public School, Pokhariput, has organised summer camps in music, sports, yoga, dance, art and craft, IT and robotics. The camps which started May 2 will continue till May 10. Students who signed up were asked to choose their favourites from the options provided. Sanghamitra Satapathy, supervisor of the school informed that students these days are equally interested in extra-curricular activities besides studies. “Through these special sessions they can certainly learn a lot to excel in the field of their choice.” The participants also are happy at the opportunities they are getting.
Akriti a student of the school said, “This is an opportunity for me to learn techniques to create beautiful artifacts at home. As I grow up and become used to the methodology, I would try to develop new designs of my own.” Another participant Ananya said, “I have chosen IT as I want to become a computer engineer in future. Hence my aim would be to do some research work in the IT camp. This is a good opportunity and exposure for me to pursue the preferred subject of my interest.” Badminton lover Yashpreet has enrolled himself in the sports camp. “India in the recent past have done very well in badminton and shooting at the Commonwealth Games. I love badminton and this is a huge opportunity for me to hone my skills. I am gaining a lot by attending the sports camp,” informed Yashpreet.