Saturday, 8 November 2014 00:00
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There are many orphaned and destitute children with single parent families left behind after the war that ravaged Sri Lanka. Many diverse institutions have come forward to help such children, one of the foremost among which is the Saiva Siruvar Illam (Hindu Children’s Home) run by the Hindu Board of Education in Thirunelvely, Jaffna.
A number of well meaning teachers and artistes work with these children to develop their abilities and help them overcome their trauma. On last Deepavali day, they decided to showcase the talents the students had thus built up – it was indeed an evening of breathtaking talent on display; and some talents were discovered for the first time.
Two that stood out especially, much to the astonishment of their teachers were the solo Shiva and Krishna dancers; Venujan (16) and Shankar (17). Both are considered mischievous and thus ‘terrors’ by their teachers. That they had so much inspired creativity within them was news to the adults therefore.
Venujan surprised even himself. According to him, his main interest had always been drama and theatre; he had followed classes on it too, but had been rejected by the teacher as not good enough to take part in the program.
“When I was rejected this year too, I went to the administrator sir and cried that this was my last year here and so to give me a chance. He asked me if I was willing to dance instead. I had never undertaken any dance classes but I was determined not to let the opportunity to perform at last, pass. Since I love the ‘Om Shivoham’ song; I chose it for my theme and practiced dancing to it for two days under my own improvised choreography. I had no idea that it would be received so well. I am still in shock.”
The dance was received so well in fact that the Chief Guest went up to hug the boy and conferred his honorary shawl and garland on him.
Shankar (17) had also choreographed his routine himself; he proved to be a very vibrant, fluid as well as innovative dancer. According to him, his elder brother, who is currently a mason, is the real dancer in his family. “It was thrilling to be on this stage and draw appreciation. I might have to follow my brother into a similar line of work but I hope I can keep dancing,” he said.
