A three-day summer camp for tribal children titled ‘Vaandugal Kondattam’ was organised at Hasanur for students attending evening study centres run by the SUDAR, an NGO, in tribal villages under the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
With the support of the Forest Department, the NGO has been conducting evening study centres in 20 tribal villages for the past two years. The summer camp was organised for children studying at these centres. The camp was inaugurated by Hasanur Forest Range Officer Pandiarajan and Environment Range Forest Officer Prakash in the presence of SUDAR Director S.C. Natraj. Thalavadi Block Development Officer Arthanareeswaran participated and delivered the felicitation address.
Drama artiste Drama Selvam from Madurai and storyteller Thenmozhi conducted sessions for the children on painting, folk arts, songs, drama, origami, storytelling, reading and making craft from waste materials. At the valedictory function, Jagan Metal Mart owner Jayasingh distributed gifts, including stainless steel bottles, to the participants.
A total of 60 children from Kodampalli, Balapadugai, Hasanur, Germalam, Sujalkarai and Gundri, took part in the camp held from May 13 to 15.