Mysore/Mysuru: A. Chandana, a student from Sargur of H.D. Kote taluk, has made the State proud by winning second place at National-level Kala Utsav under the category ‘Indigenous Toys and Games’ held recently in Bengaluru.

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), under the aegis of Ministry of Education, had organised the two-day National-level Kala Utsav on Jan. 15 and 16 in Bengaluru to promote art in education by nurturing and showcasing the artistic talent of school students at secondary level. Due to the pandemic, the event was held virtually in which students from 36 States had participated.

Indigenous toy-making was introduced as a theme in Kala Utsav this year to encourage students to explore and develop a variety of local toys. 

A ninth standard student from G.B. Sargur Government High School located in H.D. Kote taluk, Chandana who had participated in the event displayed her six beautiful toys made using dry bottle guards. Judges of the contest who saw her unique creations have greatly admired her talent and selected her for the prestigious award.

For most of us, all types of gourds including ash gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd and bottle gourd are just one among many vegetables, using which our mothers every day prepare dishes for lunch or dinner. But this underdog veggie has become a canvas for this budding artist. 

Using her vivid imagination, Chandana has carved and painted six humble bottle gourds to become a cute pair of grandfather and grandmother, a balancing doll, a cock, an owl and a giraffe (see pictures).

Now, by winning this prestigious award, Chandana has bagged Rs. 20,000 cash prize, a medal and                       a trophy.

K. Sangeeta, Art teacher working for G.B. Sargur Government High School, H.D. Kote taluk, said, “Since 2015, our school students have been contesting in this Kala Utsav organised by the Ministry of Education. Out of the two students of our school who had participated in this national-level art festival and contest, our ninth standard student Chandana has bagged the award. I am very proud of my students.”

“I wanted to create something from reusable natural materials. I have not spent much for making these dolls. Gourds can be used to create such dolls and nature-friendly utensils. I just wanted to preserve and promote this unique tradition of our tribal community.”  —A. Chandana , award-winning student