Three-Day Inclusive Cultural Programme

The South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), Thanjavur, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, commenced a Workshop and Cultural Programme today at Dr. MGR Home and Higher Secondary School for the Speech and Hearing Impaired, bringing art, folk traditions and creative expression to children with speech and hearing impairment. The programme, being conducted from August 12 to 14, 2026, will culminate in a Valedictory Function and Independence Day Celebration on August 15, 2026, at 8 a.m., with Smt. Kavitha Ramu, IAS, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TUFIDCO), presiding over the function as Chief Guest, and Shri K.K. Gopalakrishnan, Director, South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur, and noted cultural historian, author and Tagore National Scholar, also gracing the occasion. The three-day cultural engagement organised by the SZCC team brings together caricature, folk dance, clay modelling, mime and traditional folk performances, creating an inclusive platform for creativity, self-expression and cultural learning. Dr. Latha Rajendran, Founding Principal and Director, Dr. MGR Home and Higher Secondary School for the Speech and Hearing Impaired, said, "For our children, art and culture are not merely activities; they are powerful avenues for expression, confidence and connection. This three-day programme gives them the opportunity to explore their creativity, participate in diverse art forms and experience the richness of our cultural heritage in an inclusive and joyful environment. We are grateful to the South Zone Cultural Centre for creating this platform and bringing these enriching experiences to our school. Every child has a unique ability to create, communicate and shine, and programmes like these help them discover and celebrate that potential”. The initiative reflects the South Zone Cultural Centre's commitment to making India's rich cultural heritage accessible to diverse communities and creating opportunities for children with speech and hearing impairment to experience, learn and participate in the arts. It celebrates their abilities and potential while reinforcing the message that every child deserves an opportunity to participate, express and shine through art and culture. Programme Schedule: ✓ August 12, 2026 – Folk Dance Teaching Workshop and Tamil Nadu Folk Dance Performance ✓ August 13, 2026 – Caricature Workshop and Puducherry Folk Performance ✓ August 14, 2026 – Clay Modelling Art Workshop and Mime Performance The inaugural day featured a special folk arts training workshop conducted by Mr. Rajan and his team of folk-art trainers. The children were divided into groups of five and introduced to various traditional folk-art forms through hands-on training, providing them with an engaging opportunity to learn and participate. The day also featured an exhibition of paintings by Ms. Kavya S Nath, a hearing-impaired artist from Alappuzha, Kerala, at the school auditorium. The exhibition will remain open throughout the three days, giving students an opportunity to view her work, interact with her and draw inspiration from her artistic journey. Ms. Nath will be present at the school during the three days to interact with the students and share her experiences as an artist.