Ayush Ganapathi, a Std VI student of Coorg Public School at Gonicoppa in Kodagu, has made it big. He is one of the five students picked by the Fox History channel in the country to depict the rich and unique culture of Kodagu district.

Many partcipants

More than one lakh students from over 60,000 schools across the country wrote an essay on the theme “My City and My History,” highlighting the cultural and historical aspects of their region.

Ganapathi wrote an essay on Puliyanda, a Kodava family’s origin and existence, following which he figured in the list of 12 students who were called to Delhi for final interview. The students were asked to speak and explain their themes and Ganapathi was one of the winning five.

Fox History had organised the event in association with the Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage (INTACH). The channel team visited COPS and a few select places in Kodagu for a shoot.

The traditions of Kodagu, mainly cultural, were shot in the COPS premises, apart from shoots in other locations such as Talacauvery, Nalknad Palace and the Ain Mane (ancestral houses) of the Puliyanda family. A mock show of Nari Mangala (wedding of a slain tiger), a practice that was in vogue in Kodagu in the past, was also shot on the occasion.

Fox History proposes to make a documentary for telecast some time later. The teachers and staff of the COPS, who interacted with the Puliyanda family, should be complimented for bringing laurels to COPS, says M.D. Nanjunda, senior Principal of the COPS.

source: www.thehindu.com / Life & Style > Kids / by Jeevan Chinnappa / March 21st, 2011