The heritage club of Parudur Higher Secondary School near Valanchery won the best club award instituted by the State Archives Department.
The Archives Department chose the Parudur school in recognition of its contributions to recording and popularising the heritage of the land. Led by club convener V.R. Krishnan, the children prepared a movie documenting the mural legacy of the temples in the area.
In the documentary titled The Mural Tradition of Panjal , the students discussed the character, theme, style and other aspects of the murals found at Lakshminarayana Temple, Panjal; Ayyappa Temple, Panjal; and Chuduvalathur Shiva Temple, Shoranur.
Inspiring children
“Our intention was not only to help children learn about our heritage, but to inspire them to enter into areas where the new generation refuses to tread,” said Mr. Krishnan.
The students also prepared a magazine on Koodiyattom. Apart from detailing various aspects of the Sanskrit drama, the contributions and life sketches of Kooditayyom artistes were also featured in the magazine.
Besides, the children in groups visited their neighbourhood in search of sites having heritage value. A magazine on local heritage was born out of their inquisitive zeal. “We also exposed them to heritage items such as Aranmula mirror and Payyannur Pavithram,” said Mr. Krishnan.
