‘Kodai Kondattam’ 2025 at Anna Centenary Library
Date May 1, 2025 (Thursday)
Timings 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Venue Children's Section, Anna Centenary Library
Name of the Program Inauguration
Resource Person Director of Public Libraries
The ‘Kodai Kondattam-2025’ program was inaugurated by Dr. P. Sankar IAS, the Director of Public Libraries and was conducted under the guidance and supervision of Dr. S. Kamatchi, the Chief Librarian and Information Officer of Anna Centenary Library.
The inaugural day of ‘Kodai Kondattam-2025’ was marked by vibrant celebration, showcasing an array of traditional games, captivating storytelling sessions, and a mesmerizing magic show!
Inaugural Lamp Lighting Ceremony :
A lamp is a symbol of light and knowledge. Lighting of a lamp dispels darkness paving way for wisdom and enlightenment. The Director of Public Libraries, Dr. Shankar I.A.S., formally inaugurated the Kodai Kondattam 2025 program by lighting the traditional lamp. The ceremony was attended by Dr. S. Kamatchi the Chief Librarian and Information Officer, as well as by the Special guests for the day, Ms. Lavanya and Magician Mr. Sakthivel.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Dr. S. Kamatchi, the Chief Librarian and Information Officer. As a token of appreciation, the Director of Public Libraries presented mementos to the Chief Guests. Dr. Kamatchi S., the Chief Librarian and Information Officer of Anna Centenary Library felicitated the Director of Public Libraries with a memento.
The Director of Public Libraries delivered the keynote address, which commenced with a nostalgic reflection on his childhood experiences during summer vacations in his village. With humour and wit, he recounted the traditional games and pastimes that not only promoted physical and mental well-being but also fostered a sense of teamwork among children. He emphasized on the importance of adopting a balanced lifestyle, cautioning the children against the excessive screen time and unhealthy eating habits. The Director also expressed admiration for the intellectual curiosity and creative expression of contemporary children. He underscored the value of preserving traditional games, highlighting their timeless merits and the joy they bring to individuals and communities alike.
Subsequent to the Director's address, Mr. Lavanya, Chennai Storytellers spoke about the benefits of traditional sports. She also expressed her sincere gratitude to the Anna Centenary Library for providing her with a platform to engage with children and share her passion of Storytelling.
Thereafter, Mr. Sakthivel, the renowned magician, took the stage and expressed his appreciation for the Anna Centenary Library for providing him the opportunity to showcase his magical talents to the audience.
Traditional Games and Storytelling
A beautiful display of the traditional games was put up in the Children’s Section of Anna Centenary Library. The Director of Public Libraries visited the traditional games exhibition on the occasion. Ms. Lavanya, provided a detailed explanation of the various traditional games on display, including Goat and Tiger, Pallankuzhi, Pambaram, Stone game, Goli, Paramapada Sopana (Snake and Ladder Game), Indian Ludo (Thaayam) and Sokkattan. She elaborated on the rules and methods of playing each game, offering valuable insights into India's rich cultural heritage.
Ms. Lavanya, a distinguished expert with over 20 years of experience in promoting traditional games and storytelling, has been leading innovative programs at the Anna Centenary Library's Children's Section since 2014. At this event, Chennai Storytellers delivered a captivating presentation that explored the origins of traditional games through engaging narratives. The session shed light on the transformation of Marui into a widespread practice in modern society. The interactive storytelling session encouraged active participation from children, who engaged in thoughtful discussions and posed insightful questions.
The Director of Public Libraries showed keen interest in the folding ‘Pallankuzhi’ board and was very happy to see the display of the much-cherished Traditional games.
Magic Show:
Acclaimed Magician Mr. Sakthivel with over 13-year career experience has mesmerized audiences with over 1,000 magic shows for esteemed organizations, educational institutions, and television programs.
During this event, Mr. Sakthivel mesmerized the audience with a captivating magic show, showcasing eight unique acts within a remarkable one-hour timeframe.
A notable highlight of the performance was Mr. Sakthivel's invitation to children to join him on stage, where he expertly guided them through a magic show, creating an unforgettable experience.
Children participated with great enthusiasm and eagerness. The event's success was evident by the outpouring appreciation from parents, who extended their warm congratulations and gratitude to the librarians. The Anna Centenary Library's efforts had transformed ‘Kodai Kondattam’ into a vibrant and enjoyable celebration for children, making it a truly memorable experience.
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