The 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam, Asia’s largest cultural festival for adolescents, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that artists should not be viewed through the lens of religion, as art itself is their true religion.
He emphasized that the purpose of art is not merely to create pleasure but also to provide the strength to resist communalism and division. At a time when even Christmas celebrations are facing attacks in the country, there is a need to remain vigilant against those who attempt to judge art and artists based on religion. Art should become a powerful weapon for the new generation to promote peace and happiness and to counter hatred. Art must also engage deeply with painful life experiences and play a transformative role in society, as history has shown.
In earlier times, art forms were often confined within the boundaries of caste and religion. Practices like untouchability and social exclusion affected both people and art. School Kalolsavams, the Chief Minister noted, have played a significant role in breaking these barriers. Participation in the festival is more important than winning prizes, and many great artists have emerged even without awards. He reminded parents that competitions are among children, not parents, and urged them to protect children from negativity. The true duty of art, he said, is to shape good human beings.
The Chief Minister recalled that the festival began in 1956 at Ernakulam as a Youth Festival with just 200 students and has now grown into a grand event with over 14,000 participants. Over the past 70 years, the transformation of the Kalolsavam has been remarkable.
Presiding over the function, General Education and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty stated that the growth of the Kalolsavam into Asia’s largest teenage cultural festival reflects the strength of Kerala’s public education system. The festival, running until January 18, is a celebration of secularism and diversity. This year it is being organized as a “Responsible Kalolsavam,” aiming to be plastic-free, junk-food-free, and environmentally friendly. Indigenous art forms have also been included to make the festival more people-oriented.
The Minister also announced several educational initiatives, including organizing art and sports training camps during vacations and gradually ensuring that every child receives training in at least one art or sports discipline. Schools excelling in co-curricular activities will be recognized, and top-performing schools will receive the “Chief Minister’s Gold Cup” from the next academic year.
Revenue and Housing Minister K. Rajan, in his welcome address, said the festival aims to nurture a generation that loves nature and humanity and behaves responsibly toward fellow beings. Higher Education and Social Justice Minister Dr. R. Bindu noted that each Kalolsavam leaves lasting memories that inspire lifelong engagement with the arts. Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, said the festival builds confidence, creativity, discipline, and a sense of unity among students while passing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage to future generations.
Several ministers, MPs, MLAs, cultural icons, officials, and artists attended the inaugural ceremony.
