In the month of August, nine students from Korea in the age group 8 to 14, attended a month long summer camp organised by the JSS International Public School in Ooty. Established in 1991, the school is an integral part of the JSS Mahavidyapeetha, headquarters at Mysore.
The school's franchise consultants in Korea (Eneckorea) felt that there were a number of Korean students who wanted to visit India to learn yoga and meditation, to learn to speak better English and to understand the Indian way of life (including classical music and dance). After seminars and parental counseling sessions which were held in Seoul, 26 students confirmed their participation. Unfortunately the Mumbai bomb blasts resulted in the cancellation of over 16 students. But the camp was successfully run and had the participation of nine students.
The children had a tight schedule with yoga classes and English lessons in the morning and Bharatanatyam and Carnatic vocal music lessons in the afternoon. Nalini Prakash, Founder-Trustee, Silambam, Coonoor, handled the dance and music classes. Being exposed to Indian dance and culture for the first time, the girls were excited with the salwar kameez, bangles and bindis they were given to wear as part of their uniform for their dance classes.
On the concluding day, which was the 24th of August, there was a short presentation by the children where they performed a small dance item, recited the Sanskrit verses describing the hand-gestures in dance (Asamyutha and Samyutha Hastas) and sang two songs they had learnt. Each child was also presented with a certificate of participation.
Sumant Bakshi, Management Advisor, JSS Public School, said that there will be another camp in December/ January 2006, 2007 with 25 to 30 students having already enrolled.
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