An artiste exists in every child and parents should encourage the child to study and also nurture the hidden artistic talent, advised actor Srinath Vasistha.

He was speaking at the valedictory of Yeleyara Mela - 2013 organised by JSS Kalamantapa at JSS Women's college in Saraswathipuram here yesterday.

"Art and education both need equal priority as art is as tough to excel as any subject. In a few summer camps, children are trained in areas of individual interest but here in Yeleyara Mela all the 108 children were allowed to involve in all the activites which is a good policy," said Srinath.

Reminiscing his school days, Srinath said "During my SSLC examination my uncle took me to Ravindra Kalakshetra. I was given the script of a character of a play and was asked to read. With no training in any camp, I read the script with ease and good articulation. The Director of the play was stunned and said that he would have given me a lead role in the play if I had approached earlier. I did not become an actor soon but after studies I took up a job in a firm. When I was transferred to Mumbai, I quit the job and became an actor."

Delivering the valedictory address, theatrist U.S. Ramanna opined that children in nuclear families have little scope to mingle with grandparents. He added that music, dance and theatre soothe a turmoil mind.

Appreciation letters were distributed to children who participated in the camp and shared their experiences.

Allamaprabhu Fine Arts Academy Dean Dr. D.A. Upadhya, camp Director Chandrashekar Achar and others were present.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore