Central Kerala Sahodaya School Kalotsav
Thodupuzha : Muvattupuzha Nirmala Public School has taken the lead in the overall points tally at Sargadhwani 2026, Central Kerala Sahodaya School Kalotsav being held at Al Azhar Public School, Perumbillichira, near Thodupuzha. The school has amassed 521 points across the four competition categories. Carmel Public School, Vazhakulam, is in second place with 444 points, while Marygiri Public School, Koothattukulam, is third with 396 points. The festival, organised by Central Kerala Sahodaya, has brought together more than 5,000 students from 79 schools in Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur. Competitions are being held at 16 venues, with students competing in dance, music, instrumental music, elocution and a range of traditional and contemporary art forms. The festival will conclude on Oct 10.
Inaugurating the festival, govt chief whip Apu John Joseph said art was integral to human life and that children’s innate artistic abilities needed to be identified and nurtured. He said school arts festivals had an important role in preserving traditional art forms. At a time when technology and artificial intelligence were exerting an increasing influence on children, exposure to the arts could help reduce mental stress, build confidence and contribute to their character formation, he said.
Vimala Public School and De Paul Public School, Thodupuzha, Greenvalley Public School, Kothamangalam, Bright Public School, Valakom, and St Thomas Public School, Muvattupuzha, are among the other leading schools. Al Azhar Public School campus has turned into a vibrant centre of cultural activity, with students, teachers and parents from participating schools attending the events. Central Kerala Sahodaya president Fr Mathew Karithara CMI presided over the function. General secretary Jain Paul, general convener and Al Azhar Public School principal Noushad Kassim, Al Azhar Group of Institutions chairman K M Moosa, Fr Paul Choorathotti, sister Roslin, sister Jancy, Abdul Sattar and vice-principal Arun Gopal were among those who addressed the gathering.