When Kasaragod is hosting the State School Youth Festival once again, my mind also is flying back. Kasaragod was the venue of my first school youth festival.
It was 1991. I was studying in class 6. Then the competitions for all from class 6 to 10 were conducted together. I competed in Bharatanatyam event. Krishnan Master was my dance teacher. I won second prize in the event. Though later I won several first prizes in arts festivals, the first ever prize is still the sweetest.
Back then I did not feel arts festivals as a grand event. Also there were not many participants and audience. We stayed at a house. My parents also were with me. As Kasaragod hosts the school youth festival once again, I wish all the best to everyone who takes part in it.