Expressing newfound enthusiasm, Aiswarya, a plus two student, reflects on the transformation of Mohiniyattam from textbook imagery to tangible experience. "When introduced by our teachers as the unique dance of our State, I couldn't fathom its rhythm or steps. Now, dancing here at Kalamandalam Kalari feels like a dream," shares tenth standard student Vrinda, echoing the sentiments of her friend.

Thirty-two children from the Muthuvan community across Idukki, converge at Kalamandalam for the 'Chod' dance training camp, a component of SCERT's 'Gotrayanam' project. Originating from Vattavada, Idamalakkudy, Marayoor, Kanthalloor, Mankulam, and Bison valley, these children, largely unaware of dance forms beyond 'Kudi Nritham', 'Aattam', and 'Komaalikali', embark on a cultural journey.

Confronting challenges of accessing formal education from forest huts, the children find respite at the Marayoor Shikshan Kendra, facilitated by the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society.

It was during the last Kerala School Youth Festival that the children shared their desire to compete in dance contests with the Shikshan Kendra staff. At that time, they found a group dance video on YouTube and entered the stage learning the same. One of the main wishes expressed by the children to the SCERT representatives who came to prepare the Gotrayanam project was to learn dance. After dancing on the stage of Kalamandalam Nila Campus, they will return home on Saturday.

“Although four days of training is a short period, they are learning the steps with ease,” says PG students Umadevi, Krishnapriya, Aswani Prasannan and Jayalakshmy, who train the students. Apart from Mohiniattam training, the children are also introduced to other art forms including Kathakali and Koothu. Kalamandalam Vice Chancellor B Ananthakrishnan assures the continuation of this training initiative. Dr. Rachita Ravi, Nila Campus Coordinator, along with SCERT Research Officer Sathish Kumar and State Consultant of Mahila Samakhya Society, Bobby Joseph, lead the camp.