To keep the students occupied in the weekends, the practice of screening popular Hindi films has been an easy option for residential schools. The films are generally not previewed nor are they chosen based on the different age groups of children. The effort was to entertain the students based on choosing the latest films and not used as an educational possibility. At times and in some schools the students are also taken to the town to watch films in the theatres. Even in our school, this was the practice. Is this appropriate or are we, educators, taking an easy option?

To develop a taste for better “things” is a challenge for schools, homes and the society at large. Should one overlook this need and carry on with the practices of the “times” or should one attempt to change the taste of our students? The question obviously needs to be asked and addressed by each teacher and school.

With difficulty we evolved reasonable consensus to try out an idea which would involve the students and teachers to improve their taste towards “entertainment.” We discussed the possibilities over quite a few meetings. We realized that to make any effort or initiative sustainable it had to be “managed” by the students. Accordingly, we met some of the energetic, enthusiastic and talented students of the middle school and requested them to conceive, organize and put up a cultural show without much practice and which can have many “errors.” It was made clear that anyone could present whatever he or she wants and without any practice whatsoever. It could be completely spontaneous.

On the first Saturday that we tried this out, some children were embarrassed with what they felt was “inadequate performance.” We clarified to the audience, students and teachers that “Kalaprakash” was a platform for learning to present and not a performance. As they organized more programs they became clearer about the intent and many more students and teachers started participating. The range of expressions widened to include skits, plays, singing, mimicry, recitation, narratives and dancing.

Within a couple of months, with one Kalaprakash every week, the entire initiative became a movement with the total duration spanning over one hour.

The movement gathered such a momentum that students continue to organize and enjoy Kalaprakash even after five to six years of its start. The taste of entertainment and enjoyment was radically altered over this period.