Mysuru's story telling show finds its way into Limca Book of Records

 'Kalasuruchi' which has kept alive the tradition of story telling to kids by organising sessions every week in city has found its way into Limca Book of Records.

'Kathe Kelona Banni' (Come, lets hear a story) sees distinguished people narrate inspiring stories for school children at a house in posh Kuvempunagar area. The show has been running successfully for the last nine years.

'Englightenment through entertainment' is the motto of the Kalasuruchi. Suruchi Rangamane, which has been hosting this programme on every Saturday between 4.30pm and 5.30 pm without a break, has till date, conducted 482 story telling sessions.

Since the launching of the event in February 2007, thousands of children have been benefitted. Stories based on current issues, folklore, epics, history, culture and great personalities are narrated for chidlren by people from all walks of life.

Members of Kalasuruchi are planning to continue it and ensure more children listen to the stories. Plans are on card to release DVDs of the recorded stories rendered by the eminent narrators and distribute them to schools and interested parents. The same will also be uploaded on a website, if they get suitable financial assistance.

Epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha were narrated to children for 25 weeks by two Kannada teachers, Balakrishnaiah and Vimalashree. Recordings of these will also be launched soon. After story telling programme, children will be taught Kannada, pronouncation, grammer, which helps them to learn new words. Children will be asked to share their opinion in writing, so that they develop writing skill.

Prof KV Sridhar Murthy, a member of Kalasuruchi, expressing his happiness over entering Limca Book of Records said that with the entry, their responsibility has increased and will take initiatives to make stories reach more number of small children.

'Earlier stories were narrated by grand parents in their homes. This practice stopped due to changing lifestyles and increasing nuclear families. With this programme, children learn basics of human values, ethics and discipline. The stories instill confidence in the young minds and also educating them on various aspects,' adds convenor Dr HK Ramanath.

“Our children used to spend time watching television, and playing games in computer. From last two years they make sure they wont miss to listen to the stories. Indeed listening to stories it inspires them to take decisions, and helps their future,” say couple Sunil and Arathi.

About Kala Suruchi

Renowned theater personality late Ananthamurthy started Kala Suruchi, a mini theatre for small children at Kuvempunagar in 1985. After his demise, wife Vijaya Sindhuvalli is fulfilling his dreams by hosting series of programmes for chidlren. Family members Sumana and Shashidhar Dongre are helping Sindhuvalli in her endavour.

Programmes like Kathe Kelona Banni, Nataka Vachana, Ranga Geethe, Sahithya Chavadi, dramas, seminars, theater workshops, music programmes, folk arts, harikathe, and various other programmes are being planned to be held.

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