The Third batch of the Two-day (Weekend) Kolam Workshop was conducted on 20th & 21st April 2024, in the calm ambience of Vivekananda Cultural Centre.
Inaugural Session: On Saturday, 20th April, Swami Raghunayakananda ji (who has recently taken over as Manager of Mylapore Math, Chennai), in his welcome address, emphasised the responsibility of parents to pass on our ancient heritage and tradition to the next generation, whether through Kolam Art, Yoga, Traditional Thanjavur painting, or Samskar (Summer) camps for children.
Valedictory Session: On Sunday, April 21st, participants expressed their heartfelt learnings and thanked Kolam Instructor and Resource Person for sharing all of her expertise without holding anything back. Swami Ishapremananda ji (Swamiji-in-charge of Vivekanandar Illam) spoke in his benediction about prior great civilizations such as Greek, Roman, and Mesopotamian, and how each of them faded away once inhabitants abandoned their culture, language, and traditions. He advised everyone to practice any of these stress-relieving art forms, such as Kolam, Mala Grathana (Garland Making), Thanjavur Painting, and Yoga and make a sincere attempt to preserve our rich culture and heritage and pass it on to the next generation.
Swami Ishapremananda ji presented participation certificates to all. Lunch Prasad was served to everyone, along with tea and snacks, during the workshop's twin breaks on both days.