[sri ramanuja] Sri Bhattar Kuzham - 3

[Guest guest]

Srimathe Ramanujaya Nama:

 

Sri Bhattar Kuzham - 3

 

In the last posting we shared a few of Sri Bhattar Kuzham's

activities, namely, training of youngsters in Divya Prabandhams,

Vedam, and various Stotrams revered in our sampradayam.

 

Sri Bhattar Kuzham also coordinates functions featuring students in

various cultural activities such as dance, drama, and

debate/upanyasams. These events take place on special occasions

such as Azhwar and Acharya Thirunakshatrams, Sita Kalyana Maha

Utsavam, and Vaishnava Maha Sammelan. For example, SBK commemorated

the 800th Birth Anniversary of Swami Pillai Lokachariyar on a grand

scale with participation from a majority of students. An SBK Annual

Day function is also held each year, showcasing the students'

achievements. Approximately five to six functions are staged every

year in various locations around the holy island of Srirangam.

 

During each function, students of SBK perform a range of cultural

activities such as dances including Bharatanatya and Kolattam as

well as singing of Azhwar pasurams. Students also perform dramas

depicting the divine life stories of poorvacharyas (Ex. The Life and

Works of Swami Pillai Lokachariar). In addition, the local functions

provide an opportunity for students trained in Sampradayic knowledge

to practice speaking with conviction through debates on diverse

topics such as supremacy of Emberuman and Acharya. Furthermore,

trained students hold upanyasams (discourses) on hypothetical

situations ("if they meet today") such as the meeting of Sri Andal

(Goda) and Andal Amma (devimaar (wife) of Sri Kurathalwan).

 

Costumes and ornaments for these programs are procured from parents

and from volunteers of SBK, special costumes are rented by SBK for

the occasion. Training and rehearsals for SBK programs are provided

by volunteers and sometimes by individuals hired just for this cause.

 

The highlight of SBK's cultural activities is the prize distribution

that reinforces extraordinary achievements and encourages students

to constantly put in their best. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd,

and 3rd places to students for competitions in recitation of

Prabandhams and Spiritual Quizzes. Other prizes are awarded for

regular attendance, punctuality, grasping ability, academic

performance, obedience/ good conduct, and practicing of good habits.

Each month, one student is selected for maintaining the above

qualities and receives an award with his/her photo along with the

title, "Manathukkiniyan / Manathukkiniyal". In addition, five

students each month are bestowed the title, "Nal Mutthukal" for

saving money under the Adiyargal Vazha, Aranganagar Vazha Scheme as

Best Collectors of Hundiyal and are awarded certificates featuring

their photos.

All prizes are awarded on a Rolling Shields basis so that all

students have a fair chance at winning throughout the year.

 

In the next posting, we will share SBK's voluntary and social

services towards the community.