The DAC students learn PANCHARI MELAM from Mattannoor

The Different Art Centre witnessed a historic event, as the students of the centre are blessed with the opportunity to learn PANCHARI MELAM under Padma Shri. Mattannoor Sankarankutty Marar, a veteran percussionist, popularly known by the name ‘Mattannoor’.

Shri. Mattannoor has travelled all the way from Kannur to Trivandrum, to give the PANCHARI MELAM training to the differently abled children at DAC. He started the training by performing ‘Thalams’ in the fifth stage of PANCHARI MELAM in front of the crowded DAC team.

Shri. Mattannoor was surprised with the responses from the DAC students as they also replicated the same rhythm in the span of minutes. “ The performance and the dedication of DAC children are extraordinary and this could be possible only through consistent training and mentoring” he added in his speech.

Shri. Sreekanth, son of Shri. Mattannoor was also present throughout the event. Sreekanth will continue to give training to the students and Mattanoor will consistently foster them with frequent visits to the centre.

Earlier, Shri. Mattannoor and his son Shri. Sreekanth, both were welcomed to the venue by performing GANAPATHI KAI, the basic art form using CHENDA. The training will continue for one month and at the end of the training “Arangettam” will take place. Shri. Gopinath Muthukad, Executive Director of DAC was also present at the function to inspire and motivate the children.

Presently, the children at this centre undergo various training in playing different musical instruments and fifty among them will go exclusively to perform PANCHARI MELAM.

On successful ARANGETTAM, DAC will have one more success feather on its magical cap.