Patna: Amid floods affecting 90 panchayats and disrupting normal life, the Bhagalpur district administration is organising art and cultural activities for children at a flood relief camp at the Polytechnic College ground.The state art and culture department, in collaboration with the district administration, is conducting daily art and training sessions at the camp. The activities include Manjusha painting, storytelling, cultural programmes and film screenings.“Regular Manjusha painting training sessions are being conducted for children and other interested adults,” Bhagalpur district magistrate Alankrita Pandey said on the phone.Local artists have also joined the initiative, organising cultural evenings during which children are introduced to local folklore and legends, including the popular tale of Bihula Bishari associated with the worship of snake Goddess Mansa.Children are also being shown films with social and patriotic themes. The activities are aimed at keeping them engaged at the relief camp and providing them opportunities to participate in creative and cultural programmes.For children whose homes, schools and daily routines have been disrupted by the floods, the sessions provide an opportunity to take part in creative activities away from the immediate concerns of the relief camp.State art and culture minister Pramod Kumar appreciated the initiative.“We are proud of the initiative taken by the district administration during these difficult times. We remain committed to the well-being of everyone affected by floods, particularly children. Initiatives like these can help keep children creatively engaged, nurture their talents and provide much-needed emotional support during such a difficult period,” he said.
