The transformative power of Kalai Thiruvizha: a teacher's journey

The Hindu

3 days ago

As educators, we often walk a tightrope — balancing academics with the complex realities of students' lives. I once believed that academic success alone could uplift students from challenging circumstances. But my perspective changed profoundly with Kalai Thiruvizha, a cultural festival introduced in Tamil Nadu's government schools.
Initially, I approached the festival with skepticism. Could artistic pursuits really contribute to a student's future in the same way as academic achievement? But as the festival unfolded, I began to see a transformation—not just in my students, but in myself.
Kalai Thiruvizha celebrates Tamil culture through dance, music and visual arts. At first, it appeared to be just another extracurricular activity, but it revealed something much deeper: the power of holistic development. I witnessed students — especially those considered problematic— redirecting their energy into meaningful expression. Girls once caught for mischief now practised 'parai attam' during lunch breaks. Shy children found their voice in music; aggressive ones found purpose in dance.
One story that will always stay with me is that of a quiet girl from a single-parent household. Her mother worked as a daily wage labourer. Burdened by her circumstances, she often sat silent and withdrawn in class. During Kalai Thiruvizha practice sessions, I noticed her tapping her feet softly to a rhythm. There was a natural grace in her movements that caught my eye. With gentle encouragement, she joined the freestyle dance team. Initially hesitant, she gradually blossomed. Her eyes began to reflect confidence, her body language transformed.
These experiences taught me that students are not mere vessels for academic instruction. They are individuals carrying unseen burdens. Art gave them a space to process their emotions, express their inner worlds, and find healing. More than just creative outlets, these performances became lifelines — building confidence, teamwork, and discipline.
As a teacher, this journey forced me to reassess my assumptions. I had been addressing only part of my students' needs by focusing exclusively on academics. Kalai Thiruvizha revealed that arts are not a distraction but an essential component of education. They foster emotional resilience, cultural connection and a sense of community.
The transformation was not limited to students. It changed me. I came to understand that teaching is not just about results and scores. It's about seeing the whole child—acknowledging their emotional, social, and creative dimensions. Arts and education are not opposing forces. Instead, they are partners in shaping well-rounded individuals.
To my fellow educators: embracing the arts in education is not about compromising academic standards. It is about enriching our students' lives and offering them the tools to heal, connect and thrive. The transformation I witnessed was real, powerful and lasting.
In this balance of creativity and knowledge lies the true essence of education. Through festivals such as Kalai Thiruvizha, we are not just teaching — we are building resilient, confident, culturally rooted individuals ready to face the world.
(Amudha is a teacher at Government Model Presidency Girls Higher Secondary School on Gengu Reddy Road in Egmore)