Government Museum, Chennai renders yeoman service by conducting multifarious educational activities with the aim of imparting informal education to the visitors of all walks of life. As part of its educational activities, Children's Day Celebrations-2009 was observed wherein painting competition and oratorical competition were conducted to the school children to bring out their hidden talents. Painting Competition for the students from L.K.G. to 12th Standard formulated under four groups on different themes was held on 30.10.2009 wherein 287 students from 38 schools of Chennai Metro and its suburban areas have participated. Oratorical competition on four different topics was conducted for the students from 6th to 12th Standard on 13.11.2009 wherein 89 students have participated.
The winners of the Painting and Oratorical Competitions were given prizes and merit certificates on 14th November 2009 at the Children's Day Celebrations held at the Museum Theatre.
In this connection a Special Exhibition of Paintings drawn in the competition was organised for public view. A brochure highlighting the events and winners was released on this occasion.
To make the celebrations memorable and entertaining a Puppet Show was staged by Kalaimamani S. Manickavasakam troupe, under the co-sponsorship of South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur. A special Government Order issued by the Government of Tamilnadu, permitting free entry to Museums for children below 12 years, benefited thousands of Children both in Chennai and 20 districts.
Dr. T.S. Sridhar, I.A.S., Principal Secretary/ Commissioner of Museums presided over the function wherein the Chief Guest Dr. P. Perumalsami Director of School Education, Chennai distributed the prizes and certificates to the winners of competitions. Tmt. Harini Sridhar, Consultant & Trainer of Personality Development, Chennai declared open the Special Exhibition on Paintings and felicitated on this occasion. The Special Exhibition was thrown open for public view till 25.11.2009.
The Tamilnadu Milk Producers Limited (Aavin) sponsored hot milk to the children.
Workshop on Plant Preservation Techniques and Plant Modelling
The Plant Preservation technique and Plant Modelling Workshop was conducted for III B.Sc., Plant Biology and Plant Bio Technology Students of Women’s Christian College from 9.11.’09 to 11.11.’09. The workshop was organized by the Botany Curator Tmt. M.N. Pushpa. Commissioner of Museums Dr. T.S. Sridhar, I.A.S. presided and Dr. Ridling Margaret Waller Principal, Women’s Christian College inaugurated the Workshop. In this workshop, the students were given hands - on training in the field of Preservation of Plants on both Dry ( Herbarium Technique) and wet methods.
Modelling of plants out of clay, Plaster of Paris, wax, and fiber were demonstrated by the Artist modeller to the students. Special lecture on Preservation techniques was delivered by the Curator. Participation Certificate was issued by the Principal Secretary/ Commissioner of Museums Dr. T.S.Sridhar, I.A.S.
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