Thiruvananthapuram Marks Children’s Day With Colourful District Rally

Thiruvananthapuram: Children’s Day was celebrated in the state capital on Thursday with a large and vibrant procession involving more than 20,000 students from schools across Thiruvananthapuram district. The rally, held in memory of Chachaji, highlighted Kerala’s cultural diversity with colourful costumes, traditional performances, and depictions of national icons.

The procession was flagged off at 9.30 am from the University Stadium by State Child Welfare Committee general secretary G L Arun Gopi. Roller skaters opened the march, followed by mounted police, and this year’s child leaders, Prime Minister Durga Jishnu, President Aaradhana Praveen, Speaker S Angel, welcome speaker M Prayag, and vote- of -thanks speaker A L Nivedya, who travelled in an open jeep. The rally, which adhered strictly to green protocol, wound its way through the city and concluded at Nishagandhi.

School teams showcased a variety of performances. Children dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Mother Teresa attracted widespread attention. Many groups appeared in costumes symbolising communal harmony. Over 5,000 NCC, Scouts and Guides, Red Cross, and Student Police cadets participated in the march-past. Kerala’s traditional attire, oppana costumes, sword-and-shield ensembles, kaili, banian, thorthu, and sari, added to the cultural display. Placards carried messages condemning violence and war targeting children.

A public meeting at Kanakakunnu followed the rally. Child Prime Minister Durga Jishnu inaugurated the event, with President Aaradhana Praveen presiding and Speaker S Angel. delivering the keynote address. Devnand of Christ Nagar School presented the welcome song. Minister Veena George and singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi addressed the gathering.

The Minister praised Vijayalakshmi’s presence, saying the singer continued to inspire children through her performances and her enduring love for music. She added that Children’s Day events gain greater warmth when artists like Vijayalakshmi connect so naturally with young audiences.

Vijayalakshmi was welcomed with loud cheers. She greeted the children, performed several songs including her favourites, and urged youngsters to remain compassionate and thoughtful. She said a child’s heart must be seen as a temple of purity and reminded students to nurture kindness and the capacity to love. She also posed for photos with the children before leaving the venue.

The 2025–26 Children’s Day postage stamp, designed by V K Vaig, a class 9 student of Government Ganapath Vocational Higher Secondary School, Feroke, was released by Minister Veena George. Awards were distributed to the child leaders and winning schools.

Little Flower Convent School, Vellayani, secured first place in the procession competition for the 13th consecutive year, followed by Government Girls HSS, Peroorkada, and Carmal HSS. Cotton Hill Girls HSS topped the LP category, while Christ Nagar School led the UP section.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a message read out at the function, urged society to help children grow without fear, uphold scientific temper, and rise above social divisions.