Visakhapatnam: A.P. Residential School (PTG-GIRLS) at Bhadragiri in Vizianagaram district stands as an example for how art and craft educators can enable students to develop and demonstrate artistic abilities. Tribal girl students of the school, who total 631, have successfully organised two art exhibitions, showcasing their creativity and commitment.
In an interview with Deccan Chronicleschool’s principal Kuppili Suresh Kumar articulated the significance of art education. He said, “We implemented a programme designed to cultivate creativity among the students through various activities, including essay writing, public speaking, drawing, painting and doll-making. Our efforts indicate that 30 per cent of our students possess artistic abilities.”
Suresh Kumar said all students displayed remarkable abilities in Savara tribal art after their art and craft teacher S. Sundar Rao put them through a structured, high-quality programme. This resulted in impressive artworks featuring at the school’s inaugural art exhibition.
Their second art exhibition coincided with a mega parent-teacher meeting, wherein political representatives and officials had been present. The exhibition showcased the students’ creations, highlighting the importance of recognising and fostering their artistic talents.
Nearly 300 parents received greeting cards crafted by their children. These illustrated the various agricultural processes of the tribal community. The parents’ emotional reactions underscored the profound impact their children’s artwork had on them.
Class teachers at the residential school are now actively identifying artistic talents among their students. They are creating supportive environments that encourage self-expression. “If accomplished artists engage with our students, the nation will one day take pride in artists who will emerge from our institution,” the Bhadragiri residential school principal stated.
The Andhra Pradesh Tribal Welfare Residential School (PTG-Girls) in Bhadragiri runs classes for tribal girls from grades 3 to 10, with English as the medium of instruction. The school has 23 outsourced teachers and one contract art and craft teacher.
