Bal Bhavan: Now a pale shadow of its former self

Hyderabad: Not so long ago, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan was agog with activity especially during the summer holidays but thanks to official apathy, the centre that was set up in the memory of first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru is now a pale shadow of its former self. 

Open from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm, the entry fee is just Rs 50 and for SC and ST students it is just Rs 20 along with bus facility, yet there are few takers. Lack of infrastructure is the main reason for the decline in popularity. Also with the advent of television, internet and technology, Bal Bhavan which used to be filled with children is now crying for attention.
 
There was a time when Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, drum, veena, table, Hindustani music, art and craft, tailoring, painting and other skills were taught here. There is also a Science lab and a library but the attendance is low and almost non-existent. 
D Ramachandra, senior assistant said that for summer camp about 500 applications had been registered; age of the candidate should be 5 to 16 years. Admission started and classes start from April 21 till June, and competitions will be held in the first week of June. 

Lack of funds is crippling Bal Bhavan. According to senior staff, there is a need for instruments and a whole makeover is needed. According to sources, Rs 10 lakh is needed to spruce up Bal Bhavan and Rs one crore for all districts.

Thick grass, fear of snakes and the dilapidated condition of the building is putting many away and parents are in two minds to send their children. Sunita, a retired teacher said, “I feel sad after knowing about the present condition of Bal Bhavan. I myself took so many children for several events and have fond memories of the place. The need is to refocus and make it relevant to modern times. It is in the centre of the city, the government can do wonders.”

BY M M Farooqui