A group of Class XII students visited a village in Purulia where people make masks for a living.
Twenty students of Class XII of Bharat Academy and Sciences in Uluberia were on a three-day trip to Charida village as a part of the project — “Exploring the cultural diversity of life in Purulia”.
They interviewed the artisans to understand how they make the masks.
“We wanted the students to know and respect the art and culture of the region. Unless they see they don’t get to understand how painstakingly the masks are made. They get to understand the value of art and handicraft,” said Ruchira Chakraborty, principal.
The best way to teach is to allow students to do things practically, said one of the teachers.
For the villagers, it is not just a craft but a source of livelihood, said Chakraborty.
The students reached the village on Saturday and returned on Monday.
The students were awed by the colours and the detailing of the masks.
“Some artisans told us that they find it difficult to keep the art form alive because of lack of resources and economic constraints. Some barely make ₹10,000 a month or not even that,” said Ashis Bhakta, one of the students.
Many of the artisans make the masks in their houses which double as their studio, said Ashis.
“Each mask takes about three days to finish. The first day goes in drawing and making the figures and the other two days are dedicated to decorating the mask,”
he said.
There are two varieties — Chhau masks and masks that are decorative pieces. Chhau masks are used during dance performances.
“Not just adults but even school children help their parents make masks when free. It is a skill and the mask makers try to enhance their skills every day,” said Harish Hossain, another Class XII student.
The best way to teach is to allow students to do things practically, said one of the teachers.
“They could have done a project by surfing the internet and reading about it but it would not have been the same as visiting a place and speaking to the locals. It is an experience that will remain with them,” said the teacher.
She said that the responsibility rests with the school to organise such trips.
