THRISSUR LIFTS GOLDEN CUP AFTER 25 YEARS

Edges past Palakkad by one point District last emerged victorious at the kalolsavam in 1999 BSS Gurukulam HSS, Palakkad, declared schools champion

- PARVANA K B @T'Puram

As curtains went down on the 63rd State School Arts Festival, Thrissur lifted the coveted golden trophy after a gap of 25 years by bagging 1,008 points. The district had last emerged champions in 1999.

While Palakkad, which missed the top spot to Thrissur by a single point, had to settle for the second spot, Kannur finished third with 1,003 points. Hosts Thiruvananthapuram that scored 957 points had to settle for the eighth spot.

While Thrissur shared top spot with Palakkad in the high school section, Thrissur was the sole champion in the higher secondary section. In the Arabic Arts Fest, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam shared the top spot. In the Sanskrit Arts Fest too, there were three contenders to the top spot - Kasaragod, Malappuram, and Palakkad.

Among schools, BSS Gurukulam HSS, Palakkad was the champion. Carmel Higher Secondary School, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mananthavady MGM HSS, Wayanad, clinched the third spot.