BOC brings ‘Panchatantra’ to miniscreen

By Susitha R. Fernando

Panchatantra, a fabulous work used to awaken the intelligence of three unlettered princes, is a collection of entertaining and edifying stories. The aim was to teach the princes how to think and not what to think.

‘Creata’ Audio-Video production house has remained true to the objectives of the Panchatantra. The 40 episodes will be worth watching as they will be entertaining and edifying.

The concept by the Creata, the only cartoon and muppet production house in the country, the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) has whole heartedly accepted due to its importance and educational values which would be beneficial to Sri Lankan children.

The BOC realised the educational values of the production, came forward to give much needed sponsorship. Thus Panchatantra became a reality.

BOC, General Manager Mr. B. A. C. Fernando giving his views for selecting this particular venture states "Our children are the leaders of our future. This TV programme mainly target children. It will be conducive in helping teachers as well as parents to impart cultural and traditional values that are a major drawback in the present day consumeristic society.

The Chairman, Udaya Sri Kariyawasam said 'We are happy to contribute to a national endeavour that will help in the development of the young minds.

The setting for the programme is innovative. It is the first programme of this nature which uses hand muppets in outdoor natural locations.

Some stories needed elaboration to make visual effects and the 40 episodes unfold in a meaningful, entertaining and edifying composition as a whole. Palitha Lakshman de Silva was the man behind the scene and a natural leader he gives the credit of the production to his young assistant Dhanuske Waidyasekara.

There is a massive void in the quality of locally produced children's programmes in television. When producing this programme we wanted to make it to suit our culture and traditions,"

"It was decided that the muppets were the best mode of presentation," he said.

According to experts the programme is in far with the world famous Sesame Street that has both educational and entertaining values for pre-school as well as children from all ages of nine to ninety.

The programme director, Danushka Waidyasekara said creating dramas specially in outdoor settings with muppets is not easy task. They are just lifeless objects which have to be fully controlled by someone else giving complete dramatic effects. It is here our able staff of animators came to the rescue.

"We are fully satisfied with the outcome of the production and the response we got from our valued viewers," he added. ‘Panchatantra’ is telecast every Sunday from 3.45 pm on ITN and repeat telecast is on every Friday at 5.05 pm.