Mysuru: One of the prime summer camps in city, a Rangayana initiative, the Chinnara Mela summer camp under the theme ‘Nela-Jala’ (land and water) got off to the start and on the first day, it was Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan who welcomed the students at Vanaranga.

Irrfan Khan, who was in city since yesterday to extend his support to the ongoing Badanavalu Movement inaugurated the summer camp and also the children enjoyed taking photographs and autographs with Irrfan.

Over 400 children participated on the first day and the camp will conclude on May 4.

There was joyous moment at the venue on the actor’s arrival,  when around 400 children who cheered and shouted with joy on seeing the versatile actor.

Children will be treated with fun games and personality development activities. They will be divided into 40 groups headed by a mentor during the camp period. On the occasion, Rangayana felicitated Irrfan Khan and his wife Sutapa Sikdar. Rangayana Director H. Janardhan, Chinnara Mela Co-ordinator Krishna Prasad and others were present.

Chinnara Mela which is being organised for 17th time, 400 students acorss the state have already registers. Balabhavana is sending its 100 students to the camp from Balabhavana’s all over the state.

This summer camp particularly concentrates on the instilling moral values to children and also to get aware of the diversity of cultures of India. Previous year the summer camp was held on ‘Buddhana Sandhesha’.