Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 17: To give leverage the rich tulunadu game, 'Kesardonji Gammath', a daylong event of rural sports, was organised at premises of Sri Devi - Bhudevi Vishnumurthy Temple, on Sunday, July 16

The event was sponsored by Sri Veeramaruthi Gym school, Thenkanidiyoor, and was held in association with Sri Anjana Mathru Mandali and villagers of Vishnumurthy Nagar.

Udupi zilla panchayat Janardhan Thonse inaugurated the programme by opening the coconut inflorescence.

Sports and youth affairs minister Pramod Madhwaraj later joined the programme.

Minister Pramod said, "Nowadays, agricultural activities are in ruin due to neglect by the current youth. The 'kesari garde sports' are not restricted to entertainment but are also a way to promote agricultural activities.  May the programme help preserve our land's rich heritage."

"In the earlier days, slush was part of our day to day life; children played in mud or slushy fields, which also held build immunity. But these days, that lifestyle has seen a steady decline.

'Kesardonji Gammath' had been organised to get the essence of the age-old traditions. Thereby, children get acquainted with the rich culture. The youth have to continue practising such traditions in Tulunadu."

Deputy director of district sports and youth affairs department Roshan Kumar Shetty, said, "The state youth minister has been promoting rural games for four years now. These kinds of programmes will help preserve rural games. At present, parents do not send their children to the field. They do not allow their children to be party to such rural traditional sports. But events as these help one keep the mind and body in the best shape."

Dayanand Kojakoli, honorary president of the committee, Nithyanand Kemmannu, state level Karate Association, Dayanand Kundar, Udupi taluk panchayat member, Raghu Kotian, Shanti, president, Mahila Mandali, Annayya and Sherlin, state-level karate athletes, Ramachandra Partkar, coach, Suresh, and others were present.

As many as 25 different types of games were organised for children and other villagers.

The traditional rural food was served for lunch. A team of youngsters from Bengaluru, working in various companies there, participated enthusiastically and enjoyed the weekend recreation. It was a fun-filled day for the gathering.

Prizes for the winners, distributed at the valedictory ceremony.

Vijetha Shetty boosted energy levels throughout the event with her spontaneous compering style. Prakhyath Shetty, president of the committee, welcomed the gathering and the secretary Anil Palan delivered the vote of thanks.