Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 18: Karnataka governor, Vajubhai Vala, said that Kambala, which involves adventure and spirit, needs to be retained and people can achieve this by rightfully fighting for this folk sport.

He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating Tulu Literary Festival held here on Sunday December 17. He noted that taking part in Kambalas needs lot of courage and sportsmanship. Noting that in Kambala, man races against animals in slushy field for different distances, he wondered how can this be termed as cruelty against animals. "Kambala is nothing but sport in its purest form. Animals participating in Kambalas are never harmed. In fact, participation in Kambala events makes them stronger in the long run," he observed.

Vala advised the people that this is the right time for them to bring pressure on politicians as politicians are known to yield when an election is round the corner. "You should use this golden opportunity. Do not lose it. The chances of politicians acceding to your demands are maximum at this juncture," he advised. He asked those who are averse to Kambalas to choose some other sport like Kabaddi or Kho Kho.

The governor urged the government to meet demands of Tuluvas, who have not been seeking separate state for them. "Tuluvas have been seeking recognition for their language in eighth schedule of the constitution and they have carrying on with their movement peacefully. The centre needs to ammend eighth schedule to include Tulu there. For this to happen, the state government should bring pressure on the union government," he analyzed.

Vala said that he will recommend inclusion of Tulu in eighth schedule of the constitution if there is strong demand for according recognition to Tulu language.