Pics: Justin Erol Dsilva

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jul 9: Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty, director of Sports and Youth Affairs department, inaugurated 'Kesardonji Gammath’, an event organized by Shree Veeramaruthi Vyayama Shaale. The event was held near Vishnumurthy temple.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Roshan Shetty said, “Out younger generation should not leave behind our great culture. In many places of Udupi district, this type of rural sports festival is held. The government also provides monetary support to these types of events. In each and every village, these sports events must be held.

“Our children do not play in mud these days. They are going away from nature and its rich culture. This is the result of modernisation and modern education. Many clubs and other organisations are taking keen interest these days to organise these type of events,” he said.

Prakyath Shetty, president, Shree Veeramaruthi Vyayama Shaale said, “This event is a healthy competition between our villagers. Through this event, our children will be in contact with the nature. Today, many of the youths are shy to work in fields. They think that working in fields is below their dignity. To create an awareness among all our youths about farming, we are organising these events since four years.”

Kabbadi, tug-of-war, relay, running races, throw ball, breaking the pot, volleyball and many other fun games were organized for the villagers of Thenkanidiyoor. People of all age groups enjoyed a lot playing in muddy water.

Dayanand Shetty, honourary president, Shree Veeramaruthi Vyayama Shaale, Dhananjay Kunder, taluk panchayat member, Kalpana Suresh, gram panchayat member, Raghu Kotian Ramachandra Patkar, and Rati were present. A procession was taken from Shree Veeramaruthi Vyayama Shaale to Vishnumoorthy temple prior to the inauguration of the event.