Edgar Cardoza/Akshatha Shetty
Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi
Udupi, Jul 4: The monsoon season is back and so is the fun of Slush field sports. Also considered as one of the favourite sports meets for the people of Coastal Karnataka, the one of its kind was celebrated in Shankarapura, Udupi on Sunday, July 3.
JCI Shankarapura Jasmine jointly collaborated with Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme Innanje and Kunjargiri, Salmara Friends Shankarapura, Jyothi Club Durganagara, Yuvaka Mandala and Yuvathi Mandala, Innanje, Tempo Drivers and Owners association Shankarapura, Billava Seva Sangha and Vishnu Friends Club Shankarapura to organize the fifth version of 'Kandod Onji Dina' which means 'A day in Fields.'
Geetha N, Supervisor, Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme, Udupi District inaugurated the sports meet by pouring the milk into the slush field along with the dignitaries
Shobha Salian, President, Grama Panchayat, Kurkalu, Rekha Salian, President, Grama Panchayat, Innanje, JC Naveen Amin, President, Salmara Friends Shankarapura, JC Silvia Mendonca, President, JCI Shankarapura Jasmine Unit, Malini Shetty, Vice President, Grama Panchayat, Innanje, and president, Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme, Innanje, Harish Kulal, President, Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme, Kunjargiri, JC Dinesh Acharya, President Jyothi Club, Durganagara, Rajesh Kulal, President, Yuvaka Mandala, Innanje, Prabhakar, President, Tempo Drivers and Owners association, Shankarapura were present on the dais.
“The Modern aspects like WhatsApp, Facebook and other social media have stolen away the moments of outdoor sporting or adventures from the youth. The youth living in the concrete jungle do not know where the crop or the basic food materials come from. They have many misconceptions and wrong notions about agriculture and nature. The old and traditional cultures are being forgotten. Hence we should not allow our children to forget them easily. But they should be proud of them.” said Naveen Amin,coordinator of the event, in the introduction.
“Hence, this is a small practice to bring them to the field. Our ancestors were blessed with good health and prosperity. They did not suffer from these so called new-era diseases. Hence awareness is needed for gaining good health by developing and sustaining the Mother Nature,” Amin added.
Geetha N, Shobha Salian and Rekha Amin congratulated and wished well running of the event.
The Sports event included 100 meters race, relay, Ganapathi Ota (carrying a person on the back and running), tug of war, dodge ball, triple feet race for the children, men and women section.
The valedictory session followed the sports event.
Malathi Shetty, Project In-charge, Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme, Purushotham K.K, President, Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme, Udupi District , JC Jagadish Kemmannu, Ex Zonal President, JC Naveen Amin, President, Salmara Friends Shankarapura, JC Silvia Mendonca, President, JCI Shankarapura Jasmine Unit, Malini Shetty, Vice President, Grama Panchayat, Innanje, and president, Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme, Innanje, Harish Kulal, President, Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Scheme, Kunjargiri, J C Dinesh Acharya, President Jyothi Club, Durganagara, Rajesh Kulal, President, Yuvaka Mandala, Innanje were the guests in the valedictory session.
“Earlier, agriculture was the main occupation in every household. Men women and children worked alike in the fields. But gradually people started leaving the agriculture and have opted for various other occupations. Very few elderly people are seen working. Very soon young people might start questioning about the agricultural practices and might visit the museum to see the equipments and techniques of one of the earliest means of occupation. This shouldn’t happen. We must handover this tradition to the coming generations.” Purushotham K K said.
“The organizers have done well in their part. I hope one day that this slush sport be played all over the globe. Along with this the traditional food should also be prepared and served, and one day, even the traditional food of Coastal Karnataka, be world famous.” Purushotham added.
The winners were given away the prizes. Around 1,000 Children, men and Women witnessed and participated in this meet, though it rained many a times. Rain added colour to the event.