Report: Alphonse Mendonca

Udupi, Jul 7: For the first time in the history of Pangla parish, ‘Gadyant Khell’—a traditional sports event held in a paddy field—was organised by the ICYM Pangla unit on Sunday, July 6. The event was the brainchild of Pangla parish priest Fr Anil Prakash Castelino.

The day-long ‘Moj Masti Gadyant Khell’ began with a brief stage programme at 9:30 am.

Fr Rolwyn Fernandes, assistant parish priest, officially inaugurated the event by offering the traditional pan-pod and water in the presence of Fr Jassil Coutinho, assistant parish priest; vice president of the pastoral council John Martis; secretary Gabriel Martis; Joseph Castelino of the pastoral commissions; ICYM animator Anitha D’Souza; ICYM president Jeevan Pereira; ICYM secretary Princia Noronha; and a large number of enthusiastic parishioners.

Addressing the gathering, John Martis said, “This has never happened in the history of Pangla parish, and it is being held today thanks to the initiative of our parish priest. This fun-filled sports day is open to children, youth, and elders alike.” He reminisced about the olden days when ancestors toiled in the paddy fields for their own sustenance. “Today, we depend on shops for rice and vegetables. After the games, the field will be tilled and paddy sown, helping our children understand how paddy is cultivated,” he added.

Fr Rolwyn echoed these sentiments, noting that the event was an important opportunity for children to learn the traditional process of paddy cultivation. He thanked the ICYM members for their dedication in preparing the field for the games.

Earlier, Jeevan Pereira welcomed the guests and parishioners gathered in large numbers. He mentioned that Fr Anil Prakash himself had envisioned the event and inspired the ICYM to make it a first-of-its-kind and memorable programme in the parish’s history.

On the occasion, Jefry D’Souza, owner of the paddy field, and Richard Alva, who sponsored the lunch, were felicitated with traditional shawls. Princia Noronha delivered the vote of thanks.

Following the stage programme, parishioners—young and old—participated in a variety of fun-filled games, including treasure hunt, races for children, youth, and adults (both male and female), passing the parcel, mixed relays, tug-of-war, dodgeball, reverse shot, and more.

The tug-of-war matches between the ward groups proved to be especially tense and thrilling, drawing loud cheers and excitement.

While the older participants engaged in games, tiny tots delighted in their own world—splashing in the mud, throwing clay at each other, and playing ball games in the paddy field. Fr Anil Prakash also joined them, enjoying a light-hearted moment with the children until parents had to gently pull them out at day’s end.

Fr Anil Prakash expressed his gratitude to all the parishioners for their overwhelming participation and to the sponsors, especially Jefry D’Souza for providing the paddy field, Richard Alva for the lunch, Denzil Castelino for the shamiyana, and the ICYM members for their dedication in making the event a grand success.

He announced that the prize distribution for the winners will take place during the ‘Moriyek Ek Sang’ cultural event scheduled for July 20.

The fun-filled Moj Masti Gadyant Khell concluded at around 4:30 pm, leaving everyone with memories of a joyful and meaningful day.