Traditional games improves family ties

It was a day of difference with delightful moments on Sunday. Grandparents were were seen teaching traditional games (desi games) to their grand children, the ones they played in their childhood. As the desi games are slowly been forgotten especially in these modern times with mobile phone video games and Play Stations, it was some what a surprise for those who took part in the desi games tournament held in city on Sunday.  

  

Grandparents were very happy to watch their children engage in some physical activity, instead of gluing  to mobiles and computers. While, children were equally happy as they learnt a new game and also made new friends from others schools.    

The initiative came from Chinthana balaga, which had organised a desi games tournament to introduce traditional games of our culture to the young minds. More than 200 people took part in the event held on Sunday and engaged themselves in playing pagade, alugulimane, kuntebele, kannatta (hitting pot closing eyes), cross bar, and several others.  

A grandmother named Nagalakshmi said that playing traditional games instills confidence among children and teaches them how to find solutions to the problems of life, improves self confidence and develops concentration which is much needed for today's generation. The Education Department should take a call and set aside at least one period in a week to teach and play these traditional games, she adds. 

Kushi, a Class III student said: 'I have been practicing Pagade game for the past one week just to take part in the competition. We can increase our intelligent quotient and mathematics will become easy if we engage in playing these sorts of games.' 

Another girl Niveditha said: 'I made new friends after attending this competition. Moreover we are having a great time with all family members playing the board games. The games helps to further develop harmony among family members, as we sit together to play and engage with each other in conversation.'

Programme organiser Venkataram Kashyap said: 'I feel a great sense of satisfaction for having reintroduced the traditional games to the future generation. Children are more attracted towards cricket than native games like Lagori, jootata, kuntobille which infuse them how to balance life, and infuse confidence. 

'There are nearly 470 desi games which has to revived and taught to the children. The moment to moment wins and losses in the play teaches children many things which bolsters  self-confidence to face any situation inspite of setbacks which are temporary. The IQ quotient of the children will increase. Earlier, in joint family system grandparents used to teach the games to the young generation, with present nuclear system the traditional games are slowly vanishing,' he opined. 

In all, the auditorium was filled with the chatting noise of people made new friends along with sounds of laughter and exclaim as they won and loss the games. Those who had walked in casually just to watch the event soon made friends by noon and started to play games. Quite a good number of women participants were present drawing a lot of attention. Children of all age groups enthusiastically took part in the event.   

   

eom/mys/rathna