Rural sports

On September 9, 2017, the NSS Unit and the Departments of Rural Development and Physical Education from the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya (Autonomous), Mangalore, in collaboration with Grameena Abhivrudhi Prathistana, organized the 'Rural Sports Meet 2017' (Grameena Kreede) at Debbeli, Harekala Gram Panchayat, Mangalore. The event aimed to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Dakshina Kannada, strengthen the connection to agricultural roots, and honor the hard work of farmers.

The meet saw enthusiastic participation from 130 undergraduate students, 50 teaching and non-teaching staff, and 75 members of the local community. The vibrant gathering included children, women, and youth, all coming together to take part in various rural sports and activities. Events like races in muddy water, volleyball, throwball, tug of war, backward races, and the formation of human pyramids to break earthen pots reflected the spirit of traditional sports. Other activities, such as running with water pots and performing folk dances in the slushy paddy fields, further enriched the cultural celebration.

The excitement of the festival extended to a diverse array of rural sports competitions. Unique events such as the Scorpio race, piggyback ride, riding on areca leaves, flower garland making, coconut leaf weaving, broomstick crafting, and a quiz on rural sports and culture helped students gain deeper insights into the life and traditions of rural communities. Through these activities, participants learned the importance of preserving rural sports and staying connected to their cultural roots.

One of the most significant aspects of this event was its timing. Held in the splashy fields after the heavy monsoon rains, the muddy terrain was not only perfect for the sports meet but also marked the beginning of the paddy cultivation season. Once the event concluded, these fields were used for farming, reinforcing the vital connection between the local culture and agriculture.

The inauguration of the event was graced by several dignitaries, including Sri Mahabala Hegde, Vice President of Harekala Gram Panchayat, Sri Raja Rama Rai, former Vice President of Konaje Gram Panchayat, Ln. Sri Prasad Rai from Vijaya Grameena Prathistana, Konaje, and Sri Manoj Kumar Hegde from Debbeli. Faculty members who played a key role in organizing the event included Dr. Sandra S. Lobo, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Associate Professor Cecilia Farida Goveas, NSS Programme Officer, Assistant Professor Anuradha Shetty, Head of the Department of Rural Development, and Mr. Sandeep Ullal, Head of the Department of Physical Education, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya.

The rural sports meet successfully fostered a sense of community, cultural pride, and physical well-being. The enthusiasm of the participants—children, students, women, and men—shone through as they took part in these traditional sports and dance performances, reflecting the warmth and spirit of Mangalore’s culture.