News : Teacher Shailaja, Pics : Subhanu Photos Studio Barkur
Barkur, July 7: The Association of Alliance Clubs International, District 275 S, in partnership with Alliance Club Barkur, brought coastal Karnataka's agricultural traditions to life on Tuesday with "Kesaru Gadde Aatota Spardhe" — a day of traditional mud-field games held at National Higher Primary School, Hanehalli.
The event opened with a stage programme at 1.30 p.m. at the National Auditorium, Barkur, drawing a large gathering of educators, Alliance Club members, students, parents and well-wishers. Among the dignitaries present were District Cabinet Member (Agriculture) Prof. Sreenivasa Shetty, Zonal Chairman Sudarshan Shetty of Molahalli Alliance Club, Secretary Shivaram Devadiga, Archibald Furtado, Administrative Coordinator of the National Group of Educational Institutions, and Prakash Acharya, Principal of Sujnana National PU College.
Chief Guest Archibald Furtado underscored agriculture's role as the backbone of the nation, urging children to recognise the dignity of farming and the value of preserving traditional practices. Principal Prakash Acharya echoed this sentiment, noting that in an age dominated by technology, such events give young people a rare chance to experience the joy, effort and values embedded in farming life.
The programme's symbolic highlight came when Prof. Sreenivasa Shetty presented a "Noga" (traditional farming yoke) to a farmer, using the moment to explain to the children how agriculture forms the foundation of India's economy. In a gesture honouring the region's farming community, veteran agriculturist Sadananda Nayak of Hanehalli was felicitated with a traditional shawl, memento, garland and fruit basket.
Following the formal proceedings, students moved to the school grounds for the main attraction — a series of traditional games played directly in the mud paddy fields. The activities were met with enthusiasm, laughter and spirited competition as children got a firsthand taste of farm life while absorbing lessons on agriculture and environmental conservation. Prizes and gifts were awarded to the winners at the close of the games.
Beyond the fun, organisers said the event succeeded in its broader goals — promoting physical fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship among students, while instilling respect for farmers and a deeper appreciation for nature.
Headmaster Udaya Shetty, credited as the driving force behind the initiative, delivered the welcome address and thanked the school management, teachers, volunteers, parents, and especially the President and members of Alliance Club Barkur for their sponsorship and support. He noted that their combined efforts turned the event into more than just an enjoyable outing — it became a meaningful lesson in cultural preservation and environmental awareness.
Teacher Shailaja compered the stage programme, while teachers Navyalatha and Suma coordinated the field games, ensuring every child was actively involved.
The "Kesaru Gadde Aatota Spardhe" concluded on a high note, leaving participants with lasting memories and a renewed respect for farming, tradition, and the natural world.
