Mangaluru, August 8: In recognition of his outstanding contributions to preserving Karnataka's traditional buffalo racing heritage, B. Shantharam Shetty, President of Barkur Gram Panchayat and Rajyotsava Award recipient, has been appointed as a member of the Karnataka State Kambala Association.
The appointment acknowledges Shetty's tireless dedication to promoting Kambala, the centuries-old buffalo race sport that holds deep cultural significance in coastal Karnataka. His grassroots-level experience and passion for traditional sports are expected to bring valuable perspectives to the state-level body.
A Cultural Guardian
B. Shantharam Shetty has emerged as one of the most prominent advocates for Kambala in the region. With deep roots in rural traditions, he has been instrumental in organizing and supporting numerous Kambala events, working to ensure this agricultural heritage sport remains relevant for future generations.
Upon his appointment, Shetty expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Kambala at the state level. "I will work to address the challenges faced by Kambala organizers and ensure this traditional sport receives the recognition and support it truly deserves," he stated.
The Man Behind Kambala's Revival
Shetty's appointment comes after years of dedicated efforts to revive a tradition that was on the brink of extinction. As modernization transformed rural Karnataka, Barkur—once home to numerous buffaloes—saw these animals nearly disappear from its landscape. The mechanization of agriculture, changing economic patterns, and shifts away from traditional farming practices had pushed buffalo rearing to the margins, taking Kambala along with it.
Recognizing that an entire generation was growing up without experiencing this cultural treasure, Shetty took decisive action. His vision was clear: adapt Kambala to contemporary times while preserving its essence. This delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing modernity became the cornerstone of his revival strategy.
The Kambala Training Track: A Game Changer
Perhaps Shetty's most significant contribution has been establishing a state-of-the-art Kambala Training Track in Barkur. Located on property belonging to his brother-in-law, the late renowned Kannada film star Sunil Shetty, this facility has become a hub for Kambala enthusiasts across the region.
The training track serves multiple critical functions. It provides dedicated space for training buffaloes, ensuring a steady supply of skilled animals for competitions. It offers handlers a platform to refine their techniques and build expertise. Most importantly, it has become a community gathering point, reuniting people with their shared cultural heritage.
The facility's impact has been remarkable. Used daily by numerous enthusiasts, the track has produced buffaloes that have won multiple awards and prizes at various Kambala events throughout the state, validating the importance of proper training infrastructure.
Understanding Kambala
Kambala is a traditional buffalo race conducted in water-logged paddy fields, particularly popular in Karnataka's coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The sport has been practiced for centuries as an integral part of the region's agricultural heritage, celebrating the relationship between farmers and their buffaloes.
The races typically occur during the post-harvest season, featuring various categories based on age and size of buffaloes. Pairs of buffaloes race through slushy fields while being guided by handlers, creating a spectacle that draws thousands of spectators.
Looking Ahead
With his appointment to the Karnataka State Kambala Association, Shetty is poised to influence policy and support mechanisms for Kambala across the state. His hands-on experience in reviving the sport at the grassroots level, combined with his understanding of both traditional values and modern requirements, positions him uniquely to contribute to the association's goals.
The appointment is being widely celebrated in Kambala circles as bringing someone with genuine passion and proven track record to the state body. Organizers hope that Shetty's involvement will help address longstanding challenges, including infrastructure development, regulatory support, and wider recognition for this unique cultural tradition.
As Karnataka continues to balance rapid development with cultural preservation, leaders like B. Shantharam Shetty demonstrate that tradition and progress need not be mutually exclusive. His journey from a concerned community member to a state-level association member exemplifies how individual dedication can spark cultural renaissance.
B. Shantharam Shetty's appointment to the Karnataka State Kambala Association marks a new chapter in the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote one of Karnataka's most cherished traditional sports.