Karshika Olympics, a farming related competition for school students, was conducted as a mark of respect to the farming community in the State.
At the Karshika Olympics held on the Museum premises in the capital city on Thursday, everyone seemed eager to learn the traditional farming techniques, some of which were as old as the historic artefacts at the Museum.
Karshika Olympics, a farming related competition for school students, was conducted as a mark of respect to the farming community in the State. The games, apart from imbibing the spirit of the ongoing Olympics, were held to celebrate Farmers Day, observed on August 17.
From folklore singing competitions to ploughing fields, students from as many as eight schools participated in the Olympics jointly organised by Agri-friends Krishi Samskarika Vedi and Government Employees Welfare Society, Kottarakara in association with the Department of Museum and Zoos and Farm Information Bureau. Farmers and experts from the Krishi Vedi engaged them in farming activities such as ploughing, thrashing and planting of seeds, all of which will be incorporated into various competitions.
It was with a sumptuous ‘sadhya’ (meals) that children welcomed Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanan to the venue. The Minister also joined a debate session about the current status of agriculture in the State and shared his childhood memories of Onam celebrations.
The children also roped in tourists who were visiting the Museum, and encouraged them to take the spade and plough the field.
“This was an unexpected but a memorable welcome and I am pleased to see that the people are giving importance to such festivals,” Elsa Jonstun , a tourist from France, remarked seeing the enthusiasm of the students.
Such activities will help the children to understand the farming community and acknowledge their efforts. They may not take up farming in the future but they will be well rooted in the culture and traditions, said S Jayakumar, programme coordinator, Agri-friends Krishi Samskarika Vedi.
