High games in the fields

It was indeed a unique way to celebrate and acknowledge the work of the farming community.

THIRUVANANTHAURAM::09/11/2011 Students participating in Karshika Olympics held at the Museum Premses in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday ......................photo:: Meedhu miriyam joseph

Karshika Olympics, a farming- related competition for school students was conducted as a mark of tribute to the farming community in the state. The games, apart from imbibing the spirit of the ongoing Olympics, were held to celebrate the Farmers Day, observed on August 17.

Try your hand

From the telling of folklore to singing competitions to ploughing, students from eight schools participated. These games were organised by the Agri-friends Krishi Samskarika Vedi and Government Employees Welfare Society, Kottarakara in association with Department of Museum and Zoos and Farm Information Bureau.

Farmers and experts from the Krishi Vedhi engaged participants in farming activities such as ploughing, thrashing of harvested paddy 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 in a debate session about the current status of agriculture in the State and shared his childhood memories of Onam celebrations.

All are welcome

The children also roped in tourists, who were visiting the Museum, and encouraged them to try their hand with the spade and plough in the field.

“This was an unexpected but a memorable welcome and I am pleased to see how the people are giving importance to such festivals.” Elsa Jonstun , a tourist from France remarked on seeing the enthusiasm of the students.

Such activities will help children understand the farming community and acknowledge their efforts, said S Jayakumar, programme coordinator, Agri-friends Krishi Samskarika Vedi.