Traditional games rejuvenate students’ mind, body and soul

Jaswant Shetra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 7

Students had a lot of fun during traditional games organised at various government schools of the city under ‘Khedo Punjab, Padho Punjab’ mission. The children got some off time from studies and had a lot of entertainment, where they played traditional Punjabi games such as Bante Khedna, Billi Chuha, Anna Jhota, Staapu and Bandar Killa among others.

“It was an amazing day at school today, as we played several games. We already play some of these games at our homes. Students who did not know about these games were also excited to play and learn,” said Abhishek, a Class V student at a government school.

The authorities feel such games would help keep children physically and mentally sound. “Most of the children already knew how to play some of these games, while some others were completely unaware. It is a good effort to keep students healthy. If children play such games, they will stay away from mobile phone screens and televisions,” said Kusum Lata, Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Sarabha Nagar.

Educationalists feel that such activities should be organised on a regular basis in schools. “Games are crucial for keeping us healthy. We can organise such games during Bal Sabhas organised in schools,” Kusum Lata further added.

“Traditional games increase stamina, skill and speed. Modern games require only a single skill, but traditional games are an amalgamation of all different techniques. Through traditional games, skill development of children is possible. Moreover, it makes the social bond of children stronger. These are rejuvenating to the mind, body and soul. There is no replacement for traditional games,” said Gurmeet Singh, a Physical Instructor at a government school.

Students run for a healthy Punjab

Ludhiana: Government schools in the district held a marathon under mission ‘Tandarust Punjab’ on Saturday.  The marathon kicked off at 7 am with teachers holding red and green flags on roads to ensure the safety of children. The marathon was flagged off by District Education Officer Swaranjit Kaur at Government High School, Sarabha Nagar. Students displayed enthusiasm and completed the marathon successfully. A lecture on Virasati Khed Diwas was delivered to students in schools after the marathon. Refreshments were also served. A plantation drive was conducted by Sahayaks Welfare and Assistance Society at Government Senior Secondary School, Mundian Kalan. As many as 500 students and 50 teachers of the school in the presence of village sarpanch took two rounds of the 400-m marathon, which was conducted by the school authorities to inculcate the values of sportsmanship and healthy competition among children. At GSSS PAU, the staff and students participated with enthusiasm in the marathon, where students were made to participate in entertaining activities and a lecture on drugs was given to them after the marathon. — TNS