Meerut varsity tries to give life to India's traditional games

Meerut: In an attempt to revive the traditional outdoor games that are slipping into oblivion, the Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) in Meerut has decided to include games like 'gilli danda', marbles and 'stapoo' (hopscotch) in the curriculum for students pursuing their Bachelors in Physical Education.

Hence, from the start of the new academic session, these games will be taught in school under a new subject, 'The Traditional Games of India' under the BA (Physical Education) degree.

The traditional games are being revived under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

At present, students of Physical Education are taught up to 25 games such as volleyball, wrestling, swimming, cricket and basketball.

Welcoming the new decision, K.K. Pandey, Assistant Professor at the Physical Education Department at CCSU, said: "This will provide recognition to games that we all loved as children but which are now getting lost. With the new subject, our students and future physical training instructors (PTIs) will be equipped to train school children in such games."

He further went on to explain the benefits of introducing such games in children.

"One of the games that will be taught in the course is called 'kai danda' which is generally played in west Uttar Pradesh and is known as 'aam dali' in Madhya Pradesh. It prompts children to climb a mango tree while one player chases and catches them. This game not only strengthens muscles in a child but also helps them to concentrate. Marbles also enhance focus while making a child do squats. We hope that the introduction of these games in CCSU will go a long way in their revival and practical application", he added.