In the contemporary era marked by the pervasive influence of technology, our cherished traditional games have regrettably faded into obscurity, their existence and unique playing methodologies becoming increasingly unfamiliar to the younger generation. The rapid and widespread adoption of modern technologies has led to a notable decline in the recognition and appreciation of these age-old pastimes.
The current youth demographic, perhaps inadvertently, finds itself disconnected from the rich tapestry of traditional games that once epitomized cultural and social recreation. As advancements in digital entertainment and screen-based activities have taken center stage, the cultural inheritance encapsulated within our traditional games has become marginalized.
Therefore, to foster an appreciation for traditional games and disseminate knowledge about them among the younger generation, the ‘Malaysia Tamil Mani Mandram’ organized the ‘Tamizhar Paarambariya Vilayaatu Vizha 2023’ yesterday at SJKT Ladang Emerald, Shah Alam.
“This association has consistently organized numerous events each year. Remarkably, the ‘Tamizhar Paarambariya Vilayaatu Vizha 2023‘ witnessed an even more noteworthy turnout than anticipated, with a larger-than-expected number of participants joyously joining the event. The significant increase in participation brought considerable satisfaction to us, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and interest in the traditional games arranged by us, said the Chairman of the association,” Mr. Lingam.
“We had initially anticipated 200 participants, but to our delight, the event saw an attendance exceeding this figure, with more than 200 students actively participating. This phenomenon underscores the compelling interest demonstrated by students, who, despite their demanding academic schedules, willingly allocated time to engage in and embrace our traditional games. The overarching objective of the event remains clear: to instill a sense of responsibility in preserving our cultural heritage within ourselves,” he added.
Panneerselvam, the director of the event and the Vice President of Malaysia Tamil Mani Mandram, provided insights into the ‘Tamizhar Paarambariya Vilayaatu Vizha 2023.’ “The event featured a diverse array of 18 traditional games, such as Dhayam, Pallangkuzhi (known as ‘Congkak’ in Malay), Kabadi, Silambam, and numerous others.
Additionally, the organizers curated a display highlighting artifacts from Indian households that have faded with time, including ammi (grinding stone), aatu kal (stone grinder), ural (mortar), coconut grater, and various others. The exhibition also included information detailing the historical usage and significance of these traditional household items,” he said.
Panneerselvam expressed, “Tamil schools that actively promote our language should also incorporate teachings about our culture and traditional games into their curriculum. This rationale guided our decision to organize this event at SJKT Ladang Emerald in Shah Alam.”
This event not only showcased and celebrated a diverse array of traditional games but also served as a platform to impart valuable insights into the cultural heritage of the Tamil community. The overwhelming response from the students demonstrated a genuine interest in preserving and embracing their cultural roots, reflecting the importance of integrating such cultural elements into educational settings.
Source: Bernama
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