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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Children take a folk art form from rural environ to Reunion Island
A group of destitute children from an obscure village near here has overnight turned ambassadors of the Tamil folk art form of 'thappattam' following performances in the Reunion Island, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. A contingent of 15 boys and girls in Kilinjikuppam hamlet, which was adopted by the NGO Volontariat India, established in the city in 1962 by Belgian social worker Madeleine Herman, recently returned home after showcasing the folk form in the Reunion Island. The children also displayed their other talents by performing Karakattam, Kolattam, Oilattam, Silambam etc. Another highlight was the kummi performance set to Sega, the traditional music of Reunion Island, and a fusion show with the island's thappattam troupe Tambours Sacres. Besides, in the true spirit of cross-cultural collaboration, several children and youth from Reunion Island danced to Tamil film songs. According to Sendil Coumarane, after the Volontariat adopted the Kilinjikuppam hamlet near Puducherry, the most marginalised students were being provided educational assistance alongside training in arts such as Silambam, thappattam and karate. A thappattam troupe has also been established in the village. The 14 day-tour of the youngsters to the Reunion Islands and cultural performance at the Cinepalmes at Sainte-Marie, followed a visit last year by a team of young artists from the the Reunion Island. Then, the French group had staged a dance programme that also featured members of the Kilinjikuppam troupe. It was this combination show that set the stage for an invitation to the children here to perform at Reunion Island under the auspices of the Pondy Superstars, a dance school led by Selvakumar, he said. Following a special cultural programme at Sainte-Marie, which was presided by Selvam Shanmugam, of the Tamil Sangam of Reunion Island, the children were even invited to have lunch with Bhupendra Singh, the Indian Consul General in Reunion Island. 'Needless to say, these children who may have not even ventured afar from their village, are absolutely over the moon after the experience of flying to a foreign destination where they were treated like special guests, and doing a lot of sight-seeing to boot', Mr. Sendil said.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Senior citizens in Chennai are reclaiming time through hobbies and learning
At the Tamil Nadu Government Music College, under the shade of blooming mango trees, a group of senior citizens are gathered to practise the age-old Tamil martial art form, Silambam. They cautiously learn footwork and combine it with the circular movement of the bamboo staff while the instructor, also a senior citizen, walks around the group often correcting his students' form. For these few hours, age is not a point of discussion here. Chitra Subramani, a 60-year-old former dance teacher, was among the senior citizens who signed up for the course. 'I have always been interested in learning different kinds of art forms, not just dance. The Tamil Nadu Government Music College opened up the Silambam course while I was still working, and I applied to join just for fun,' she says of this one-year course with certification. The Music College also has other folk art form courses like Oyilattam and Thappattam in their curriculum which are open for senior citizens now, thanks to a recent revision of age restriction for students. Whether through structured classes or personal exploration, an increasing number of older adults are choosing to stay engaged. While previously, elders often took up hobbies like knitting, weaving and indulging in daily soaps, the retired generation of the 21st Century are deciding to spend their time with martial arts, water sports, visual art or educating themselves about finance. Some of these hobbies offer physical benefits, but their emotional and social impact is often more significant. According to a 2023 study published in the scientific journal Nature Medicine, hobby engagement among adults aged 65 and older was associated with better mental wellbeing, including fewer depressive symptoms, higher self-reported health, greater happiness, and increased life satisfaction. 'Older people get lonely unless they do something with their time. Something that is therapeutic for them, and helps them re-discover their talents. We identify and locate such elders, and try to include them in activities such as painting, yoga and more,' says Sabita Radhakrishna, founder of Udhavi, an NGO and networking platform for senior citizens in the city. 'We also conduct a workshop on the nitty gritties of life insurance. Elders are often unaware of these things, so we organise interactive talks,' she says, adding that these workshops are done in collaboration with a senior solutions start-up called Grey Up. Another hobby that older adults are flocking to is tech education. Dexterity with smartphone has become a necessity to lead an independent life. Organisations like HelpAge India, Easy Hai and ElderAid Wellness have specialised help guides and courses in digital literacy. 'When we look at the elder care sector, it is very lopsided towards healthcare. During COVID, people realised the importance of digital literacy. Unfortunately, due to a lot of online scams, elders have been afraid of getting too friendly with technology, but we help them,' says Santosh Abraham, founder of ElderAid Wellness, adding that they have guides which are mailed or sent via WhatsApp for topics ranging from ordering groceries to identifying online scams. Fun, informal activities like karaoke nights, film screenings, and community singing sessions are also becoming popular ways to bond. 'We do quite a lot of musical nights where we get a live band to play songs from old films, and a lot of elders enjoy them and sing along. One time, we had a 90-year-old throw her walking stick and stand up to dance,' says Sabita, laughing. All activities conducted by Udhavi are broadcast on their WhatsApp groups, and seniors can register to join these groups, through the NGO's website. Sound body, sound mind Movement is also a key element in many of the hobbies taken up by senior citizens. At the Academy of Modern Danse (@academy_of_modern_danse on Instagram), Kokila Hariram conducts a weekly class at the Russian Cultural Centre tailored to senior citizens. 'We have a Bollywood dance class for ladies in the morning and a lot of mothers and grandmothers join this class. Most of my adult classes are for salsa, ballroom, or jive, and I have elders over 60 joining those,' she says. 'Everything they're doing uses muscle power, and that stimulates the brain.' For 71-year-old former English teacher Meena Thomas, learning salsa helped ward off oneliness while also keeping fit. 'I am not disciplined enough to go to the gym or workout, but I feel like this kind of exercise make me happy. I always thought I had two left feet, but Koki told me anyone can dance. She can make a door dance,' she says adding that she picked salsa because she found some friends who had joined the class. Meena started dancing when she was 63. These dance classes are populated by both women and men. P Mahalingam, 71, chairman of Door Sabha Nigam Limited, has always been a man of rhythm. 'I used to learn Kathak, but had to stop because of some health reasons. I joined salsa classes when I was in my mid 50s, then learned tabla,' he says. As much as dance is for the mind and body, water is too. With the harsh summer settling in, swimming and water-based exercises are becoming popular fitness options for older adults. 'Many senior citizens who have joint pains are advised to walk in water by their physiotherapist because water is easier on the joints. You weigh less in the water and are able to move more easily,' says Jeffery Vardon, who conducts water aerobics classes tailored for senior citizens. While older adults may face hurdles — from digital literacy and mobility issues to financial planning — community outreach and tailored support systems can go a long way. As the lines between ageing and activity continue to blur, hobbies are proving to be tools for self-discovery, connection, and vitality. In reclaiming their time through curiosity, many older adults today are proving that retirement is not an end, but a return — to self, to community, and to all the things that make life feel full.
Hans India
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
Reviving indigenous sports: India's hidden strength in the global arena
Sports has always held a special place in the hearts of Indians, uniting generations. Cricket, a national obsession, is a testament to the unwavering passion. The frenzy around every fixture, hero-worship of players, and the emotions tied to victories and defeats show how deeply sports shape our national & cultural identity. And while cricket dominates the spotlight, India's sporting legacy extends far beyond, with indigenous sports that have thrived for centuries, rooted in traditional athleticism. For instance, Kabaddi, a contact sport requiring strength and strategy, has gained global popularity with professional leagues and international tournaments. On the other hand, Mallakhamb, an ancient blend of gymnastics and yoga, is now practised worldwide for its fitness benefits. Martial arts such as Thang-Ta from Manipur and Silambam from Tamil Nadu are gaining recognition for their skill and discipline. These sports reflect India's deeply embedded athletic culture and showcase the country's ability to influence the global sporting landscape, much like Japan did with Judo and Korea with Taekwondo. History has shown how sports can unite a nation. A powerful example is how Nelson Mandela used Rugby to heal a divided South Africa. During the 1995 Rugby World Cup, South Africa was still reeling from the wounds of apartheid. Understanding the power of sports, Mandela wore the jersey of the mostly white national rugby team, the Springboks, and rallied black and white South Africans behind them. When the team won the championship, it wasn't just a victory in sports—it was a moment of unity that symbolized a new era for the country. Similarly, Indian sports too have the power to unite communities and make a global impact. With the right platform, sports such as Kho Kho can become a global phenomenon. The sport demands extraordinary agility, endurance, and strategic play, making it perfect for professional leagues. India has a talent pool to stand out on the world stage as seen at the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 where Indian Men's and Women's team were crowned champions. Beyond cultural pride, reviving these sports can drive economic growth. Developing professional leagues, sponsorships, and training facilities can create jobs for our athletes, coaches, and sports managers, especially in rural areas. Investing in infrastructure, tournaments, and local sports clubs would inspire youth participation. To make this a reality, we must aim to integrate these sports into school curricula, utilize media to build a fan base, and establish professional leagues with financial incentives. Upgrading sports infrastructure, ensuring world-class coaching, and pushing for inclusion in major international events like the Asian Games and the Olympics will further solidify India's global presence. Hosting international tournaments can bring worldwide recognition and interest. The simplest way for us to contribute is by watching and supporting these sports—whether by attending matches, tuning into broadcasts, or engaging with content online. The more people watch, the greater the demand, driving growth for these disciplines on a larger scale. With a rich interest in sports and immense talent, India has everything it takes to transform homegrown sports into a lasting global legacy. - Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India
