Gramotsavam 2005
An Article by:
Cheran Times
Isha Gramotsavam on June 11 and 12
11 June, 2005
COIMBATORE - Action for Rural Rejuvenation, an expansive programme initiated by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation, Coimbatore, to restore the roots of India’s villages and rural communities, serves 900 villages in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, offering health care through mobile health clinics, yoga, games and methods for self care and self employment.
In less than two years ARR has lit a fire in the hearts and minds of rural people as they embrace this chance to restore their lives, culture and heritage.
Isha Gramotsavam is a celebration of the joy which has been created in the villages and an opportunity to honour and showcase the true heritage of India.
Governor Surjit Singh Barnala inaugurates the Isha Gramotsavam on June 11 at 4 pm at VOC Park Ground in the presence of Sadhguru.
The highlights of the event include Rural Olympics when several thousands of village folk, both men and women, from five districts and 900 villages converge in Coimbatore and engage in exiting sporting contests. The preliminary rounds have already been completed across the State and semi-final and finals are being held in Coimbatore.
Rural Olympics commence with Rekla race. The other games which form part of the event are volley ball, throw ball for women, track events, kabaddi, selambu attam and traditional village games. The final of the Olympics will be held at 3.30 pm on June 12. Cine actor Vijay will participate and distribute the prizes.
Apart from this, the Gramotsavam features an evening of cultural performance such as Oyil Attam, tribal dance by village artistes and selambu attam. Popular folk artists Kalaimamani Vijayalakshmi and Kalaiarasan Navaneedakrishnan and troupe perform amidst a brilliant display of fire works.
Mr. P. Damodaran, Minister for Animal Husbandry, and Mr. T. Malaravan, Mayor, Coimbatore Corporation, inaugurate the cultural programmes.
Besides, Isha volunteers from Salem, Gobichettipalayam, Karaikudi and Coimbatore prepare and serve healthy and tasty recipes of village food, snacks and beverages.
The Gramotsavam culminates in a Sathsang with Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev featuring lively music by sounds of Isha, discourse, vibrant meditations and question-answer sessions.