Patiala News (April 16): “Our traditional games are not merely physical activities; they are a living heritage of our history. These games symbolize the ‘Chardi Kala’ (resilient and ever-optimistic spirit) of the Punjabi psyche. Preserving and promoting them is our necessity.” These views were expressed by Vice Chancellor of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh Punjab Sports University, Prof. Pushpinder Singh Gill, while presiding over a national seminar on Punjabi traditional games.
Speaking at the seminar held at Prabhat Parwana Memorial Trade Union Centre, Baradari, VC Prof. Gill stated that while internationally recognized modern sports are essential for global identity, our indigenous traditional games provide foundational strength and community bonding that no modern sport can match. He appreciated the Punjab Government’s initiative, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to revive bullock cart races at Kila Raipur, calling it a significant step towards promoting heritage sports.
The Vice Chancellor further said that efforts would be made to formally include these traditional games in academic curricula, so that a child from any village in Punjab feels as proud learning ‘Gatka’ as participating in an Olympic sport. He emphasized that several institutional measures are needed to secure the future of these games.
Renowned cardiologist Dr. Manmohan Singh, speaking as the Chief Guest, said that traditional games connect us with our roots. He added that sports are not just about winning, but about learning. Referring to traditional games, he noted that while modern organized sports are becoming increasingly complex and expensive, traditional games remain simple, affordable, and effective.
Dr. Gurbhajan Gill, who attended as a distinguished guest, said that in the age of Artificial Intelligence and globalization, which have significantly impacted human life, it is imperative to preserve our overall heritage, including traditional games, on a priority basis.
Gill stressed that to make Punjab drug-free, there is a need to develop a strong sports culture. Expressing concern, he said that the blind race of capitalism has distanced us from our rich traditional games, and this issue requires serious reflection. Gurbhajan Gill called for collective efforts to preserve Punjab’s cultural values and traditions.
Prominent folklorist Dr. Gurmeet Singh, in his keynote address, said that traditional games play a vital role in keeping us physically and mentally healthy. He elaborated that the activities, gestures, expressions, and vocabulary associated with these games carry deep meanings and reflect emotions rooted in the human subconscious. He added that many modern sports have their origins in the traditional games played at the village level.
The inaugural session was conducted by seminar convener Dr. Manpreet Kaur, while the Registrar of the University, Colonel Parminder Singh Gill, delivered the vote of thanks.
During the panel discussion held after the inaugural session, Prof. Surjit Singh Bhatti, Dr. Harjit Kaur, and Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations Department and sports writer Navdeep Singh Gill shared their views. Navdeep Singh Gill emphasized that promoting traditional games alongside modern sports is essential for the success of Punjabi athletes in today’s competitive era. Referring to Sikh history, he remarked that the spirit of excelling in sports runs in the blood of Punjabis. The session was moderated by Dr. Amrik Singh.
Subsequently, various research scholars presented their papers on Punjabi traditional games, discussing topics such as Punjab’s history, culture, classification of traditional games, and their inclusion in school and university curricula. The valedictory session was conducted by Dr. Sanman Kaur.
Among others present at the seminar were Dr. Surjit Singh, Dr. Gurmukh Singh, Dr. Satish Kumar Verma, Dr. Rajinderpal Singh Brar, Dr. Man Singh Dhindsa, Dr. Parmveer Singh, Dr. Amarjit Singh, and Dr. Kiranjeet Kaur.
