Playing in the past

There was a time when the innocence of children was defined by the games they played.

Games like Kunte bille, Alugulimane, Kavade Aata, Lagori, Pagade, Goli Aata, Buguri Aata, Jootaata, tyre chasing, Snake and Ladder, Hide and Seek and kite flying, gave children some memories to last a lifetime.

However, the kids of today seem to be oblivious to such games.

Board games have been substituted by X-boxes, Playstations, online games and other video games while outdoor games have been replaced by cricket, basketball, tennis and other modern games.

Children are not impressed by the old world charm of these games anymore and the fun associated with them has become history in the new world booming with technology.

Metrolife takes a look at this trend.

Padmini, a physical education teacher, says, “Those games had a charisma of their own. Due to technological intervention and changes in lifestyle, physical activity is being ignored by today’s generation. Old games are a way to keep oneself fit. Kids these days are glued to the computer all the time. It only stifles the brain and makes one lazy.”

Skanda, a middle school student, says, "Earlier, summer holidays were meant for spending time with cousins and friends in ajji mane (grandmother's house). But today, most of us are so preoccupied with tests, exams, summer camps and other extracurricular activities that we don’t have the time or patience to sit and play those games.”

Rashmi Prabhakar, a degree student, recalls her childhood days.

 “It was a time when me and my friends played Aduge Aata, Bombe Aata and had unlimited fun. Today’s girls want to play with Barbie dolls and sophisticated toys. They will never realise the value of such games.”

Akshay, a high school student, says, “I like to play Kho-Kho and cricket but there aren’t many playgrounds in our area. We can’t play on the streets because of the traffic. Plus the neighbours are afraid that we might break a window of their car. We kids are left with no option but to play indoors and stick to computers.”

Anoop H P, an employee with a private firm, says, “Growing up in the lanes of Chamrajpet, I’ve many fond memories of those good old days. When I look at kids today, I feel they have lost so much of innocence and the crucial opportunity to build bonds with friends. They make friends over Facebook and maintain ‘friendships’ without physically meeting a person. They simply don’t realise the joy of playing such games.” 

Although today’s youngsters seem to have lost touch with the old games, a faint hope still lingers that the next generation realises the joy of playing ‘hand cricket’ or flying a kite.