The message was lost

Aimless discussion

A world champion himself, although a restaurateur by profession, his film on karate Le Samourai Du desert was being screened and although he and the five-member Chinese delegation were trying hard to participate in the seminar that was being held as part of the international film festival, it was not easy.

The topic for discussion was Role of Mass Media in Creating Environment Awareness and was scheduled to be held at 11 am.

After a couple of hours beyond the stipulated time, there were only a handful of officials and members of the organising committee present besides the foreign delegates.

Most of the discussions were in Kannada including the printed programme that were handed out. Since there was no translator in sight, the event was pretty much limited to those who were well-versed in the language. That also excluded the delegate from Ahmedabad who did not speak Kannada.

“I wish there were more young people who would actively debate and discuss these issues at forums like these,” said Sadok.

Full of enthusiasm about his film he also explained that martial arts is an easily accessible sport which children from all backgrounds can participate in and excel. “There is very little cost involved unlike expensive sports like golf and tennis. Football too has become a commercial sport and being a team game limits the
players to fixed rules and timing which are difficult for many kids,” he added.
He also hoped that children who saw his film would realise that sports can be adapted to anyone’s lifestyle and become a healthy outlet for all young minds. “It’s a simple film which is targeted at both children and adults.” 

The Chinese delegates had no option but to tune into their I-pods and try and amuse themselves while another fruitless discussion played itself out on the dais.
DHNS