MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Center organises Turai Kar Championship 2023

MOOL Sustainability Research and Training Center Monday organized a one-day workshop to rekindle the enthusiasm for local games among young people in Kashmir.

According to a press release, the event supported by Usha International Ltd was organized in collaboration with the Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Lar, Ganderbal in central Kashmir.

“The workshop brought together at least two hundred people and participants played ‘Turai Kar’ a traditional game which, like many other games, is now bygone from our lexicon,” the statement reads.

Turai Kar offers a glimpse into how people in Kashmir have historically engaged in recreational activities that were both fun, socially engaging, and would also infuse ecological wisdom among the communities.

The game involves teams selecting a specific tree, often a tall one, to safeguard from opposing teams. While some teams are entrusted with nurturing and protecting the tree, others are tasked with diverting attention away from it. To score, opposing teams must breach the defenders guard and successfully touch the tree with their hands. Ultimately, regardless of the winning team, a gentle embrace is shared with the tree by all.

The fun filled day included energizing games, the game of Turai Kar, refreshments, prize distribution, and reflections.

A total of eighty participants, evenly split between males and females, took part, with sixty-five students from the school and fifteen members from Usha Silai Schools in Kashmir exhibiting remarkable enthusiasm and spirit.

The event began with a brief introduction facilitated by Dr. Shaheena Parveen. Ms. Shayista Ayoub, Usha International Ltd, presented the welcome address following which the opening remarks were given by Mr. Showkat Ahmad, Sr. Lecturer at the school. Ms. Lubna Rafiqi, Sagg Eco Village, shared her thoughts on nature and mindset. The team of expert judges included Mr. Reyazul Gani Wani, Sr. Lecture, Ms. Lubna Rafiqi, and Ms.
Aisha Sheikh, Sr. Lecturer at the school.

The workshop was also a part of MOOL’s flagship program called The Sustainable Kashmir Club which facilitates inclusive socio-economic transformation by building personal and community leadership capacity among young people in Kashmir. MOOL launched a chapter at the school last year in collaboration with The Village Academy.

The day culminated in a rewarding ceremony to recognize all participating students for showing up, and their dedication and teamwork. The teams with outstanding performances from both boys’ and girls’ categories received their trophies. To conclude the day on a high note, the students embarked on an eco tour Sagg Eco Village, Ganderbal.

The Turai Kar game not only united the participants but also provided an avenue for them to unleash their energy, find joy in expression, relieve stress, stimulate cognitive faculties, employ strategic thinking, and hone their teamwork and problem-solving abilities.