September 9, 2010
Amritapuri Campus
This past Onam, children of Sabari Balasramam, an orphanage in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, enjoyed a sumptuous feast, the Onasadya. The feast was made possible by a fund-raiser ingeniously put together as part of Futsal, the annual campus football tournament at Amritapuri.
“A total of sixty teams registered,” stated Krishna Kumar S., HoD, Physical Education. “Each team paid Rs. 50 for registration; this was how the fund was raised.”
The official launch of the tournament on September 5 saw a friendly game between faculty members and students. Dr. Sankaran, Principal, ASE Amritapuri captained the teachers’ team, which played against the students’ team led by Vivek Harshavardhan, final year student of ECE. The game was a draw.
Dr. Sankaran spoke about the students’ tremendous response and participation in Futsal.
“A healthy mind exists only in a healthy body. When one is 18-25 years old, that is the time to keep oneself physically as well as mentally fit. Futsal will help participants to train their bodies as well as minds.”
“I see four immediate benefits. Students will learn to compete well, handle failures, develop a team spirit and concentrate well. I wish the participants all the best.”
Br. Anand, President, Sports Council at Amritapuri, also shared his views.
“A group of energetic and enthusiastic boys form the back bone of this tournament. They have taken all the initiative to make the event a grand success.”
“For example, they helped with cleaning the grounds and setting up the registration desk. We provided the support they needed. It was their idea to raise money for charity through this venture.”
Charles Chacko, a second-year student of Computer Science, and one of the student organizers of the event, also commented.
“I feel so enthusiastic being a part of Futsal. We charged a per-team registration fee of Rs. 50, which comes to Rs. 5 per person. This is a very small amount. But like many drops make an ocean, this small contribution also became something significant.”
This first week saw preliminary elimination rounds. Sixteen teams qualified out of sixty; the games are now ongoing.
Chancellor Amma often speaks of an education for a living as well as an education for life. While the former helps us make a living through the training we receive to become a doctor or an engineer or a scientist, the latter is what helps us live life to the fullest and in the best manner possible.
It is clear that the students of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham receive the best of both; as they participate in even extra-curricular and sports tournaments such as Futsal.
