Manjunath

The Foundation Project implemented by IFA will engage eight grade students of the Government High School, Siddrampura, in Sindhanur taluk, Raichur district. Titled Deshiya Aatagalu – Indigenous Games, this 15-month project aims to restore the value of play in education. It fosters the holistic development of students through the integration of indigenous games as an artistic expression with a focus on science and social science curriculum. Manjunath is the Project Coordinator for this foundation project. 

Manjunath has been dedicated to the field of physical education since August 8, 2008. Beyond his teaching responsibilities, he has played a key role in fostering a greener environment by planting and nurturing over 150 trees. His enthusiasm for sports particularly cricket and kho-kho has translated into effective mentorship, guiding students in individual disciplines such as discus throw, javelin, hammer throw, yoga, and running, as well as in team sports like volleyball and throw ball, enabling them to compete up to the divisional level. He firmly believes that a society with more playgrounds will naturally require fewer hospitals, underscoring the vital link between physical activity and public health. Given his experience, he is best placed to be the Project Coordinator of this Foundation Project of IFA. 

In the current education system, where academic achievement is often measured by examination scores, the significance of play and experiential learning has gradually diminished. This shift has led to reduced opportunities for children to engage in collaborative activities, weakening interpersonal trust and social bonding. To address these gaps, this project creatively blends indigenous games, artistic expression, and core curricular objectives. 

Indigenous games such as Kabaddi, Gilli-Danda, Lagori, Hulihasuvina Aata, Goli, Chowkabara, and Tug of War have long been embedded in local culture. These games not only promote physical fitness and entertainment but also serve as informal learning tools that nurture cognitive and emotional growth. Recognising their educational potential, the project begins with documenting indigenous games through community engagement. Parents and local elders contribute to identifying rules and formats, ensuring cultural authenticity and intergenerational learning. All of these will be archived in the school library, accompanied by small printed handouts for easy reference and wider accessibility

Once documented, the games are mapped to specific curricular themes with the support of subject teachers. For example, the game Huli-Hasu (Tiger and Cow) is used to develop mathematical reasoning and language skills through storytelling and performance. Similarly, Marakoti (Tree-Monkey), played on trees like guava and beech, becomes a gateway to environmental science. Students observe tree characteristics, illustrate botanical features, and align their findings with science lessons. These activities encourage curiosity, observation, and a deeper connection with nature.

The project also incorporates thematic learning through symbolic games. A gender equality mural based on Snakes and Ladders transforms each square into a scenario reflecting social realities. Visual artists assist children in illustrating these themes, while teachers facilitate discussions on gender roles, discrimination, and empowerment. The ladders represent progress shared responsibilities and leadership while the snakes depict barriers such as child marriage and unequal pay. This mural becomes both an educational resource and a catalyst for community dialogue.

Creative workshops and performances further enrich the learning experience. Mask-making and dramatisation based on Huli-Hasu allow children to embody concepts from literature and mathematics. Tug of War is reimagined as a metaphor for societal tensions, sparking debates, essays, and skits on contemporary issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, and media influence. A cluster-level three-day program invites participation from multiple schools, promoting critical thinking, public speaking, and collaborative learning.

The initiative also incorporates aquatic learning through swimming, a skill commonly practiced by rural children. With parental consent, students will participate in water-based activities that connect physical movement with cultural narratives. To highlight the uniqueness of swimming, Manjunath draws inspiration from the Mahabharata episode where Duryodhana hides underwater to evade Bhīma demonstrating how mastery over breath and body enables such feats. Students will also stage a performance of this episode at school, blending literature, physical skill, and dramatic expression. Additionally, they will engage in model-making using locally sourced materials like Apu, Kathale, and Kanthi, under the guidance of skilled artisans. These hands-on activities foster ecological awareness, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural appreciation. All resulting artifacts and creative outputs will be showcased to the public through a dedicated arts exhibition. 

Overall, this project positions indigenous games not merely as recreational tools but as powerful mediums for inclusive, interdisciplinary education. The outcome of this project will be performance and an exhibition.  The Project Coordinator’s deliverables to IFA with the final report will be copies of the photographs, and the video documentation of the entire project.

This project suitably addresses the framework of IFA’s Arts Education programme in the manner in which it attempts to connect students and schools to the cultural knowledge of the local communities they live in. 

IFA will ensure that the implementation of this project happens promptly and funds expended are accounted for. IFA will also review the progress of the project at midterm and document it through an Implementation Memorandum. After the project is finished and all deliverables are submitted, IFA will put together a Final Evaluation to share with Trustees.

This Foundation Project is made possible in partnership with InterGlobe Foundation.