Probably for the first time, Lanka Nagamani has come out of her self-imposed shell, conquering her fear and learnt the nuances of throwball. And on Monday, she became a part of the winning team at the 13th edition of the Isha Gramotsavam held at Rajiv Gandhi Port Indoor Stadium.
A resident of Sontyam, she lost her husband 15 years ago and has been staying with her parents since then, taking care of her son. However, the nine-month-long coaching provided by Isha Foundation as part of its rural rejuvenation outreach programme has changed her approach towards life. “I never thought that one day I would step out of my house to play throwball and eventually emerge as a champion. It seems like a scene straight from a movie which is truly unbelievable,” says beaming Nagamani.
Like Nagamani, several men and women, who were a part of Isha Gramotsavam, organised in partnership with UNICEF for the first time in Visakhapatnam, shared how the inter-village tournaments made them forget their woes, come together as a team and brings camaraderie.
B. Rama from Nelaturu is quite content about the fact that the sport turned out to be a tool to foster friendship. She was the captain of women’s throwball team in which her mother-in-law also joined.
While men’s team from Vemagottipalem emerged as winners in the final volleyball match, women’s team from Sontyam secured the top spot in throwball tournament. The winners received trophies and cash prizes from a host of special guests and invitees.
Founder of Isha Foundation Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, weightlifter Karnam Malleswari, and former captain of Indian hockey team Dhanraj Pillay, among others graced the finale of Gramotsavam.
‘In conversation’
An hour-long ‘in-conversation’ session with actor Rakul Preet Singh and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev amidst an ethnic setting covered several topics such as one’s past life and karma.
Sadhguru said that though 90% of things happen as per people’s expectations, the remaining 10% continues to bother many, making them complain about the unfulfilled part of their life.