Meerut: As part of a new subject-The Traditional Games of India under the BA (Physical Education) degree, Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) in Meerut is set to roll out games like gilli danda, marbles and stapoo (hopscotch) for students pursuing their bachelors in physical education from this academic session.
The traditional games will be revived under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, according to the university. A meeting of the Board of Studies for physical education at CCSU has decided to introduce the traditional games in the curriculum. At present, students of physical education are taught up to 25 games such as volleyball, wrestling, swimming, cricket, among others.
A senior faculty member said that the intention is to bring back forgotten games. Traditional games are fun and facilitate students to gain strength. For instance while playing marbles, students need to squat and while climbing trees, one becomes flexible and also gain muscle, said a senior teacher.
Kai danda, a game played in western UP is also known as ‘aam dali’ in Madhya Pradesh where one climbs a mango tree is also to be taught. This will build stamina.
