Govindan Lives His Life With The Aim Of Preserving The Age-Old Skill
Archery played a vital role in the lives of people in the Vedic era. It was a means of hunting. Moreover, it is considered to be one of the most ancient sports in India. Its importance in that era can be judged through the fact of their extensive description of India’s most famous epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana. Even in the medieval period, archery had a stronghold in India.
Though today it has made its way to the Olympic Games, it has lost its charm compared to the early times. However, a man in the jungles of Wayanad in Kerala is still living the life of archery like the ancient times.
Why K Govindan considers archery sacred?
Govindan comes from the Mullur Kurma community of Wayanad. The community considers hunting sacred. Hence, archery has a valuable place in their life. Moreover, this community does not indulge in hunting for the sake of fun, food is the mere reason for it. Govindan, above all, realised that hunting even for food is not justified in today’s time. He understood that he could switch to a vegetarian diet and stop hunting the animals.
He has successfully kept the legacy of archery alive by teaching it and inspiring his students about it. And, stopped hunting at the same time. This was such a good message of valuing the lives of animals and the tradition of one’s community alive altogether. It describes that one does not have to follow blindly anything inhumane in the name of tradition and customs.
What does Govindan do for keeping the legacy of archery alive?
Govindan teaches archery to today’s generation intending to preserve our ancient skills. Most importantly, teaching is not the only devoted thing he does as he spends his time creating archery tools as well by using bamboo. He loves exhibiting it to visitors.
Govindan moreover is 72 years old but never feels tired or getting retired from his job. His love and reverence for the ancient skill depict through the efforts he has been taking on. The sanctity and sacredness of hunting in his community reflect through how if a hunter dies, his tools are kept on his pyre. However, Govindan feels dejected that archery has lost its sacred value in modern times.
What makes Govindan sad?
Even though a great number of people visit him and so many students reach him to learn this art, archery has still lost its picture in the bigger frame. What makes him sad is how people and the younger generation from his community are not interested in learning their age-old archery techniques anymore.
Despite his age, he does not feel weak because age is not a barrier for him. He is very energetic and keeps himself fully engaged with archery throughout the day. Also, he wishes to spread his message of preserving age-old skills to as many people as possible.
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Author: Simran K Parmar
A post graduate in English Literature, secular humanist, critical thinker, an outspoken atheist, follower of equality and a lover of philosophy. craftedfashion94@gmail.com
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