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Let's play again – reviving our lost childhood games
Sandeep S Kate |
TEDxPanchgani
• January 2018
There is a small child in every one of us, who loves to laugh and play! This was the message offered at the TEDxPanchgani, by Dr. Sandeep Kate. This versatile and many-faceted man enthralled the audience with tales of his fascination with comics, of which he has a vast collection, and also with the games of his boyhood days, especially spinning tops. Most of these games are on the path to being forgotten, nowadays. To the surprise and delight of the audience, he informed them that under every chair was hidden a small Gift bag - which proved to contain tops and marbles! Dr. Kate reminded everyone that these youthful toys and games are not just "child's play" but can teach important life skills such as team-building, leadership skills, and sportsmanship. Adults should ensure that their children have the opportunity to play outdoors and participate in such games, instead of being constantly glued to the TV or tablet screen! In fact, during the run-up to the Satara Hill half-marathon, such local games, called "Soil games" were organized. The organizers were amazed at the enthusiastic response they received, from adults as well as children, so much so that now a special Soil Games park has been set up. Positive change can be ensured by encouraging and promoting such games, and looking towards the past as well as the future!
Dr Sandeep Kate is truly a man of many talents. This general surgeon, specializing in Proctology & Hernia surgery, is also a keen Marathoner. He has run Marathons, Ultra-marathons & obstacle course events around the world. He has helped create a health and fitness revolution in his home town Satara, turning this small & quaint city in the Western Ghats into a much sought after sporting destination. Dr. Kate is also the founder of Satara Runners, a community & family based voluntary organisation, which organizes the Satara Hill Half Marathon, which is one of the most popular distance running events in India. An avid collector of old comics & spinning tops, Dr. Kate is currently working on promoting his pet project - "The Soil Games", where families & communities come together to play traditional long forgotten Indian games like Spin tops, Gilli Danda, Lagori, Marbles, Langdi, Hopscotch, etc. He hopes to help create a cultural movement where new & old generations come together to play - to get "down & dirty" in the soil once again, and return to their roots!
This talk was given at TEDxPanchgani an event held at Ravine Hotel using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx