It was early June and light rain was in the air. It was the start of another academic year and students were all in “back-to-school” mood. Kaushik, Padma, Prabha and Kingo were all seated enjoying the sea breeze. As schools were about to start, the discussion centred around school life, curriculum and one of the best period of life with not a care in the world. It was Kaushik who took the discussion to a different plane and asked a very pertinent question – “Why is Bridge not an optional extra-curricular activity in schools?”
Prabha had discussed this subject in her family and was quick to speak out, “The key issue is that schools don’t want to teach Bridge as they feel it will bring down the reputation of the school by teaching a card game. Parents did not want their children to learn Bridge as they felt it will be an addiction and will spoil their life.”
Padma had read articles on this subject was quick to add, “It is a typical Indian psychology. The key issue is that there is perception that anything connected to cards was gambling. There is lack of awareness of the game and people are not willing to learn and become aware – they just brush you away saying they don’t want to teach it. It is a shame as western countries teach this game from secondary school.”
Kingo brought a different perspective, “The government and education boards must be approached and they have to approve the game as a mind sport and then schools and colleges will include it in their curriculum. The issue is really to create awareness and get them to accept the game and include it in their portfolio of games.”
Kaushik said he had heard that efforts were being made in this direction, but it was taking time as it is not a matter of just convincing one person. The process tedious and one must be patient.
Padma spoke with a lot of emotion and said, “It is sad that World Bridge Federation is making extra efforts and arranging tournaments for youth (their lowest age group is under 16) and girls/women but India does not have enough players in the age group to compete effectively. While we have participated in these events, the results can be improved significantly if we start training at the grass root level.”
Kingo summarized the entire scenario and said, “We can keep talking of the issues and problems relating to teaching Bridge in educational institutions but the time has come where we should stop talking and act”. Everyone nodded in approval and decided to make an action plan for implementation.
Tailpiece:
Goofy barked and wished them luck. This is the tenth time he had heard them discussing this topic.
