Games hold a mirror
to civilization
The very word "GAME" is a universal
one and does not have any cultural or linguistic boundaries. Games appear to
be the common property of people who know them either professionally or as an
amateur.
Many games, which we think, are just pastimes are, in fact, relics
of religious rituals, which often date back to the birth of mankind. Games echo
the reflections of the traditions and ethos of a particular country or area.
The pleasure of voluntary action is the soul of games.
Games are essential
for the growth of a man right from his childhood. The child at its infancy likes
simple expressive games, which mould him into the concept of leadership, and
gives him the sense of victory and defeat. The school games give the advantage
of socializing with members of various teams, be it of the same class or the
same school or inter-schools. There are games for both indoors and out doors.
Certain games like the game of CHESS give intellectual training for the player,
as it reconstructs the battle-field, and gets him the task of strategy management
and foresight.
Though the method of playing a particular
game has remained unchanged, the symbolism is often influenced by contemporary
events. For e.g., during Emperor Napoleon's time, chess sets were made showing
Napoleon as the King. Games of pure wit have intrigued men and women from ancient
times.
Many of the spiral games were produced
during the 18th and 19th centuries as a means of teaching children history,
geography, botany and other subjects. Most primitive games are known in almost
all parts of the world but their variations tell us about the nature of the
people of that particular region.
The permanent fascination
of games lies simply in the pure joy of playing. It is this tangible pleasure
that distinguishes the true game from the professional sport. Nowadays the players
are involved in a cut throat competition when many a time the national prestige
is at stake. The light-hearted joy of games has given way to competition and
it would not be good unless it remains a healthy one.
In hot or cold climes, in open spaces
or countryside or crowded city, slums, streets, children jump, run, hide, chase
each other, play, sing and laugh, and this illustrates the universality of games.
By means of games, the child is engaged not only in self-discovery, explorative
and experiments with its senses, but also understands its relation with the
concept of Universe. They gradually learn to get along with the big world outside.
Games reflect the ideas and the personality of the child as a whole. Children
get many benefits by means of games. There is an opportunity for the growth
of the mind. There is a way to use the senses in the right way. One gets the
opportunity to mingle with people of the same age, of the same cadre and same
ambitions and desires. This helps in developing a social sense and the habit
of working cooperatively.
Games are designed to provide fun
and entertainment. Physical movements have great importance in the life of any
individual. The overall development of the person depends on the physical movements
exercised. Through games, children also tend to learn their language. They love
to sing or hear songs during the act of playing and hence its power to understand
language develops.
Among the rural
population of northern India, wrestling, Kabaddi and other indigenous games
are popular. Some cowherd caste people both in the north and the south are known
for their skills in Lathi and Pikestaff play. Games with balls were introduced
from the West to India, which includes football, volleyball and hockey, and
some like the Polo were introduced from the East. Cricket still remains a favorite
with the Indian populace despite its players being entwined in scam after scam.
Curiosities like cockfighting, and fighting of bulbuls and rams are still popular
in some communities and areas. 
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