World Tourism Day

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 1

The Sarovaram Biopark in Kozhikode turned colourful during World Tourism Day celebrations organised under the aegis of National Service Scheme (NSS).

• Students painted “gratitude stones” to be distributed among visitors to the park and created colourful ecofriendly signboards in place of plastic signboards. 
• Face art session and flash mob were held as part of the celebrations organised with the theme ‘Rethinking Tourism’ by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) in association with the NSS technical cell.
• A Kalaripayattu demonstration by Kadathanad K.P. Chandran Gurukkal Memorial Kalari Sangham marked the Tourism Day celebrations on Kappad Blue Flag Beach
• A marathon was held on the Vadakara beach with 50 students, people’s representatives, and local residents.

Kalaripayattu

• Kalaripayattu is a great and ancient physical, cultural and martial art of Kerala.The martial art originated during the 3nd century BC to the 2nd century AD.
• The word kalari first appears in the Tamil Sangam literature (c. 300 BCE to 300 CE) to describe both a battlefield and combat arena.
• The Kalaripayattu is also considered as one of the oldest fighting systems in existence.
• Kalaripayattu techniques include a combination of steps (Chuvatu) and postures (Vadivu). 
• Chuvatu literally means ‘steps’, the basic steps of the martial arts.Vadivu literally means ‘postures’ or stances are the basic characteristics of Kalaripayattu training.Named after animals,they are usually eight in number.

About NSS:

• National Service scheme is a Central sector scheme implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India.
• The scheme was launched in 1969. 
• The scheme aims to develop the personality and character of the student youth through voluntary community service.
• NSS volunteers play an important role in spreading awareness about government initiatives such as Swachh Bharat Mission activities and yoga program.