Alappuzha: They were no major contestants. No well trained either. They were homemakers out to cheer up the air.
The amateur women rowers in white saris and blouses began quietly, and when they finished almost a kilometre distance in style, spectators greeted them with claps and cheers.
A hundred Kudumbashree members paddled on the Pamba River in Kavalam to celebrate the 19th birthday of Kerala's unique experience in women empowerment on Wednesday.
“It’s a declaration of women’s liberty in the field of a male-dominant sport," said Sandhya Ramesh, president, Kavalam grama panchayat, who inaugurated the event.
“We chose to send out a message of women empowerment. All participants were from the Kavalam."
As part of the anniversary, the district mission had taken a decision that every Community Development Society (CDS) in the district had to present their own theme.
So they took boat race as theme while others preferred seminars and workshops. It’s no surprise local women cruising on the country boat as it’s part of Kuttanad's life.
Women rowed in the country boat having a capacity of carrying two people, and 50 boats participated in the competition.
Omana George, who won the individual prize, had no training for the race.
“I applied my expertise I had earned from life over the years as a Kavalam native. For me, winning has never been a concern, but participation. We took part as the feast of their village," she said.
The competition held at Kavalam- Kainadi canal, part of the Pamba River, began at 10.30 am and ended by 1.30. Kudumbasree was formed on May 17, 1998.
“The 10-day birthday celebrations hosted by Alappuzha district will see various kind of programmes by women,” said Sunil, the district coordinator.
