Nagpur Vyayam Shala Preserving rural culture with urban heart

 

THERE is well-known saying, ‘Health is Wealth,’ which incidentally is also the slogan of Nagpur Vyayam Shala, one of the oldest akhadas of the second capital of Maharashtra. Nagpur Vyayam Shala, established in 1918, is preserving the rural culture with an urban heart. Situated in Mahal, the akhada is imparting training to youngsters to keep themselves fit and healthy since last 105 years. There were around 65 akhadas in city a few decades ago, but only few managed to survive the passage of time. Baburao Padmagirwar, caretaker of Vyayam Shala while talking to‘The Hitavada’ said, “Nagpur Vyayam Shala, established 10 decades ago, continues to remain the pride of Nagpur. Many people who visit the Gateway to Tiger Capital come to see this place as well.

 

Our akhada has a history of producing great wrestlers who have represented Nagpur at State and National levels.” Recalling old days of the 90s, Padmagirwar said, “I am associated with this akhada since last 45 years. Earlier, it was very different time compared to today. That enthusiasm of going to an akhada and to play kushti is hardly seen today. It was a matter of pride to be even a member of an akhada. I still remember there was a time when Nagpur Vyayam Shala use to have around 1000 members and we all use to exercise together regularly. Those were the golden days of life.” The akhada charges a nominal fee of Rs 200 per month and has around 150 members today. “Before COVID, the strength was around 330, but the number shrunk drastically after the lockdown. Efforts are afoot to bring people back but it will take time.” Prakash Yadav, a veteran who played kushti (wrestling) and kabaddi for Nagpur Vyayam Shala at the district and State levels said, “I am associated with this akhada since my childhood. We use to spend our holidays in this mud pit and used to practice kushti and kabaddi here.

 

The most exciting thing about this akhada is that the mud pit is the biggest one in Vidarbha region.” Septuagenarian Deepak Khardenvis comes regularly to the akhada to keep himself fit and fine. “I am coming here from the last 35 years and hardly missed a session. I come to the akhada daily and do my exercises without fail. The routine and discipline this game and place has given is a gift for the lifetime,” he averred. The akhada still have youths between the age group of 14 to 30. Shubham Mahajan, who’s father was a district-level wrestler of his time, said, “I come from a lower-middle class family. In our family my grandfather, uncles, my father used to go to the akhadas and I am continuing the same. I feel that akhada is a place which just not keeps you healthy and fit but also inculcates discipline and dedication in you.”