Nehru Trophy Boat Race: An Outsider's Perspective
It’ s been in my wish list for a long time; To have a glimpse of the Annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alappuzha, not in television, instead live from the pavilion. Like any other Keralite, I have seen the event in television several times, taken part in ‘valamkalli song’ (traditional songs for inspiring the boat men) competition and wrote long essays in school about the boat race, its history, cultural relevance, Nehruvian connection and so on. We have heard legends about those prime contenders for the trophy: karichal chundan, chambakulam chundan, sri ganesh etc etc, each representing a ‘kara’ (locality) in Alappuzha. But then, that sight of hundred feet long boats, competing each other with more than hundred rowers on board, thousands cheering for their favorite team and heading for a photo finish. Always wondered whether the best of LCD screens can recreate that image and ambience? At last the world conspired for me, and my dream came true. As we set out to...