Page updates minute details of races, expert comments
Alappuzha: Though the relentless rain seems to be all set to spoil the Nehru Trophy fun, Facebook has come to the rescue of Kuttanandan youths who are sharing their cheer.
Two Facebook groups - Nehru Trophy Boat Race Kerala and Boat Races Kerala, which have over 10,000 members, are keeping alive the fun associated with the native boat races. The groups have information on everything right from the history of each snake boat to the race and analysis of the Nehru Trophy boat race.
Vinod Iris, one of the administrators of ‘Boat Races Kerala’, which currently has over 5,000 members, says, the rain will not spoil the fun. “Facebook has given us a space to pep up the new generation. The page updates all details. It carries the voice of experts, local people and oarsmen. Apart from this, it is also a forum where new suggestions are welcome. This is a platform where new trends in boat races, strategies of boat clubs, information on boat races and official announcements are made so that it can attract more tourists”, he says.
With the D-day nearing, all information is updated. “We are the people of Kuttanad. For us boat races are larger than life. The group is now ready for a live update of the every event”, he said.
Harikrishnan Kavalam, a member of Nehru Trophy Boat Race Kerala, says the forum was born out of the discussions of some traditional boat racers in Kuttanad. “We have published a boat race calendar which offers the history of important snake boats, boat races and winners. The group members are not worried about the incessant rain and floods. On the contrary, they are enjoying the Facebook frenzy, updating their posts”, he said.
