Mangaluru: BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra on Saturday said that Kambala is not merely a rural sport but a powerful symbol of the cultural identity of Tulunadu. He was speaking at the ninth edition of the Ram–Lakshmana Jodukere Mangaluru Kambala, held on Saturday evening, which witnessed the participation of several political leaders, entrepreneurs and cultural enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, Vijayendra said Kambala represents the tradition, resilience and collective spirit of the coastal region and should be preserved and promoted beyond political considerations. He appreciated Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta for successfully taking Kambala, which was traditionally conducted in rural settings, into the urban landscape of Mangaluru without diluting its essence.
Call for government support to Kambala
Vijayendra urged the State government to extend financial assistance for Kambala events wherever they are organised across Karnataka. He said that although Kambala is categorised as a folk sport, its cultural significance and the scale at which it is conducted today warrant sustained institutional support.
“Kambala is not limited to villages anymore. It has become a cultural movement that connects people across regions and communities. The government should provide financial assistance to all Kambala events, irrespective of where they are held,” he said.
Recalling the tenure of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, Vijayendra said a grant of ₹5 lakh was provided for every Kambala event conducted along the coastal belt. He said this reflected Yediyurappa’s special concern for Tulunadu and its traditions. Vijayendra termed it unfortunate that Kambala is being politicised under the present political system, stating that cultural heritage should remain above partisan interests.
Urban Kambala retains traditional spirit
Vijayendra said the success of the Mangaluru Kambala proved that traditional rural sports could be adapted to urban settings while retaining their authenticity. He noted that events like the Ram–Lakshmana Jodukere Kambala have played a key role in introducing younger generations and urban residents to the agrarian roots of the region.
He added that the enthusiasm of participants, buffalo owners and spectators demonstrated the enduring relevance of Kambala, even in a rapidly urbanising society.
‘Back to Ooru’ initiative highlighted
Welcoming the gathering and delivering the introductory address, MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta said the ‘Back to Ooru’ initiative aims to motivate people from the coastal region who are settled across the country and abroad to give back to their native land.
“The idea is to encourage those who have achieved success elsewhere to contribute socially, culturally and economically to their roots,” he said. He added that the initiative seeks to strengthen the bond between the diaspora and Tulunadu by promoting community development, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation.
Capt. Chowta also highlighted that Kambala has emerged as a unifying platform, bringing together people from different sections of society and reinforcing a shared cultural identity.
Entrepreneurs felicitated for contributions
Prakash Shetty, honorary president of the Mangaluru Kambala Committee, presided over the programme. He said Kambala has grown into a large-scale cultural celebration due to the collective efforts of organisers, volunteers, sponsors and the local community.
On the occasion, nine entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions under the ‘Back to Ooru’ concept were felicitated. The organisers said the recognition was meant to inspire others from the region to actively participate in its development and cultural revival.
The felicitation ceremony was received with applause from the audience, underscoring the importance of community-driven initiatives in strengthening regional identity.
Leaders across party lines attend event
Several senior political leaders and public representatives attended the event, reflecting the broad appeal of Kambala across political affiliations. Those present included BJP Dakshina Kannada district president Satish Kumpala, former minister Pramod Madhwaraj, Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, and MLAs Bharath Shetty, Rajesh Naik, Bhagirathi Murulya, Harish Poonja and Gururaj Gantihole.
Entrepreneurs Shashidhara Shetty (Baroda–Mumbai), Santosh Shetty (Pune) and Kishore Puttur were also present, lending support to the cultural and social initiatives associated with the event.
Kambala as a living heritage
Speakers at the programme emphasised that Kambala is more than a competitive sport and should be viewed as a living heritage that reflects the agrarian history, values and collective ethos of Tulunadu. They said sustained efforts are required to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the significance of the tradition.
The Ram–Lakshmana Jodukere Mangaluru Kambala, now in its ninth edition, was described as a model for blending tradition with modern organisation, while maintaining the cultural soul of the sport.
Conclusion
The event concluded with a renewed call to protect and promote Kambala as a symbol of Tulunadu’s identity. Leaders and organisers stressed that with continued public participation and government support, Kambala can thrive as both a cultural celebration and a unifying force, transcending rural–urban divides and political boundaries