Mangaluru: Asian Games gold medallist and Olympian M R Poovamma inaugurated Mahila Dasara at the Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple on Monday as part of the Mangaluru Dasara celebrations.
Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Poovamma shared experiences from her 23-year sporting career and encouraged women to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives to maintain their overall well-being.
The programme celebrated women’s achievements and highlighted the importance of fitness, perseverance and dedication. The temple management also felicitated Poovamma and Yakshagana artiste Arshiya Khan in recognition of their accomplishments.
Poovamma highlights the value of hard work
Speaking at the programme, Poovamma reflected on her journey in athletics and emphasised that age should not be a barrier to pursuing goals or achieving success.
“I am now 36 years old, and my journey is proof that hard work can help a person achieve success at any age,” she said.
Drawing from her years in competitive sport, she encouraged women to participate in physical activities as much as possible. She noted that regular exercise contributes to both physical fitness and mental well-being.
Her message highlighted the importance of making physical activity part of everyday life, regardless of age or professional commitments. She urged women to prioritise their health and recognise the long-term benefits of staying active.
Poovamma’s sporting career served as the backdrop for her message about determination and consistent effort. Her participation in the Mahila Dasara programme also brought an accomplished sportsperson into a celebration dedicated to recognising women’s contributions and achievements.
Temple honours Poovamma and Arshiya Khan
During the event, the management of the Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple felicitated Poovamma for her achievements in athletics.
She was also presented with an incentive of Rs 25,000 in recognition of her accomplishments.
Yakshagana artiste Arshiya Khan was felicitated on the occasion for her achievements in the traditional performing art. Her recognition highlighted the contribution of women artists to the preservation and development of Yakshagana, an important cultural tradition of coastal Karnataka.
The felicitation brought together achievements in two distinct fields — competitive sport and traditional performing arts — as part of the Mahila Dasara celebrations.
Mahila Dasara celebrates women’s achievements
Mahila Dasara formed part of the annual festivities at the Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple, one of the prominent centres of Mangaluru Dasara.
The programme provided an opportunity to recognise women who have made notable contributions in their respective fields. The participation of Poovamma and Arshiya Khan highlighted the varied avenues through which women contribute to sport, culture and society.
Poovamma’s message on fitness and perseverance offered encouragement to women seeking to balance personal responsibilities with their health and ambitions. The recognition of Arshiya Khan, meanwhile, drew attention to the role of women in sustaining the region’s artistic heritage.
The event concluded with a focus on women’s well-being, achievement and participation in public life, complementing the wider cultural and religious celebrations of Mangaluru Dasara.