Indian teacher introduces kabaddi to US classroom
Sunday, January 09, 2011
An Indian school teacher has brought his country's culture into the classrooms of American students by introducing kabaddi.
Ajay Kumar Nair, who teaches English language and literature, has come to Johnsburg , a town with a population of 2,450 in the mountains of the Adirondacks, on a six-month-long Fullbright Teacher Exchange grant programme.
In his class, the students, a mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors at Johnsburg Central School, remove their shoes, watch their instructor and try to grab the rules of kabaddi, a popular team sport in India.
Students were advised to play barefoot to gain better traction on the gym floor.
Since September, the students have also taken an elective on Indian culture, which has introduced them to literature , music, dance, food and games of the country.
This is Nair's first visit to the US. He has been introduced to Italian food, football and snow.
While Nair said his experience in Johnsburg has been positive, the hardest adjustment has been to the weather.
"I was lucky that I came here. This community at Johnsburg has been very good. They are my family now. When I leave, I will miss them," said Nair.
Nair will be here till January 28, after which will return to India.
"It's been great getting to know him as a person," Kevin Connor, a senior taking the course in Indian culture, said of Nair.
"Getting to learn the Indian culture and food has been amazing," he added.
