Unique move: Vijaya Gardens at Baridih

A prime-time soap has inspired residents of a Jamshedpur complex to spend more time together, debunking the theory that TV serials do nothing but restrict people to their living room sofas.

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah, a popular serial depicting bittersweet occurrences in a residential colony, has prompted dwellers of Baridih-based Vijaya Gardens Society to organise sport events to boost mutual camaraderie.

“The serial inspired us to do something that would bind us closer. Sports and cultural events came up as the best options. We have formed a sports committee to organise such events,” said Avinash Kumar, a society resident and convenor of the panel, which was formed on September 21.

The society, located in the eastern fringes of the steel city, has over 700 flats, duplexes and bungalows. Among its distinguished residents are former Bihar pacer Akhilesh Kumar and archery mentor Purnima Mahto.

Dashing southpaw Saurabh Tiwary owns a bungalow at the complex but doesn’t stay there.

Though religious events like Durga Puja are organised on the premises, sports and cultural activities were limited until recently. “But from now on, things will change. We intend to involve residents in a variety of activities with the motto ‘Be Fit and Happy’. We will strive to make our society one of the best in Jamshedpur,” said Shekhar Bhowmick, secretary of the panel.

The committee has organised a walking race on October 2 as its maiden event. The contest, which will see participation from persons of 10 to 70 years of age, will take place inside the complex premises. “We have requested residents to contribute Rs 50 per head by September 30 for taking part in the race,” said Kumar, a former East Zone cricketer himself.

He added that the coming months would be lined up with football matches, painting contests, tennis ball cricket, table tennis and other events. Cultural events like drama and dance will also be organised.

The society also has plans to start tournaments among residential complexes developed by the Vijaya Group. These include Vijaya Green in Mango, Vijaya Shatabdi and Vijaya Golden in Sonari and Vijaya Heritage in Kadma.

The next meeting of the sports panel is scheduled on September 29, during which members would discuss the events to be added to their list.

Archery mentor Purnima Mahto welcomed the move. “It’s a good initiative from our society and it will develop unity and camaraderie among us,” she added.

Saurabh Tiwary echoed Mahto. “Well, I own a bungalow at the society but don’t stay there. It’s a healthy initiative and I would like to come and watch some of the events,” he said.