Sports and recreational activities at NCBS gained momentum recently with the opening of the sports facilities of the SCDC (Sports Cum Dining Complex). The new facilities provide a ray of moonlight to brighten the lives of students too often caught up in a vicious circle of work and worry. Every evening now sports lovers flock to the SCDC, a much welcome addition to NCBS culture. Those who used to take an evening walk or jog around the nearby GKVK campus now throng to the SCDC. The efforts of Engineering and Administration, and the construction staff themselves, have made this all possible and must be applauded.

The sports complex houses a fitness room on par with a modern gymnasium. There are also separate courts for indoor games such as badminton, squash and the ever-popular table tennis. The basement sunken courts are furnished with highly-finished wooden floors and equipped appropriately to suit the needs of each game. The swimming pool behind the main complex building is located close to the lake and trees, an inspiring natural setting.

Those of a more leisurely persuasion can be armchair sports-lovers and cheer on their favorite teams while watching the LCD television of the Recreation Facility. Rumour has it that even the odd teleserial or two is also being enjoyed on the big screen. The lawn on the terrace along with the stone stairs has become a popular place to gather and swap news.

The sports complex is an almost revolutionary addition to NCBS. Many students used to travel into to the city to pursue ther sports and pastimes, always a daunting task. Others never took up sports at all, but the complex is making it easy for first time users to quickly pick up new sports, helped along by their peers. This has opened up whole new avenues for socializing on campus, bringing benefits beyond the exercise or sport itself.

Of course, with a great amenity, comes great responsibility. “The show is run by new sports committee that arose like a phoenix out of the ashes of the old gym committee”, says U.S. Bhalla, professor at NCBS. Users in each sport group frame their own set of regulations and strike their goal in order to ensure smooth functioning of the respective facility. The members of overseeing committee do perform certain tasks, but it is the self disciplined approach of the users that keeps activities at the sports complex on the right track. Visitors gain entry by using their access cards to open the electronic lock system, as in other parts of the campus. In the pool, special lanes, and times, are set aside for use by different user types. For example the 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm slot has been allotted for families to gather and bond while splishing and splashing.

Most of the users are elated at the new opportunities and have commented that the ambience at the SCDC is better and brighter than the old facilities. Although we all remain engrossed with our work, one can maintain health, achieve mental peace and be a part of the community by taking some time out at the SCDC. We should all be aware of the beneficial impact of recreation on our physical and mental well being. Let's not be dull, but brill.