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GK Mahantesh – The story of a blind man hailed by Rahul Dravid as a ‘visionary’

GK Mahantesh, the founder Managing Trustee of Samarthanam, had his autobiography ‘Eye Opener’ launched by Rahul Dravid in a virtual function in Bangalore.

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Rahul Dravid hailed GK Mahantesh, the founder trustee of Samarthanam for the work done to Blind Cricketers in India.
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“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” This quote by Hellen Keller aptly sums up the journey of GK Mahantesh, the founder and managing trustee of Samarthanam. Mahantesh was born blind at birth, but it did not deter him from having a vision and a goal to ensure blind people in India lead a life of dignity. His love for cricket and combined with the zeal to make blind people acceptable to society buoyed him every time. It is with this determined mindset that Mahantesh founded Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled. Within that, he founded the Cricket Association of the Blind in India (CABI). His suppor is the prime reason that India are the Blind Cricket champions of the world from 2012 till now be it in ODIs or T20Is.

Recently, in a function in Bangalore, Mahantesh wrote his autobiography titled ‘Eye Opener’ and it was launched by none other than former India skipper Rahul Dravid. The virtual launch by Dravid was attended by Mahantesh and several other members and during the press conference, Dravid was full of praise for Mahantesh. “It is a great story of inspiration of what can be achieved if you have an extraordinary vision. We are inspired to what can be done to the society from the story of Mahantesh GK. He touched the lives of many people out there and made a difference in their lives. Mahantesh is a true leader who inspite of various adversities, went on with his journey and,” Dravid said.

Now, in an exclusive interview to DNA, Mahantesh has outlined the details of the book and how his help for Blind Cricketers continues despite the pandemic. He also added that getting Dravid to launch this book was not at all difficult.

“I did not have to convince him. I requested him that whether can he launch this book. He said no problem. I know him and so we worked out a specific date. He is always like that for us. I am very fortunate to know Rahul Dravid,” Mahantesh gushed with pride.

Will BCCI listen to Mahantesh?

The coronavirus pandemic has put a large question mark on whether domestic cricket can be played in India at all this season. With close to one lakh cases everyday, the situation is spiraling out of control as India reaches close to 50 lakh cases. If there is no domestic cricket, India’s players who are not playing the IPL might not get paid at all this season and this has raised serious questions.

Mahantesh and his organization have gone one step ahead of the BCCI. Knowing that the pandemic might cause massive damage, he has helped blind cricketers sustain themselves for at least a year. “We have had challenges in the past but the coronavirus pandemic is dangerous and it poses a grave threat. We have been working hard to overcome this. We have managed to get crash grants to 600 blind cricketers who have played domestic cricket. So, we are working hard to put in the efforts. We are not shaken by this pandemic. It is a very small grant. I do not know how long can it be sustained. But, it is a respite for them. A big thanks to the donors who helped us to do it,” Mahantesh said.

Even when the pandemic had broken out, Mahantesh and his Samarthanam did some massive groundwork, distributing food packers and PPEs (Personal Protective Equipments) to many villages in several districts of Karnataka. Despite the threat of the pandemic, when asked why did he venture out, he said, “I just wanted to do it. Yes, initially one two days I was scared. But then, I decided that come what may I will do it. We have to act as a catalyst. I was prepared that even if I get infected by the coronavirus, I am ok to face it. I can rest for 15 days and then come back.”

Memorable chapters of the book

In his book, Mahantesh has chronicled the extensive struggles that he faced when growing up and how those struggles made him determined to do well for Blind Cricketers. The most memorable chapter in the book was about his mother and family. When he recollected that, Mahantesh almost choked with emotion.

“Going back to my life, starting from all over again. I revisited my life. It was a fantastic exercise. Remembering my family, my parents, my fantastic childhood days, difficult times for my mother. She was worried about my life, worried about his future. ‘What will my son do? Will he have a life?’ The daily pujas which she did. Sad moments, but moments to remember,” Mahantesh said.

For Mahantesh, his gutsy journey will only get better recognition by the book. He may be blind, but he has a vision. And it is truly an eye-opener for society.

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