He had taken time out to interact with disabled jawans at the Pune-based Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, Khadki, through videoconferencing from Mumbai a couple of days ago.
Although ‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar did not celebrate his 38th birthday on Sunday following the demise of Sathya Sai Baba, he had taken time out to interact with disabled jawans at the city-based Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre, Khadki, through videoconferencing from Mumbai a couple of days ago.
The 45-minute interaction between the enthusiastic jawans and Sachin, an honorary Group Captain of the Indian Air Force, was a lively one, which was enjoyed thoroughly by the jawans.
The centre’s medical director, Colonel SP Jyoti, and the jawans cut a cake at the centre to celebrate Sachin’s birthday. Sachin too cut a cake.
Subedar Bhopal Singh Chaudhari recited a poem penned by him praising the national hero. “World Cup jeet liya, kar diya sabko dher, Sachin ne dikha diya sabko kaun he babbar sher (You have won the World Cup defeating other teams. Sachin has showed everyone who is the real lion).”
The cricketer had a wide grin on his face, with the jawans giving a thunderous applause as Bhopal completed his poem.
The 77-year-old veteran was quite excited after the interaction. “I am totally overwhelmed. I just can’t believe that I interacted with Sachin. He liked my lines. I feel that my dream came true,” said Bhopal, who fought three battles in his 22-year career in the army.
According to another jawan, Naik Nandram Chaudhari, since Sachin is the honorary Group Captain, he is part of their family. “He is our family member now. We are proud we have Sachin amongst us,” he said.
Sachin recalled that it was a very emotional moment for him when he was made the Group Captain. “I always have lot of respect for the jawans who protect our country fearlessly. I really feel proud to be part of their family,” he added.
The wheelchair-bound jawans questioned him about the game, his passion for tennis and his favourite holiday destination. Sachin said the Indian team is with the soldiers and they will take care that nothing falls short when it comes to aid and facilities.
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