Cricket is not just a sport in India, it is an emotion, passion & source of inspiration for millions. Growing up in communities where cricket has always been a unifying passion, most of us often watched matches on borrowed screens or heard commentaries on radios. Getting a glimpse of our favourite cricketing heroes or witnessing the excitement of a live match often feels like a distant dream for most of us. However, for five kids from Parikrma Humanity Foundation, an NGO based in Bengaluru, it was a dream-come-true moment when they not only got a glimpse of their cricketing stars but were in the practice nets with players of Indian national cricket team.
On a platform facilitated by SBI Life insurance and BCCI, the five underprivileged kids found themselves getting wicketkeeping tips from Sanju Samson, facing the bowling attack of ace wicket taker Arshdeep Singh and batting alongside none other than the current Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav himself.
Dream Come True for Underprivileged Kids
The five children from Parikrma Humanity Foundation, an NGO based in Bengaluru, had an unforgettable experience when they got to meet and interact with the Indian cricket team players. The event was facilitated by SBI Life Insurance and the BCCI, providing these underprivileged kids with a chance to meet their cricketing heroes.
The kids were thrilled to get wicketkeeping tips from Sanju Samson, face the bowling attack of Arshdeep Singh, and bat alongside Suryakumar Yadav. They also got to watch the India Vs Bangladesh T20 match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
SBI Life's Commitment to Empowering Children
This initiative by SBI Life Insurance goes beyond simply supporting cricket. It aims to empower underprivileged children by providing them with opportunities to dream big and achieve their aspirations. The company's commitment to enriching the lives of these children is evident in its support for their education and holistic development.
Mr. Ravindra Sharma, Chief of Brand, Corporate Communication, and CSR at SBI Life, shared his thoughts on the initiative, stating, “We’re honoured to have played a small part in helping these children experience such a significant moment in their lives. At SBI Life we look at our partnership with BCCI beyond supporting the sport to inspire fans across the nation and liberate them to dream big and pursue those dreams. We are thankful of the cricketing legends like Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Sanju Samson, to take time out and wholeheartedly play ball with kids, the quality time spent will be etched as an inspirational memory for the kids, encouraging them to dream big. Through initiatives like these, SBI Life remains committed to supporting and empowering children, ensuring that their dreams are nurtured both inside and outside the classroom”.
Impact on Children's Lives
The interaction with the Indian cricket team players has had a significant impact on the lives of these underprivileged children. It has not only given them memories they will cherish forever but has also instilled in them a belief that they can achieve their dreams, no matter their background.
Ms. Shukla Bose, Founder & CEO, Parikrma Humanity Foundation, expressed her gratitude towards SBI Life for the opportunity, stating, “SBI Life has been a great support to Parikrma in running our school and college for underserved children in Bangalore. They have not only helped us financially but also found various opportunities for our children. We are very thankful to SBIL for inviting some of our children to be at the 20:20 cricket match in Delhi. We believe this exposure is a very important life skill lesson for our students. We hope this opportunity will give our children the exposure they lack. Who knows, they could well be one of the cricketers playing for our country in a few years’ time. Thanks for helping us in nation building.”
A Moment of Inspiration
This initiative by SBI Life and the BCCI highlights the power of sport to inspire and empower. It shows that even small gestures can have a profound impact on the lives of underprivileged children. These children, who have faced challenges and limitations, now have a story to tell, a moment of inspiration that will stay with them forever.
Through initiatives like these, we can create a brighter future for underprivileged children and empower them to reach their full potential. The memories created by this dream-come-true encounter will serve as a reminder that anything is possible if one dares to dream big.
A Story of Hope and Inspiration
This story is a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of giving back to the community. It is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to dream big and strive for a better future. It is a story of hope and inspiration that we can all learn from and use to make a positive difference in the world.
