Kapil is on a US fundraising tour for his non-profit Khushii, which helps educate underprivileged children

NEW YORK (TIP):  As India’s sportspersons increasingly win accolades and script history in international arenas, cricket legend Kapil Dev credited parents of children and youngsters for their achievements at sporting events, saying the day parents want their kid to become a sportsperson, India “will produce” champions.  With India scripting history by lifting its maiden Thomas Cup, the first time ever in over 70 years that the country won the prestigious badminton trophy, and also adding medals to its tally in other international sporting events such as the Olympics, Dev said he feels it is the parents and not the kids who should be credited with India’s successful performances at global sporting events. “I feel (it’s) the parents, not the kids. We produce more doctors, scientists, engineers in our country because parents want them to. The day parents want their kid to become a sportsperson, we will produce all champions,” Dev said here Tuesday.

          Dev was responding to a question by PTI on what changes he has witnessed in Indian sports over the years that is propelling the country’s sportspersons to create history on the international sporting arena.

          Dev was the Guest of Honor at a special event hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations to commemorate India’s 75 years independence. The event, attended by members of the Indian diaspora and cricketing fans, marked India’s cricketing achievements.

          Dev, considered one of the greatest all-rounders of all times who helmed the Indian cricket team in its historic 1983 World Cup victory, gave an example that even if his daughter had to appear for a 10th grade examination and simultaneously play for junior India, he would tell her to “go and study. But in America or Europe or Australia, they will say drop this year, play for junior for your country and next year you give exam. That thought process in our country hasn’t changed yet. But it’s changing. That’s why I said parents are more important than the kids in our society, the way we are.”

          Recalling his time as a young kid, Dev noted that he used to hide his sports clothes in his school bags and quietly go and play but today’s parents are more keen to see their children take up sports. “Today I feel so proud to see the parents taking their kids to come and play.”

          In his remarks, Dev said that at 75 years, India is a “young country” which has achieved what not many in the world are able to achieve. “India has come a long way in such a short span, because the country’s age is not 75,” he said adding that the country has a rich culture and heritage built over thousands of years.

          Dev also spoke about the work his NGO Khushii is doing in the field of children’s education. He pointed out that when he was a young kid, a lot of people helped him and that enabled him to achieve success in his life.

          “There are so many other young people out there. They need your help,” he said adding that if people lent a helping hand to the children in need, they can grow up to become the prime minister of the country in future. “These young kids need encouragement. And when you give encouragement to the next generation, your country changes,” he said. Dev added that many people have been fortunate to have a lot in life and if they share their love, affection and money with those in need, it will make a huge difference in the lives of the country’s young boys and girls. “Your small help will definitely make a lot of difference to those people.”

          He urged people to work together to raise the standard of the world, not just of one country. “If we can all collectively decide, we can change,” he said adding that sports has the power to bring that change.

          Consul General Randhir Jaiswal said the event celebrates the success of the legendary cricketer and “through his achievements, celebrates the contribution of cricket and sports in nation-building”.

          He said Dev’s contribution to the game of cricket, his lifting of the 1983 Cricket World Cup as the Indian captain is “ever etched in our minds.”In December last year, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signed a legislation that recognizes the sport of cricket as an important part of the social and cultural fabric of New York State, and expands the State’s capacity to officially promote the sport. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Kevin Thomas, the first Indian-American to serve in the New York State Legislature, and Assemblymember Nily Rozic.

          On the occasion, Thomas presented Dev with a copy of the certificate signed by the Governor “proclaiming cricket as a sport that is worthy here in the state of New York.”

          Indiaspora, a nonprofit community of global Indian leaders, hosted events in honor of Dev and also organized a private screening of the movie ’83’ during his trip to the US.

          Special videos on the work done by Khushii, particularly amid the COVID19 pandemic, Dev’s cricketing achievements as well as efforts by the diaspora to promote cricket in the US were played on the occasion.

Kapil Dev is on a US fundraising tour for his non-profit Khushii, which helps educate underprivileged children

The Indian Panorama publisher  Prof. Indrajit S Saluja described Kapil as a great person on and off the field. Appreciating the work his organization Khushi is doing for children, Prof. Saluja offered to carry all  advertising free of cost for ever. There were quite a few others who offered their support and services for Khushii.

(With inputs from PTI)