tribute 2 sachin newsletter , reflections

D I S T R I C T R O T A R A C T C O U N C I L

P R E S E N T S

EDITION -‐ 1

Message from the District Rotaract Representative:

Warm Rotaract Greetings... Time sure flies fast and here we are, at the half way stage of the year 2013-‐2014 “Let’s Be the Change”. So far it has been a wonderful journey with the success of the Assembly, two magnificent RYLA’s, a historic Presidential Conference and various avenues of service projects. It has been overwhelming to see all District Officials take up their responsibilities and perform to the best of their ability. I want to mention the EB team in particular for being one of the most active and YBRANT Editorial Board I have seen, reminding me of the editorial board during the time of PDRR Krishnakumar (KK). Thanks to the team for delivering a world class Directory that has now gained global reputation in Rotary circles as being one of the best Directory Rotaract has ever produced. Entire credit goes to the creative genius of Rtr. Swathi, EB Chair Rtr. Ram and the entire team that had worked tirelessly towards in delivering the directory. Looking forward, we have two huge events coming up after a period of lull owing to the exams.

Now the focus shifts to the Group Rotaract Meet (GRM) and the YBRANT Annual District Rotaract Conference. I urge you all to pull up your socks and support these two events just the same way you supported the District Rotaract Council during the Presidential Conference. Exciting times lie ahead and I am sure we will end this year having experienced the CHANGE we came for, ready for Inspiration

Coming back to this issue of the newsletter, being a tribute issue, I am happy see the focus being on Sachin. He is someone who has always inspired CHANGE from the times of India being poor performers abroad to today being one of the most consistent teams in Cricket. He has shouldered his responsibilities for 24 long years, and this tribute idea initiated by the Editorial board is a very small effort by the District Rotaract Council to say THANK YOU SACHIN.

Let’s Continue Being the CHANGE...

Rtr. PP PHF Ramkumar Raju A District Rotaract Representative RI District 3230

Message from the Chairperson -‐ Editorial Board:

Wishes to all my Rotaractors and Rotarian’s, After the Handbook, CD and a very successful launch of a District Directory, which is being praised as a milestone in our 3230 History, we are now back again. This time, with the Newsletter. It has been named as REFLECTIONS. “The Reflections" will Act as a monitor to showcase the talent of our District and project their projects. I would like to thank my EB team that is constantly working to set a benchmark in the avenue of Editorial board, by bringing in great ideas and delivering them. Hope you all support this venture and also benefit out of it. Talking about our theme "Tribute to Sachin", what can I say about this great man? It was SACHIN who introduced me to cricket, made me learn the game and play. Now my mind refuses to accept the fact that, he is a Former Indian Cricketer. I can only see his magnificent strokes in highlights and not live in action. I may never again get to hear the crowd going mad screaming "SACHIN! SACHIN! ". Mainly, his smiles on the field will always be remembered. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, you will be missed so badly by the Indian fans and World Cricket. You made us really proud and have become the pride of the nation. An Inspiration which began 24 years ago, and that which will never end. Thanks for all the memories and entertainment you have given in all these years. Good luck for your future. Hope to see you again. People will really be happy. Salute to the Master. _/\_ #Respect #ThankYouSachin #LegendsNvrRetire Regards, Rtr. Ram Kumar Chairperson -‐ Editorial Board

‘Testimonials from few ardent Sachinists’

Sachin!!! The GOD of Cricket! No matter what age a person is right from a small kid to a 90 yr old man who watches cricket, They worship Sachin! Personally I started loving the sport as a kid, when parents cheered while Sachin was batting. That’s when it struck me and I started watching 1996 world cup. I I dint know a thing about the game and was cluless on how it was played and assumed it was a funny game. Later in 1998, during the Sharjah series when I saw his back to back 100’s against Aussies, it was the best nightmare for bowlers. Well I watched all of his matches then on, he’s one solid batsman who can thrash fast bowlers!

I can keep on talking about this genius; we are living in an era where we don’t cry for our relatives or friends death. But along with my parents I cried during his farewell speech, got Goosebumps! The god of cricket will be worshiped for N number of generations and be a role model for all young cricketers!My dream or wish would be to bring Sachin to our Rotaract District 3230 event!!

Regards, Rtr.PP. Arjun Raja DRR 14-‐15 I was 10 when the DESERT STORM happened! I didn’t know much about the technicalities of cricket back then, but now each time I look at the highlights of that innings I pinch myself and feel privileged to have been born in the 90’s – the era of a legend – Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar! Some say he is a genius, others argue that he is God.. Ignoring the adjectives, what he has given to the game of cricket cannot be and will not be forgotten! Some Sachin moments that I will treasure forever is getting his autograph in a small bat at Park Sheraton during one of the tests back in 1999. I wish it had happened much later when I knew more about him, but I am one of the lucky few to possess his autograph! The world cup, the 200 at Gwalior, the Indian flag on his helmet, his boyish smile, his MRF bat, his straight drive and his unique stance... We will miss all this. Thank You Sachin for making my childhood worth it! Rtr. Neelesh ADRS, Events

I’ve never been much of a die-‐hard cricket fan. However, if there’s one cricketer I’ve grown to admire and respect, it’s this man, or should I say God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar. We could go on all day about his feats; there’s seemingly no end to them. But this is only part of what makes him so great. More than just a legendary cricketer, he’s a great human being and a perfect example of humility and simplicity. Nowadays, it’s so common to see players doing silly actions, taunting their opponents, and resorting to all sorts of un-‐sportsmanlike behaviour. Sachin was never one to do that. He let his performance speak for himself, not his antics. He’s never let his achievements go to his head, and always put the game ahead of his own ego. Nevertheless, he was the one who showed the way to hundreds of aspiring cricketers, that with sheer hard work and determination, you could be numero uno. Other legends will surely rise, but to the fans world over, Sachin Tendulkar shall forever remain the Little Master.

Rtr. Anuraag RC Madras Mount

Sachin Tendulkar -‐ The name says it all:

At the age of 16, the prime age of their life, most of the children would be busy studying for their 10th board exams, or roaming around the city with their friends. But there was this cricket prodigy, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar who had better ideas. The youngest player to play international cricket, was busy negotiating raw pace from the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and co. This required sheer determination and more importantly guts.

Over the past two decades, the fall of the second Indian wicket has created an unparalleled frenzy amongst cricketing fans around the globe. Sachin Tendulkar is 40 years old. We will see no more of those belligerent cover drives, the straight drives he plays with precision and those deft paddle sweeps which defined his batting. The records he has smashed down during his illustrious career can never be forgotten and maybe some of which would never be touched upon. Sachin is unarguably the greatest cricketer of this era and is a near-‐perfect ambassador for the game. Some knocks he’s played just can’t be erased from our hearts. The 90 odd runs he scored in a winning cause vs. England at Chepauk which i witnessed live from the stands can never be forgotten. The back to back Sharjah knocks, the double hundred in an ODI, 175 vs. Australia at Hyderabad, the 241* vs. Australia in Sydney where he didn’t play a single cover drive, a 177 at Trent Bridge vs. England, the 136 at Chepauk vs. Pakistan which went in vain and I can go on and on and on and on about his tremendous knocks.

Even now i sense Goosebumps, when i see those pulls, upper cuts, straight drives and cover drives. I’m saddened by the fact that Sachin would never again walk out at No.4 after the second wicket falls to take guard, and give nightmares to the bowlers. Bowling to Sachin itself is an honour and the 612 players he has played alongside in his career are extremely gifted. The way he has carried himself as a person on and off the field has inspired a million. The humility and the respect to the 22 yards which he has shown always in the last 24 years didn’t change even at the time when the entire nation was watching him leave in tears. The sheer respect and gratitude for his family, coaches, physios, managers, media personnel and mentors is something each of us needs to learn. However big you grow in life what really makes you stand out is this character you carry.

If i have to talk about this man, it would take me days to finish. We would never hear the “Sachiiin Sachin” chants around in the stands from now on. When Star Sports reads LIVE, Sachin will never be on the field again. These are very big shoes to fill in and India's most precious son has been a gift to the rest of the world too.

Each of his journeys to the wicket has led to a nervous excitement and each performance has given immense pleasure. I will miss him; every cricket fan would miss him, more than anything, CRICKET WILL MISS HIM.

#ThankYouSachin :’)

Rtr. Rashmi Rajamanickam RC Vepery

17 years ago..., during the 1996 world cup, even before I could spell the word cricket, I fell in love with Sachin and the game. I used to go along with my dad to the club for watching the matches. Every time Sachin bats my dad and his friends thought it was a lucky charm if I danced on the table. I used to jump from that table and hide under it feeling shy. I started enjoying all his shots under that table and that is how my love towards him began. In the year 1998, during the Sharjah cup coca cola series I used to stay awake till night 12 & 1 for watching Sachin play and his 143 runs were like Sachin telling me I love you. After reading an article about him educating 100 underprivileged children which was not even known to the media for a year, the love towards him increased drastically. During the 2003 World Cup, we all know Sachin's father expired.

He returned to India, did all the formalities and was back for the match, during that time when everyone said he will not be able to play he successfully added another century to his account. From 2003 till today there are many such incidents which made my love for him raise beyond boundaries. One last thing that I would love to share is me flying to Mumbai for watching his 200th and final match... It was an awesome feeling. We all know that many people love Sachin but the real love and feel was felt there.

Right from a 10 years old kid to 60 year olds cherished him. The word Sachin, Sachin, Sachin, brought tears to his eyes. During the IPL season we can witness our people supporting the foreign players as they want to support the home team. But during Sachin’s 200th match, every fan in the ground was supporting the West Indian team since every one of us wanted to see him play one last time. SACHIN for me, the man of talent, kindness, a leader, passion, love, simplicity, sincerity and what not... My role model.

By the great bats man, “Some balls are meant to be played out off the line (crease)... Only when we face such balls the real ability is shown. Even though it is a risk, it is where you can show case what you are... “

Rtr. Lakshmi Theja RC Loyola Community

The Journey of Sachin "GOD" Tendulkar from Age 11-‐40: -‐ At 11: Sachin Tendulkar played his first Giles Shield match against Khoja Khan School at Azad Maidan, scoring 24 -‐ At 12: Sachin Tendulkar scored a century for his school in the U-‐17 Harris Shield -‐ At 13: Sachin Tendulkar had a dream run in Giles Shield, scoring seven centuries, including a double ton -‐ At 14: Sachin Tendulkar was involved in a record-‐breaking 664-‐run partnership with Vinod Kambli -‐ At 15: Sachin Tendulkar scored a century on his first-‐class debut for Mumbai against Gujarat -‐ At 16: Sachin Tendulkar made his Test and ODI debut against Pakistan -‐ At 17: Sachin Tendulkar scored his maiden Test century -‐ a match saving 119 not out against England at Manchester in 1990 -‐ At 18: Sachin Tendulkar became the youngest Indian to appear in a world cup (1992) -‐ At 19: Sachin Tendulkar became Yorkshire’s first overseas signing and also the youngest to reach 1,000 Test runs -‐ At 20: Sachin scored his first Test century at home, against England at Chennai -‐ 165 studded with 24 fours and a six -‐ At 21: Sachin Tendulkar scored his first ODI century against Australia at Colombo – 110 off 130 balls -‐ At 22: Sachin signed a five-‐year contract for 300 million INR to become the most paid player in the history of cricket -‐ At 23: Sachin Tendulkar became highest run-‐getter in a world cup with 523 runs from 7 matches at an avg of 87.17 -‐ At 24: Sachin Tendulkar achieved a rare feat of scoring 1,000 runs in calendar year in both – Tests and ODIs -‐ At 25: Sachin Tendulkar scored back to back ODI centuries against Australia in Sharjah -‐ one on his birthday -‐ At 26: Sachin Tendulkar scored his first Test double century -‐ 217 runs against New Zealand -‐ At 27: Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to score 50 international hundreds with his 201* against Zimbabwe -‐ At 28: Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to aggregate 10,000 ODI career runs -‐ At 29: Sachin Tendulkar surpassed Bradman's record of 29 Test centuries by scoring 193, vs. England at Headingley (2001) -‐ At 30: Sachin Tendulkar scored 673 runs in 11 matches in world cup at 61.18 – most by any batsman in a single WC -‐ At 31: Sachin Tendulkar equaled Gavaskar's record 34 Test centuries with a career best 248* vs. Bangladesh at Dhaka -‐ At 32: Sachin Tendulkar scored his 35th Test century to go past Gavaskar’s world record tally of 34 centuries -‐ At 33: Sachin Tendulkar played his only T20 International and also became the oldest Indian to appear in T20Is -‐ At 34: Sachin Tendulkar crossed 15,000 runs in ODIs and 11,000 runs in Tests -‐ At 35: Sachin Tendulkar surpassed Brian Lara to become the leading run-‐scorer in Test cricket -‐ At 36: Sachin Tendulkar crossed 17,000-‐run mark in ODIs and also became the 1st player to score a double-‐century in ODIs -‐ At 37: Sachin Tendulkar achieved his dream of being part of a World Cup-‐winning team in Mumbai -‐ At 38: Sachin Tendulkar became the first player to score 100 international hundreds -‐ At 39: Sachin Tendulkar matched Sunil Gavaskar’s Indian record of scoring most (81) centuries in first-‐class cricket -‐ At 40: Sachin Tendulkar became the first sub-‐continent player to aggregate 50,000 runs in all recognized cricket

- Stats COURTESY : @BCCI Twitter Handle

I will continue to worship Sachin Tendulkar, says die-‐hard fan Sudhir Chaudhary:

He has stowed away on trains and paddled his way to cricket venues but for a passionate Sudhir Chaudhary, one of the greatest fans of Sachin Tendulkar, the retirement of his "god" and legendary batsman will not stop him from cheering the Indian team in future. The 32-‐year-‐old has devoted his life to Tendulkar and followed him everywhere to watch his icon bat, not only in India, but sometimes pedaling his way to Bangladesh to witness a cricket match in 2007 and Lahore, Pakistan in 2006. "I have dedicated my life to Sachin sir. I will continue to wave the tri-‐colour in every match India plays at home. 'Miss U Tendulkar 10' will be written on my back," Sudhir told PTI Bhasha from Kochi, where he will be seen cheering Team India in the first ODI against West Indies on Thursday. "I will never let his absence be felt on the ground till my last breath. I will keep cheering the team with tri-‐colour painted on my body as always," he said. Sudhir is usually seen with his body painted in the tri-‐colour, waving the national flag and blowing the conch shell during cricket matches. Sudhir said when Tendulkar made his way to the dressing room for the last time; he could not stop himself from crying. "I could not control myself and cried a lot. When he was delivering his farewell speech, I stood in one corner of the ground and cried. He told me to attend his press conference the next day but the hall was so crowded that I could not meet him," said Sudhir to whom Tendulkar had given a pair of sports shoes as souvenir just before his retirement. "I will meet Sachin sir after returning from Kochi. He is like a living god for me," he added. Tendulkar had invited Sudhir into the dressing room after India's World Cup win in 2011 at home to be pictured with him and the trophy, which made the thinly-‐built from Muzaffarpur, Bihar famous. Tendulkar had also ensured Sudhir's entry into the ground during the prize distribution ceremony and his lap of honour after playing his final and 200th Test in the international arena. "I can never forget that moment (with Tendulkar and World Cup trophy). Sachin sir has given me the memory of my lifetime. I am only one of his millions fans but it was so nice of him to do that for me. He is not only a great player but he is a great human being as well," he said.

Sachin’s Last Press Conference: The feeling has not quite sunk in yet but batting icon Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said it was the perfect time to end his dream journey in cricket as his body was finding it tough to cope with the rigours of international cricket. "It hasn't struck me that I won't play cricket again. It has been a dream journey, no regret that I am leaving cricket. This was the right time to stop playing cricket. It was an enjoyable journey," Tendulkar said at a packed press conference. "I had a question and when I looked for an answer, I felt it was the perfect time to leave the game." The 40-‐year-‐old maestro, who brought down the curtains on his career after playing his 200th Test, indicated that he would remain associated with the game after enjoying some time off. "Cricket has been my life, it is oxygen to me. In 40 years, at least 30 years I have played proper cricket. 75 per cent of my life has been cricket, so there will be some association with the game, maybe not in the immediate future. Asked why he touched the wicket in reverence on Saturday, Tendulkar said he just wanted to thank the game which made him an icon. "I knew never ever in my life I would get to do that again. And that is where my life started and those 22 yards gave me everything. It's like a temple for me. I wanted to say thank you to cricket. I just thanked cricket for everything that I got in my life," he said. "I was still enjoying cricket. I have always said the day I felt I should stop playing, I would inform you. I got that feeling, because after 24 years, you have to appreciate I had many injuries, not easy to overcome. You reach a stage when your body gives you a message, enough of this physical load. The body requires rest. The body is not able to take more load consistently," he said. "It was becoming an effort to continue training. Earlier, it used to be automatic," he explained. Reflecting on his glorious career, Tendulkar said being part of the 2011 World Cup winning team was the best moment of his journey. "When we won the World Cup two years ago. I had to wait 22 years for it that has to be a special moment. Yesterday, the way people responded, I don't know how to react to that, I want to say a big 'thank you' to everyone, so that was also special," he said. Asked about the most disappointing moment of his career, Tendulkar said, "The 2003 World Cup, we reached the final, we were playing so well, but we couldn't cross the final hurdle." "It was an emotional moment, I remember when I was thinking about retirement I don't think I was very emotional because I knew it was the right decision even though my family was," he said. "I became emotional with the way players gave me a send off, when I was talking to the wicket. Normally I am not very emotional because I knew it was the right decision. The thought that I won't be able to represent India again made me emotional," he added.

SOME FOND MEMOIRS TO REMEMBER

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