For the five children from the Parikrma Humanity Foundation, the day started like any other, but turned into an unforgettable experience later, when the young, eager minds from an underprivileged background in Bengaluru were given a rare opportunity to meet their cricketing idols – the Indian cricket team – in Delhi. This extraordinary encounter was made possible by a platform created by SBI Life Insurance’s partnership with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide meaningful engagement, which can inspire children to dream big in life. It was not just a day of excitement, but a transformative experience – one that gave these children more than just autographs and selfies. It gave them hope and inspiration! For children in India, cricket is more than just a sport. It is a dream, a passion that runs through the veins of millions across the country. From the narrow lanes of villages to the urban cricket pitches, the love for the game is a unifying force that transcends socio-economic barriers. For many, cricketing heroes symbolise success and triumph over adversity, making them beacons of hope. In communities where poverty often dampens ambition, cricket provides an escape – a world of possibilities where talent can change one’s destiny. The game has the power to unite people from all walks of life, and for these children, getting a glimpse of their heroes was akin to touching the stars. In the bustling city of Delhi, the five children – Deepika, Mailari, Ananya, Nava and Paogouhao – from the Parikrma Humanity Foundation, found themselves walking into the same practice nets that some of India’s most celebrated cricketing legends train on. With wide eyes and excited smiles, they interacted with players like Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson and Arshdeep Singh. These weren’t just fleeting encounters. The children were not mere spectators on the sidelines – they were immersed in the atmosphere, absorbing every moment of the encounter. The players took time to engage with the children, sharing tips, stories and even indulging in an impromptu game, making the experience both personal and deeply inspiring. What made this experience even more impactful was the humility of the players. For these children, who often face challenges at every step of their lives, watching their idols interact so genuinely reminded them that greatness doesn’t come from privilege, but from perseverance and dedication. It was a powerful lesson – that success isn’t defined by where you come from, but by how hard you’re willing to work to achieve your goals. It was in these small, intimate moments – Sanju Samson showing the kids a few wicket-keeping tricks, Arshdeep Singh bowling for them to bat against – that the magic truly happened. The players’ willingness to not only interact but also connect with the kids gave the entire encounter a sense of genuine warmth and camaraderie. The children, for their part, soaked it all in, every tip, every smile, every pat on the back adding to their sense of belonging and possibility. For kids like Deepika, who had only seen cricket on a small TV screen, being in the presence of her heroes felt like stepping into a dream. She had never imagined that a day would come when she could not only watch but play alongside the cricketing legends she had admired from afar. But it wasn’t just about fanfare or star power.
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The cricketers offer a deeply inspiring experience to the Parikrama kids
