Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Shane Watson take time out to meet specially-abled children
What’s the story?
In a heartwarming gesture, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli and his teammates Shane Watson and AB de Villiers took a break from competitive cricket to meet specially-abled children at a Bengaluru-based non-governmental organization, Tamahar on Thursday morning.
The 28-year-old Indian cricketer took to Instagram to inform his fans about the visit through a picture, and the caption beneath it read: “Came to meet some really special children at tamahar with Shane and AB. What a special time and so much to learn from them. Just happy with small things in life.”
Came to meet some really special children at tamahar with Shane and AB. What a special time and so much to learn from them. Just happy with small things in life.
Speaking about his current initiative the Delhi-born batsman said, “Children and Youth are the next generation of students, leaders, entrepreneurs, and the future of the country and there is no better tool.
“This initiative is not just about fulfilling their basic needs but making them able to take care of their own needs and giving them an opportunity to learn, equipping them to face challenges and preparing them to be tomorrow's leaders.
“I am glad to be associated with Smile Foundation and contribute towards this endeavour.”
In case you didn't know...
This isn't the first time that Kohli has taken his time out to help the underprivileged or specially-abled children. In the past, the Virat Kohli foundation had joined hands with Smile Foundation to further the cause of the empowerment of underprivileged children.
The heart of the matter
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a hectic tournament and often becomes tiring for the players as they are supposed to bear the fatigue of frequent travelling in addition to the cricket matches that they compete in. Despite being the captain of the Royal Challengers and that of the Indian cricket team as well, Kohli has never been shy of venturing into social work and doing his bit for the society.
During the last season of the IPL, Kohli had visited an old-age home in Pune, after RCB's match against the Rising Pune Supergiants (as they were called back then) and had donated 50% of his earnings from that game for the betterment of the senior citizens residing there.
Author's take
This is a brilliant gesture by the RCB cricketers, as role models such as themselves might provide the much-needed inspiration to the kids who would obviously have dreams and aspirations of their own. Watching their favourite cricketers speak to them, especially Kohli who has a massive fan-following behind him, could lift their spirits and inspire them to make it big in their life as well, just as these cricketers have.