Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar shares how play shaped his childhood and life, saying it is essential for every child’s learning and development.
There are familiar sounds that echo across every childhood — the thud of a ball on dusty grounds, the laughter of children racing through narrow lanes, the rhythm of skipping ropes, marbles, songs and stories. Children making sense of the world through play is one of the earliest ways in which learning begins.
I recall how, as a young boy, I spent hours playing under the watchful eye of my coach. He would place a one-rupee coin on the stumps and challenge the bowlers to get me out. If they managed, they got the coin; if I stayed unbeaten, it was mine. Those coins remain my most treasured possession — they taught me focus, perseverance, and the determination to keep improving.
Long before scoreboards, stadiums, and international cricket shaped my life, I learnt through play. I learnt teamwork before I understood leadership. I learnt resilience by losing games and built confidence by trying again. Like millions of children around the world, I discovered that play was not merely recreation. It was preparation for life itself.
Today, through my association with UNICEF, I believe this message is more important than ever. Across the world, childhood is changing. Open spaces are shrinking. With academic pursuits and time spent online, the space and opportunity for children to play freely, imagine fearlessly, and interact meaningfully are reducing.
Neuroscience and the science of learning affirm the same truth: When children play, they learn for life. Through play, they build language, strengthen attention, develop self-regulation, practise problem-solving and learn to relate to others. This shapes readiness for school, participation in classrooms and the ability to learn.
The first eight years of life are among the most important in human development. During these years, the brain develops more rapidly than at any other stage of life. Research referenced in the WHO-UNICEF Nurturing Care Framework suggests that over 85% of brain development occurs before the age of six.
Early years shape the foundations of physical health, emotional security, language, curiosity, confidence and social understanding. They establish the basis for foundational learning: the ability to listen, communicate, focus attention, remember, reason and engage meaningfully in early literacy and numeracy.
India’s National Education Policy 2020 recognises the importance of play-based learning for young children. This is an important shift in emphasis, making play central to foundational learning in anganwadi and early grades. Classrooms are increasingly becoming spaces for joyful learning, where children learn by doing, exploring, and playing.
Addition is fun when taught as play with marbles; language and confidence through role play and shapes and colours through the immediate world around them.
Songs, stories and movement bring lessons to life, transforming classrooms into vibrant spaces filled with curiosity, participation and engaged young minds.
Playful learning continues beyond school, at home, on the streets, in the playground and does not require expensive toys or elaborate infrastructure. A mother singing local lullabies while feeding her child. A grandfather telling stories under a tree.
Siblings inventing games with household objects. A father walking with his child and pointing out birds, colours and sounds. Local stories, songs, games and cultural activities are all opportunities for learning. In these “ordinary” moments, children build vocabulary, attention, memory, imagination and relationships — the very foundations on which later learning depends.
If we want children to thrive, play cannot remain optional. It has to be protected, promoted and made a part of every child’s life — at home and in school making it everyone’s responsibility
We must recognise childhood for what it is — a joyous and precious stage that needs care, protection and possibility. As someone whose life was profoundly shaped through sport and play, I know its power first-hand. Let’s all make a conscious choice: to give children the time, space and reassurance to play, explore and simply be children. In doing so, we do more than preserve childhood; we help build a healthier, happier, and hopeful future for all.
Sachin Tendulkar is UNICEF regional ambassador for South Asia. The views expressed are personal.
Palghar (Maharashtra) [India], April 30: Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation (SHIF), a non-profit collaboration between Sachin Tendulkar, Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF)and Schneider Electric India, has transformed Guhir village in Maharashtra into a Climate Smart Village to drive clean energy access and sustainable livelihoods in rural India. The initiative focuses on enabling reliable energy access and strengthening rural livelihoods through an integrated, community-led model.
In an event today, Sachin Tendulkar was joined by Sara Tendulkar, and Saaniya Tendulkar, where they interacted with the beneficiaries, met women farmers and took stock of the diverse agricultural, craft, as well as horticulture products showcased by the village self-help groups.
At its core is a 40-kW solar array integrated with Schneider Electric IoT-enabled smart power management system that optimises energy use based on demand. The system powers irrigation pumps and agro-processing units, including paddy threshers, rice mill machines and spice processing units, which are operated through a women-led Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) managing local produce and strengthening the village’s value chain. It also supports 113 households, around 25 streetlights, and essential services, while electrifying the local Anganwadi, benefiting over 30 children.
Talking about the initiative, Mr. Sachin Tendulkar said, “Real change is often simple and grounded, and in Guhir we have seen a glimpse of that. When children, women, and youth take the lead, development becomes sustainable and meaningful. I hope this inspires many more villages to follow. I congratulate everyone involved in this initiative, and I am glad that SHIF was able to bring together like-minded teams to achieve this.”
On stage, Sachin was impressed by the brilliant oratory of the school children from the village. He added that these children will go on to put the name of their region on to the global stage. Noting that the village also houses a smart school under the SHIF, in cricketing terms, he wants to see the scorecard of such an integrated sustainable village model multiply.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India and MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said, “Clean Energy and Sustainable Livelihoods is the foundation on which communities build better lives. Guhir is a powerful demonstration of what becomes possible when technology, purpose, and partnership come together. Through SHIF, we are enabling farmers to grow more, empowering women to lead enterprises, and giving young people a reason to build their futures right where they belong.”
Reliable and sustainable energy access is critical to enabling livelihoods, strengthening rural infrastructure, and improving quality of life. However, many rural regions continue to face challenges due to inconsistent power supply and dependence on traditional energy sources. Climate Smart Villages aim to address these challenges by integrating clean and advanced energy technologies to support sustainable and inclusive development.
Implemented in partnership with the BAIF Institute for Sustainable Livelihoods and Development (BISLD), the initiative combines renewable energy technologies with community-led interventions to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen livelihoods, and build climate resilience.
Building on BAIF’s foundation, SHIF has adopted a holistic model focused on socio-economic upliftment, doubling irrigated land through solar-powered pumps, enabling solar-based agro-processing for higher farmer incomes, and ensuring 24×7 clean energy for households and street lighting. The initiative promotes community ownership through a women-led, community-managed approach.
The inauguration of Guhir as a Climate Smart Village marks a defining milestone, celebrating not just infrastructure but the power of collective purpose. Bringing together communities, civil society, and industry, this initiative demonstrates how clean energy can drive inclusive growth and lasting climate resilience. With the Guhir model poised for replication across India, Schneider Electric remains committed to enabling energy access and driving sustainable development, contributing to the nation’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.
About SHIF
Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation (SHIF) (https://www.shif.in/) is a collaboration between Mr. Sachin Tendulkar, through Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF), and Schneider Electric India (https://www.se.com/in/en/), a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability, who have come together to “Spread Happiness” by providing access to green energy to rural and semi urban communities of India and empowering communities and school children with sustainable livelihood opportunities and updated digital means of education through Renewable Energy, thus achieving SDG-4 and SDG-7 (Quality Education and Affordable and Clean Energy).
About Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF)
The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (https://www.sachintendulkarfoundation.org/) is the philanthropic institution of the Tendulkar family. Established with the vision of giving back to India, the foundation focuses on health, education, and sports for children. Through a network of committed partners, STF serves underserved communities across 18 states, reaching geographies that are often left unreached.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centres, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory. With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.
RAIPUR: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday visited tribal Dantewada district, interacting with children and backing a sports push in Bastar, a region now seeing a shift from Maoist violence to youth engagement.
Tendulkar landed in Jagdalpur with his family before heading to Chhindnar village in Dantewada, where he interacted with tribal children, observed local sporting talent and is expected to step onto the field with them. The visit, officials said, is aimed at strengthening sports culture in remote areas that are steadily emerging from the shadow of Maoist violence.
Calling Bastar a region full of “diamonds that need polishing”, Tendulkar said efforts are underway to develop around 50 school playgrounds and provide better sporting infrastructure for children.
Talking to reporters at Jagdalpur airport, Tendulkar said, “I am very happy that we have developed around 50 school playgrounds in govt schools.”
Through initiatives like the ‘Maidan Cup’, over 5000 children are expected to get a platform to showcase their talent in sports such as cricket, kabaddi, kho-kho, athletics and volleyball, he said.
The initiative, supported by Mann Deshi and Sachin Tendulkar foundation working in the district, is also focusing on capacity building. More than 15 teachers have undergone professional training, while structured coaching is being extended to children in rural and tribal pockets—many of whom are accessing organised sports for the first time.
Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the sports facilities were being developed in association with foundations and Sachin ji spending time with the children, inspiring them not just for cricket but also for other sports, makes this effort even more impactful. “Your arrival in the remote forested region of Dantewada, in Chindnar village, is not merely an inspiring moment, but a powerful picture of a transforming Bastar.”
According to district officials, each playground has been developed at a cost of less than Rs 4 lakh with facilities for 13 sports disciplines in several villages of Dantewada.
Scenes at the venue reflected the enthusiasm the visit has generated. Children gathered in large numbers, many clutching cricket bats, as Tendulkar signed autographs and interacted with them. For several young players, the moment was akin to a dream realised.
The visit comes at a time when Bastar is undergoing a visible transition. Once known largely for insurgency, districts like Dantewada are now seeing increased focus on youth engagement, sports infrastructure and education as part of a broader strategy to reshape the region’s identity.
From newly built grounds in remote villages to rising participation in local tournaments, the shift is evident. Programmes like the Bastar Olympics and proposals to host national-level tribal games are further reinforcing the region’s sporting ambitions
Maharashtra Governor presents Navabharat CSR Awards
Sara Tendulkar honoued
Maharashtra Governor C.P.Radhakrishnan presented the 4th edition of the Nava Bharat CSR awards 2025 at a function in Mumbai on Tue (4 Feb.)
Corporates, PSUs, organisations and individuals having done commendable work for society through their CSR funds were presented the awards.
The Governor released the Navabharat Navarashtra Tejotsav Coffee Table Book on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on the occasion.
Managing Editor of Navabharat Group Nimish Maheshwari, Founder & Trustee, Meghashrey Foundation Seema Singh, Chairman of Bajaj Foundation Shishir Bajaj and invitees were present.
The Governor presented the Navabharat CSR Award to Harshwardhan Nawathe, CEO of JSW Foundation, Sara Tendulkar, Director of Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, Saurabh Gadgil of PNG Jewellers and representatives of L & T group, Tata Motors, SBI Foundation, Dr D Y Patil Group, Crompton and Greaves, Ryan International School, Grant Medical Foundation and others.
Dantewada in Chhattisgarh is shedding the tag of being a Naxal-affected district and is carving a new identity for itself as a sports hub thanks to the local administration’s unique initiative supported by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar’s foundation.
With the Naxalite footprint gradually shrinking in the district, the administration has introduced ‘Maidan Cup’ in collaboration with the Mann Deshi Foundation and Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, under which 50 playgrounds will be developed in Dantewada to boost sports culture and talent.
“At least 20 playgrounds have been developed in the district so far with community participation as a part of the project, and by October, the target will be achieved,” Dantewada collector Kunal Dudawat told PTI.
Last year, the state government organised the Bastar Olympics 2024 to promote sports talents from the Bastar region, comprising Dantewada and six other districts.
The idea was to connect sports talents of Naxal-affected and sensitive districts with the world through games, he said.
“Along these lines, we decided to introduce Maidan Cup to provide dedicated playgrounds to children and youth to further boost sports talents in collaboration with the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation and Mann Deshi Foundation, he said.
Dudawat said in the first phase, 50 playgrounds will be developed in as many villages, and it will be replicated in the entire district in the next phase.
Vibrant playgrounds are being developed in existing spaces on the premises of government high, higher secondary and porta-cabin schools in the district with the help of community participation, he said.
The official said that 20 playgrounds have been developed with facilities for 13 different sports, including a running track, shot put, javelin throw, discus throw, long jump, wall climbing, etc.
He said the district administration could have built the playgrounds on its own, but the idea was to involve community and iconic figures like Sachin Tendulkar to attract youths and children.
The playgrounds were developed with materials available locally, and not more than Rs 4 lakh was spent on each of the facilities. Paintings on boundary walls of the playground have been done by local children, Dudawat said.
“With these facilities, we want the next sports personality of the country to come from the Bastar region. Youths of Bastar have been torchbearers in athleticism, with specific physical and genetic traits advantageous for particular sports. Several youngsters from the region join the police, paramilitary and armed forces, and with these playgrounds, we want the youth to shine in national and internal sports,” he said.
“In the long run, we want the next Sachin Tendulkar, Neeraj Chopra and PT Usha to come from Bastar,” he asserted.
The official said panchayats that develop the best playgrounds in their areas under this initiative will be rewarded with a skating park.
He further said the district administration has also been building a residential sports city, where elite athletes with medal potential from the region will receive specialised training.
This sports city will have cricket, football and hockey grounds, swimming pools and other sports facilities, he added.
“For the first time in India, there is a community movement to build a playground for children,” said Divya Sinha, who is leading the project from the Mann Deshi Foundation.
Bastar:
In the heart of Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, where echoes of conflict once overpowered the laughter of children, a quiet but powerful revolution is taking root – one that’s being sown not with politics, but with purpose; not with fear, but with footballs, cricket bats and kho-kho lines scratched into the soil.
Here, in a land long known for its dense forests, tribal heritage, and the dark shadows of Naxalism, India’s greatest cricketer is scripting a new innings. Sachin Tendulkar, the God of Cricket, is now becoming a patron of peace – laying the foundation of social change through sport, with the construction of 50 playgrounds in Bastar’s villages, in partnership with the Mann deshi Foundation.
These aren’t just playing fields. They are arenas of transformation.
They are the first green shoots of hope in places where for decades, dreams had no place to grow.
A New Narrative for Dantewada
For most, the name Dantewada conjures up a map marked with conflict zones. But now, that mental image is beginning to change – because in village after village, bamboo goalposts are going up, mud tracks are being levelled, and pull-up bars made from forest wood are being hoisted – not by outsiders, but by the villagers themselves. “We are not bringing contractors from outside,” says Divya Sinha of the Mann deshi Foundation, standing under the sun in Chhindnar village.
“People from 50 villages have gathered here. We’re conducting the Maidan Cup on this small, self-built ground. They’ll go back and build similar playgrounds in their own villages. Our foundation and the government will help, but the soul of this initiative is community.”
The initiative goes far beyond just fitness or recreation. These playgrounds will offer facilities for cricket, football, kabaddi, kho-kho, athletics – and serve as real-life classrooms for leadership, teamwork and self-discipline.
Sachin Tendulkar, whose life story itself is a lesson in perseverance and discipline, believes that sports teach values no textbook can. They bring children into a structure. They spark confidence. They anchor young minds to goals bigger than themselves. “I came from village Bade Godre,” says Virendra Kumar Kawasi, a local youth. “We were taught how to measure the field, how to mark the boundaries, and even dig a long jump pit. It felt good to learn this. I wish every school had a ground. When children play by the rules, they learn how to move ahead in life.”
For tribal communities who have historically lived on the margins of both geography and government policy, these fields are more than just sports facilities. They are bridges – from isolation to inclusion, from missed opportunities to moments of pride.
They offer a sense of belonging. A chance to compete, to win, and most of all – to be seen. A young boy from a remote Bastar village kicking a football across a dusty ground may never have dreamed of the Olympics. But now he can. Because someone like Sachin Tendulkar believes he should.
Each of these 50 playgrounds is a story in progress. In years to come, they may give India its future athletes, but even if they don’t, they will have already achieved something greater – giving a generation in Dantewada the confidence to dream again.
The villagers, the children, the mothers watching from the sidelines – all speak a common language of hope now. A local youth, his eyes glinting with excitement, says: “Now we don’t feel left behind. We will play too. And we will make something of ourselves.”
This is rural India’s silent revolution, built with mud, bamboo, belief – and one man’s vision to return something more lasting than just runs or centuries. In the tribal belt of Bastar, as goalposts rise and dust clouds swirl behind running feet, a new India is taking shape. And as always, Sachin Tendulkar is still at the crease – playing for the country.
Forty students—20 boys and 20 girls—from Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) schools have been selected to train under cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar at the Sachin Tendulkar Cricket Academy, Dr. D.Y. Patil Stadium. The students were chosen after a three-day selection camp in Nerul, where over 1,100 students participated.
The cricket icon and Bharat Ratna awardee also inaugurated a free scientific cricket training program for NMMC school students at the academy. The initiative, aimed at nurturing young cricketing talent, will provide structured coaching to aspiring players. Speaking at the event, Tendulkar praised NMMC, teachers, and parents for encouraging young talent and expressed confidence that this program would shape future cricket stars.
Recalling his journey, Tendulkar shared how his brother identified his talent and sent him to train under Coach Ramakant Achrekar. He stressed the importance of mentorship and urged parents to support children not just in success but also during challenges. “The journey in sports is driven either by the mind or the heart. A heart-driven journey overcomes obstacles and leads to true success,” he said, inspiring students to pursue cricket with passion.
Under the guidance of Academy Chief Coach Atul Gaikwad, a three-day selection camp was conducted, where over 1,100 students from municipal schools were assessed. From these, 240 were shortlisted, and finally, 20 boys and 20 girls were chosen for a year-long free training program. As part of the initiative, the training will be completely free for NMMC school students; each selected student will receive a free cricket kit, and the training sessions will be held at Dr. D.Y. Patil Stadium.
NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde expressed gratitude to Sachin Tendulkar and the academy for supporting municipal school students. “Persistent effort makes anything possible. I urge students to make the most of this golden opportunity,” he said. With this initiative, NMMC aims to develop young sports talent at the grassroots level, ensuring that future cricket stars emerge from Navi Mumbai.
Growing up, Sara Tendulkar remembers her grandmother, Annabel Mehta, deeply involved in non-profit Apnalaya, working to better the lives of underprivileged children in Mumbai. As a child, Sara would accompany her grandmother to Children’s Day events and marathons, keenly aware of the differences and her own privilege. In 2019, her father, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, and her mother, Dr Anjali Tendulkar, started the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF) to empower underprivileged children through sports, health, and education. So far, over 1.1 lakh children have benefitted from various initiatives across 15 states. STF has partnered with over 14 NGOs to create long-term measurable impact. These include Hi5, SR10 Global Academy, Yuwa, Manndeshi, and Shreeja for sport; Ekam, SRCC, Inga, Makunda, Sai Aashraya, and Parivaar for healthcare; and VVY, Parivaar, and SHIF for education. Recently, Sara officially joined the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation as a director. Sara, who holds an MA in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition from University College London, and will work to drive impactful changes in healthcare, sports, and education across India. In an interview with SocialStory, Sara Tendulkar outlines the STF’s focus on sports, healthcare, and education, and speaks of carrying forward the philanthropic legacy of her family. Edited excerpts: SocialStory (SS): The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF) was launched in 2019. What inspired its creation? Sara Tendulkar (ST): My family has always believed in giving back to society. My grandmother, after moving to India from the UK, dedicated her life to Apnalaya, an NGO focused on supporting underprivileged children. My mother, a pediatrician, has always prioritised children’s healthcare. My father has always believed in giving back to society. For years, my parents were involved in various charitable initiatives, but they realised that a structured approach would create greater impact. In 2019, they officially launched STF to ensure that their philanthropic work was strategic, sustainable, and far-reaching. At its heart, STF is about creating opportunities for children across India—giving them access to quality education, healthcare, and sports so they can lead better and more fulfilling lives. SS: STF focuses on sports, healthcare, and education. Why were these three areas chosen? ST: The foundation’s pillars are deeply rooted in our family’s values. My father has always believed that every child should have access to sports. My mother, as a pediatrician, has seen how early medical intervention can transform a child’s future. My grandfather, a professor, always emphasised that education is the foundation of empowerment. These values resonate with the family, and naturally became the core pillars of STF. SS: What are some key projects STF is working on right now? ST: We have partnered with 14 NGOs across 15+ states, focusing on projects that create long-term, measurable impact. Some of our most significant initiatives include:Children of the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation’s (STF) Sports for Development programs got a unique opportunity to observe cricket greats in action on the field.
Children of the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation’s (STF) Sports for Development programs got a unique opportunity to observe cricket greats in action on the field, as per the release from International Masters League (IML). Their pride was visible as they walked out onto the field at DY Patil Stadium alongside the India Masters and England Masters teams and stood to attention next to Sachin Tendulkar as the National Anthem played. A battle of skill, strategy and cricketing nostalgia unfolded as the yesteryear cricketing stars assembled under the floodlights of a packed DY Patil Stadium here to witness the India Masters riding on an all-round brilliance to convincingly beat England Masters by 9 wickets in another enthralling International Masters League 2025 affair.
India’s hunt for 133 began with a vintage touch of the little master Sachin Tendulkar, slamming five boundaries and a six for his 34 off 21 deliveries to raise the tempo with a 75-run opening partnership in mere 7 overs with Gurkeerat Singh Mann, who was equally aggressive with an unbeaten 35-ball 63.
The electric atmosphere at the stadium came to a brief standstill once Sachin made his way back to the pavilion, after being caught by Tim Ambrose off Chris Schofield, with the crowd, roaring just moments ago, falling into stunned silence.
However, the arrival of the dangerous Yuvraj Singh changed the mood as he brought back the cheers, with a gigantic six over midwicket off the second ball he faced from the English leg-spinner. The southpaw seemed to be in a hurry to finish off things, smoking four boundaries to finish off on an unbeaten 14-ball 27, and more importantly stitched a 57-run undefeated stand with Gurkeerat to take India Masters home in just 11.4 overs.
Earlier, the third match of the inaugural IML served up a classic as Sachin Tendulkar’s India Masters invited Eoin Morgan’s England Masters to bat after electing to field in the high-stakes battle.
The decision seemed to have paid off for the hosts when Abhimanyu Mithun struck in the third over with the wicket of stumper Phil Mustard (8) before Dhawal Kulkarni joined the party by dismissing Morgan for a 13-ball 14, to leave the visitors in a spot of bother inside the powerplay.
Tim Ambrose and Darren Maddy took charge of the proceedings after the early dismissals of the opening combo, and the duo put up a calculative 43-run stand for the third wicket to stabilise the innings, before left-arm spinner Pawan Negi struck twice in a span of two overs to keep India ahead in the contest.
While Ambrose contributed with a 22-ball 23, Maddy came up with 25 off 24 balls before falling to the same bowler. Tim Bresnan struck a couple of boundaries during his 19-ball 16 before being packed off by Kulkarni.
With half the side back in the dugout for 89 runs, England needed some late order blitzkriegs but India’s disciplined bowling attack did not allow any freebies, as Vinay Kumar got rid of the dangerous Dimitri Mascarenhas for single digits, before Mithun and Kulkarni struck again to remove Chris Tremlett for an 8-ball 16, and Steven Finn (1). Towards the end, Chris Schofield’s undefeated 8-ball 18 gave the tourists the much-needed push.
For India, Dhawal Kulkarni was the pick of the bowlers, returning impressive figures of 3/21, while Abhimanyu Mithun and Pawan Negi bagged two wickets apiece. Vinay Kumar picked up a wicket for the home side.
It was in 2023 that Anjali and Sachin Tendulkar met Bill Gates during the latter’s visit to Mumbai. They found common ground in their thoughts on philanthropy and child health giving shape to a collaboration between the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF) and the Gates Foundation (GF) to support holistic growth of children, according to a release from STF.
The collaboration was formalized recently when the STF and GF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly tackle issues in healthcare, nutrition, education, and rural development, with a particular emphasis on those impacting children. This partnership will drive synergy between GF’s and STF’s expertise, resources and local insights to drive meaningful outcomes across India.
The Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, established in 2019 by Anjali and Sachin Tendulkar, has focused on improving access to healthcare, education, and sports for underprivileged children. Over the years, STF has worked with various NGOs and institutions, impacting over 100,000 lives and its journey reflects a commitment to creating innumerable opportunities for the next generation.
Earlier, the Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates shared a video with Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, captioned “A snack break before we get to work,” as per a video posted by Gates on Instagram.
In the video, Gates and Tendulkar were seen enjoying vada pav together while sitting on a bench. The clip concludes with the caption, “Serving soon.” Reflecting on his visit to India, Gates wrote in his blog, “I came away with new ideas because India is full of smart, ambitious people tackling some of the world’s hardest problems in creative ways.”
Tendulkar, famously known as the ‘God of Cricket,’ still holds the records for the most runs in Test and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), along with the unique achievement of scoring 100 international centuries. Renowned for his exceptional skills and mastery of cricket, he entertained fans across the globe from 1989 to 2013.
The Mumbai-born cricketer made his Test debut on November 15, 1989, at just 16 years old, and played his first ODI on December 18 of the same year. Across 664 international appearances, he scored a total of 34,357 runs at an average of 48.52, remaining the highest run-scorer in international cricket. His 100 centuries and 164 half-centuries remain unmatched in the sport’s history.
Tendulkar was the first cricketer to score a double century in ODIs and played a record 200 Test matches. In ODIs, he accumulated 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83, including 49 centuries and 96 half-centuries. In Tests, he amassed 15,921 runs at an average of 53.78, with 51 centuries and 68 fifties.
A key member of India’s ICC Cricket World Cup-winning squad in 2011, Tendulkar fulfilled his lifelong dream of lifting the prestigious trophy after making his World Cup debut in 1992. From 2008 to 2013, he represented the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), helping them clinch the title in 2013. (ANI)