Sachin had earlier donated Rs 50 lakh to help India in its battle against COVID-19.

After donating Rs 50 lakh to help India in its fight against COVID-19, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has now pledged to help 5000 people with their ration for a month with the help of an NGO named Apnalaya as the country is in the middle of a lockdown in an attempt to beat the spread of the virus.

The only Indian sportsperson to be given the Bharat Ratna honour, Tendulkar, will provide ration to people belonging to the underprivileged section of the society for an entire month.

The NGO themselves took to Twitter to break the news and thanked the master batsman for extending his support at a time when the entire world is battling a pandemic.

“Thank you, @sachin_rt for stepping in & helping Apnalaya help the ones suffering the most during this lockdown. He will be taking care of the ration of around 5000 people for a month. There are many more individuals who need your support, people! Donate below!”, Apnalaya posted on Twitter.

Replying to the tweet, Tendulkar wrote: “My best wishes to @ApnalayaTweets to continue your work in the service of the distressed and needy. Keep up your good work.”

The dreaded COVID-19 virus has already infected more than 16,00,000 people worldwide while it has also claimed over 96,000 lives. There is still no sure shot treatment of the virus and social distancing, self-isolation and maintaining hand hygiene remain the only potent weapons to prevent oneself from getting infected.

Tendulkar has made the donation of an unspecified amount to Hi5 Youth Foundation, a non-profit organisation based out of Mumbai.

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has provided financial aid to 4000 underprivileged people, including children from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of Mumbai, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Tendulkar has made the donation of an unspecified amount to Hi5 Youth Foundation, a non-profit organisation based out of Mumbai.

“Thanks Sachin Tendulkar for proving once again that sports encourages compassion! Your generous donation towards our COVID-19 fund enables us to financially aid 4000 underprivileged people, including children from BMC schools. Our budding sportspersons thank you, Little Master!” tweeted the organisation while expressing gratitude to Tendulkar.

The 47-year-old also replied to the organisation and said: “Best wishes to team Hi5 for your efforts in supporting families of daily wage earners.”

In April, the former Indian batsman had pledged to help around 5,000 people for a month in Shivaji Nagar and Govandi area of Mumbai through an NGO named Apnalaya.

Before that, he had donated Rs 25 lakh each to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (Maharashtra) in his bid to join the fight against COVID-19.

The Master Blaster has been urging people to adhere to the guidelines issued by the government and stay indoors during the ongoing nationwide lockdown in place amid the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed over 1900 lives in the country thus far.

NEW DELHI: May 31 is celebrated across the globe as World No Tobacco Day and while many speak of Sachin Tendulkars credentials on the cricket pitch, one of his many heart-winning traits off the field has been his commitment to never endorse tobacco products or alcohol.

Tendulkar has been an icon for youngsters for more than three decades. During his playing days, he mesmerised the cricketing fraternity with his brilliant batting skills, inspiring many youngsters to take up the sport. However, it’s not just his cricket accomplishments which have made him a global icon. It’s his off-field behaviour as well which has forced billions across the world to aspire to become like him.

In 1996, the Master Blaster was approached to endorse a tobacco product when the tobacco companies first jumped onto the “bat sponsorship” bandwagon. But he refused.

Sources close to the 47-year-old say multiple attempts by surrogate advertisers to rope him have failed during the course of the years. Even though companies started advertising under the garb of flavoured cardamom or pan masala and soda, the Master Blaster has refused to budge.

An alcohol brand had apparently approached his office soon after his retirement and was willing to offer a multi-year contract of Rs 20 crore to avail his services. However, Tendulkar stood his ground and was not ready to trade values for commercial benefit.

As we gear up to celebrate No Tobacco Day on Sunday, Tendulkar’s telling act of saying no to tobacco endorsements has silently supported the efforts of creating awareness about the ill effects of tobacco consumption.

“Sachin is a hero for millions of people in India. Me, including my entire family, follow Sachin. He is god of cricket. I have worked with him and he is a very genuine person,” Raj Kamble, Founder and CCO, Famous Innovations told IANS.

“He is Bharat Ratna and people look up to him. I am glad that he has set an example by never endorsing any tobacco or alcohol product throughout his cricketing career and not even after his retirement. Celebrities, actually, should not endorse any tobacco or alcohol brand as it affects many people,” he added.

Tendulkar had revealed the reason for this stance a little after his playing days while addressing the advertising community in 2015. “One thing my father told me… try not to promote tobacco and alcohol. So those are the two things I stayed away from,” he had said.

He could have made a fortune putting up logos of tobacco brands – but it would also have put cigarettes on the lips of several youngsters across Indian subcontinent and beyond. That is just not acceptable for the legend.

When Sachin Tendulkar talks, people listen. The iconic cricketer has generously lent his voice and money in the fight against COVID-19. And he’s not the only sports star pitching in to do his bit.

The late 1980s was a challenging period for India, and the nation desperately needed hope and respite. They needed a savior. And, some would say, they got one. In 1989 Sachin Tendulkar, the most unlikely of heroes, emerged.

The then 16-year-old cricket player made his debut in international cricket. His contagious charisma and incredible talent won over the hearts of millions, effectively bringing together an entire nation.

Mesmerised by the way he swung his bat as a flyer, thrashing speeding attacks and crushing former records, the people finally found their escape from real life. Kids idolised him and parents wished they had raised him.

Even fellow cricketers, opponents and home team alike, praised his name. Famous batsman Brian Lara once said, “Tendulkar is to cricket what Michael Jordan is to basketball and Muhammad Ali is to boxing.”

Australian cricketer Mark Waugh admitted that when playing against him, “you almost want to see him get a few runs, just to see him bat”. Perhaps the highest praise though came from Australia’s Matthew Hayden, during a tour in 1998: “I have seen God. He bats at No. 4 for India in tests.”

And today, while Sachin is no longer batting professionally after retiring in 2013, the ‘God of cricket’ has yet again risen – this time as a hero for the sick and hungry.

In light of COVID-19 and its merciless grip on India, the cricket legend made a significant donation to not-for-profit organisation Apnalaya in April to help feed 5,000 people for a month during the country’s aggressive lockdown.

He has further helped with rations for 2,670 people in Alibaug, a coastal town in Maharashtra, and donations for 4,000-plus people from underprivileged families, and 2,500 people in other separate donations.

Earlier, Sachin contributed another desperately needed INR50 lakh to help fight COVID-19 at the government level, giving INR25 lakh (US$32,000) to each the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund in Maharashtra – an area which fast emerged as the epicentre of coronavirus victims in India.

“Being safe lies in our hands – yours and mine.” – Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin’s philanthropy does not arise out of event-based donations, however. He has been making significant contributions, irrespective of whether disasters arise or not.

According to a source close to Sachin, he has committed close to a million dollars worth of donations through the various NGOs he works with.

As an honorary member of Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament of India, he donated his entire salary of INR95 lakh (US$126,000) – which he was entitled to receive as a Rajya Sabha MP – towards the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

He also adopted two villages, Donja in Maharashtra and Puttamraju Kandriga in Andhra Pradesh, where he created infrastructure and ensured they became open defecation free.

He said on LinkedIn, “Seeing the village don a new look after two years of infrastructural development had a joy that can’t be put into words.” Sachin has also used his platform to empower his fans worldwide during this uncertain time.

He was one of the earliest to raise awareness about COVID-19, making a series of videos – which were seen by millions of his online followers, and was also picked up by regional and national media houses, government and non-government agencies to amplify the messaging further.

Partnering with WHO (World Health Organization) to share its #SafeHands Challenge, Sachin filmed himself talking about the dangers of COVID-19 and followed it up with a 20-second hand wash, cementing current hygiene guidelines while proving it’s a fight the entire world – rich and poor, young and old – is in together.

“Being safe lies in our hands – yours and mine,” he says in yet another message of hope, this time directed towards the many Indian nationals working in Singapore. To close out his message, he shares, “Stay at home, stay healthy. Let us all work together to overcome this challenge.”

Sachin is in a very unique position to offer help on a grand scale during this pandemic. Being one of the best cricket players of all time has brought him incredible wealth, both from his time on the field and indirectly through advertising.

As a trusted voice to millions, he continues to earn more and more as the face of hundreds of popular brands like BMW, Gillette, DBS, Apollo Tyres and IDBI Federal Life Insurance, to name a few. In fact, he’s one of India’s highest-paid brand ambassadors.

When he speaks, people listen. Post-retirement, Sachin has proven he’s more than just a talented sportsman and trusted influencer, he’s also quite the businessman. To manage brand Sachin, he launched his company called SRT Sports Management alongside his wife Dr Anjali Tendulkar.

Through this organisation, he hopes to transform India from a sport-loving nation to a sport-playing nation. He’s also involved with businesses ranging from the tech space to sports and retail.

In 2013, the master cricketer invested in sports entertainment company Smaaash Entertainment, which operates in Mumbai, Gurgaon, Nolda, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ludhiana. Three short years later, Sachin continued his investment streak with tech-based start-up Smartron.

The company started out making products like smartphones and, after much success, has since moved on to smart homes. Further, he holds an impressive 10% stake in the sports merchandising and fashion retail startup Universal Sportsbiz.

No matter where his business ventures take him, Sachin diligently continues his giving streak, winning him the respect, admiration and adoration of millions everywhere.

During the recent Australian bushfires, Sachin even donated a generous US$16,000 to help victims rebuild their lives.

The joy continues as he represents UNICEF as Regional Goodwill Ambassador for South Asia, a long-term partnership which has spanned more than a decade, and involves himself with the Spreading Happiness InDiya Foundation project.

His list of charitable giving is seemingly unending, leaving the world left to wonder, how does this one man do it all? While there’s no straightforward answer, Sachin lets the world in on a small part of his secret: “I am not thinking too far ahead, I just want to take it one thing at a time.”

CHENNAI: In his glittering career, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar has partnered with organisations for numerous social causes. Now, he will be part of the Gillette Barber Suraksha Programme. As a part of the campaign, Gillette India has launched a film supported by Tendulkar that takes consumers through a nostalgic journey recalling the various instances they must have experienced at barber shops. Through the film, Gillette showcases the holistic support that is being given to barbers to enable them to get back to business.

Commenting on the programme, Tendulkar said, “While many have been affected by the lockdown, our barber friends are among those who have taken the maximum impact. Gillette Barber Suraksha is timely & very much needed right now. It’s heart-warming to Brand Advocate Sachin Tendulkar on Instagram. Be a part of it to make a positive difference to their lives and truly #GroomTheirFuture.”

The programme is aimed at educating, protecting and providing resources to the barber community as they return to business. Gillette and Barbers have a special bond as partners, and together they are a part of the essential fabric that grooms everyone, every day. As part of the campaign, Gillette will provide an insurance cover of up to Rs 1 lakh to barbers, educate them on safe operations via videos co-created with renowned stylist Aalim Hakim and provide them back-to-business support via specially curated product kits covering requirements for 2 months.

Life insurance company, IDBI Federal Life Insurance has announced the launch of its brand campaign, #FutureFearless which seeks to remind people that the future is not a source of fear, but a place of possibilities.

The campaign launched with a film featuring cricketing legend and the organisation’s brand ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar. The film showcases the differences in perception about the same issues between parents and kids. While parents are worried about how things will shape up, and see nothing but challenges, the kids view the future with optimism and are confident that they will be part of the solution. The film shows parents how out of sync their own fears are when compared with their kids’ fearless dreams.

Karthik Raman, chief marketing officer and head, products, IDBI Federal Life Insurance, said, “Our latest campaign is a timely intervention to encourage grown-ups to learn from their own children who dream fearlessly about their future and to look ahead with optimism. Thoughtful financial planning, through our IDBI Federal Life Insurance Child Plans, has the power to not only enable a positive change in outlook toward the future but also facilitate the future that our children are fearlessly dreaming about.”

“#FutureFearless is a much-needed campaign in these uncertain times. It gives confidence and encouragement to parents that with the right planning, they can give wings to their children’s unfettered dreams,” Tendulkar said.

Venkatagiri Rao, creative head, VMLY&R India, said, “ Unless parents wake up and overcome their fears to embrace emerging technologies today, they will make their worst fears come true for their children. #FutureFearless is a wakeup call to parents. As an insurance brand, it is imperative that we help our customers make the most of the future, and not just brace for it.”

India’s cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar inaugurated a COVID-19 plasma therapy unit at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday inaugurated the plasma therapy unit for treating COVID-19 patients at Seven Hills Hospital in Andheri. An initiative of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the plasma therapy unit opens a new front in the battle against the novel coronavirus.

“We are facing an unprecedented challenge to our health in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising to the occasion, our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, the police, municipal and government staff are working tirelessly to deliver effective healthcare to all those affected by the virus,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying in the statement.

“Researchers around the globe are working to find an effective vaccine and treatment. In this, plasma therapy has emerged as an option to treat critically ill patients. I congratulate the BMC on starting this service that will save lives.

“I appeal to people who have recovered completely from COVID-19 to come forward and donate their blood for plasma therapy and help to save lives of patients who are critically ill,” he added.

The plasma therapy unit will offer convalescent plasma therapy to COVID-19 patients using donated blood plasma from recovered patients.

Plasma of a convalescent donor, who has recently recovered, contains high levels of antibodies against the pathogen that was the cause of the disease. When this convalescent plasma is transfused into another patient with the same disease, it provides the patient with an immediate immune response.

Convalescent plasma therapy has been successfully used in the treatment of other viral diseases in the past such as SARS, MERS, and H1N1 (swine flu). Plasma therapy works by reducing the viral load significantly. Clinical trials in India have shown promising result, thus giving a new weapon to doctors against the novel coronavirus and new hope to COVID-19 patients.

Over the last few months, a lot of research has been done to tackle this pandemic. From basic drugs to the latest antivirals, many treatment options are in place to treat COVID-19 patients.

The Seven Hills hospital in Mumbai has been at the forefront in treating COVID patients, and with able support from the government and the BMC, the hospital has delivered excellent medical service to these patients.

To date, the hospital has treated over 6,000 patients successfully, who have been discharged and have gone home fully recovered. Now with the new plasma therapy unit, more critically ill patients can be treated with this new therapy.

Sachin Tendulkar’s latest post on Instagram reveals that the cricketer does not like to waste food.

MUMBAI : Sachin Tendulkar‘s latest post on Instagram reveals that the cricketer does not like to waste food. Taking to social media, he mentioned how the growing issue of food waste is a concern as there are millions who go without food every day. His post reveals how he is doing his bit towards Zero Food Waste.

( When Sachin Tendulkar turned the COOL PHOTOGRAPHER for this MODEL; watch video)

While wasting food is certainly not a good idea, the Master Blaster’s new video will give you some amazing Zero Food Waste hacks. His hacks will help you to reduce your food waste at home.

In the video, he can be seen making tea. Once he is done with making the tea, instead of dumping the tea leaves in a dustbin, he utilizes them as fertilizers.

“My mother always says food waste is not in good taste and she is right,” Sachin said in the video, and further added, “Zero food waste is close to my heart, and it’s something I practice and believe in.”

The lockdown had left many poor families, especially those living in the slums, face hardships. Owing to restricted movements, sole-bread earners of families have not been able to move for work.

Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar recently came forward to support a cause dedicated to ensure that essentials duly reached slum dwellers during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

The lockdown had left many poor families, especially those living in the slums, face hardships. Owing to restricted movements, sole-bread earners of families have not been able to move for work.

The Centre for the Study of Social Change (CSSC), an NGO located in Bandra East, left no stone unturned in ensuring that the 6,300 slum dwellers spread across 1,250 families in Bandra East were not left hungry and were given the required provisions on time.

An appeal to come forward and donate generously was made across various forums and amongst the donors was Tendulkar. The families were provided with boxes and each box contained rice, wheat flour, tur dal, sugar, tea powder, spices, salt, bathing and washing soap.

The CSSC team, led by its President SY Bhojraj, ensured that the boxes were duly handed over to the legitimate beneficiaries only. CSSC identified deprived families of H-East municipal ward through their health volunteers.

Bhojraj said: “The initiative was taken for families of daily wage earners, domestic helpers, hawkers and other needy persons. They were and are out of jobs with no salaries and did not have provisions to tide over this stressful period.”

“We would like to thank all those who came forward, including Sachin Tendulkar, who donated generously to the deprived and needy families,” he added.

Earlier in May, Tendulkar had provided financial aid to 4,000 underprivileged people, including children from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

In April, the former Indian batsman had pledged to help around 5,000 people for a month in Shivaji Nagar and Govandi area of the city through an NGO named Apnalaya.

Before that, he had donated Rs 25 lakh each to the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (Maharashtra) in his bid to join the fight against COVID-19.

Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday urged parents to be “Everyday Heroes” for their children while wishing the countrymen on the occasion of 74th Independence Day.

Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar on Saturday urged parents to be “Everyday Heroes” for their children while wishing the countrymen on the occasion of 74th Independence Day.

“Children are the future of India and they’re the ones who will drive our nation forward. Let’s be their ‘Everyday Heroes’ and create the right environment which keeps them positive,” Tendulkar said in a tweet.

In a lengthy address alongwith the tweet, Tendulkar said that in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we should answer children’s questions about the deadly disease that has brought the world to its haunches.

He said that with schools shut, restrictions on movement and job losses, parents are under stress but this is the time for them to be stronger for their children.

“Children will have questions on COVID-19 and we should answer their queries taking into account how much they can grasp. Even if they do not have questions, explain. If they ask the same questions repeatedly, know that they are seeking reassurance and be patient,” said Tendulkar.

“If you do not know the answers to their questions, seek those out. Millions of parents are going through the same anxieties, but while supporting your child, do not forget to take care of yourself. Your emotionally stable self as a parent is the most precious gift to your child.”

The 47-year-old said that it is our responsibility to provide a positive, nurturing environment to children and “hand-hold and guide our children through crisis such as this pandemic and help them emerge more resilient”.

“This pandemic is an opportunity to engage with our children and strengthen the bond by acting as mentors and facilitators, as against strict dictators.”