Rangeela
International Coach
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When the current academic year commences, children in government-aided schools in and around Delhi will study a rather special subject - the life and times of Sachin Tendulkar. The new textbooks for those in the 10-12 age group include an interview with Tendulkar, in which he talks about his own childhood and what it takes to be a special player.
Krishna Kumar, an education official, said that the move to include a first-person account of Tendulkar's life was part of an effort to make education "a more pleasurable experience". "Sachin is an icon in India and kids draw inspiration from him," he said. "So we thought that having a chapter on him will interest kids, and at the same time make them understand that dedication and determination make a successful person."
By all accounts, the kids think it's all right. "I read the interview the day I got the book," said Nikhil Sharma, who is only 10. "I learnt many things about his schooldays. I always wanted to know the things Sachin did as a kid, and the chapter is really interesting."
In the interview, Tendulkar, who was a cricketing prodigy long before he was out of short pants, describes himself as a mediocre boy and an average student. He also says that he was very naughty, always wanting to "escape to the playground".
The "mediocre boy" has already rewritten one-day cricket's batting records, and is now just one behind Sunil Gavaskar's tally of 34 Test centuries. According to him, "strong determination, continuous practice, good understanding of the game, constant improvement of one's abilities and courage to strike the ball with conviction" are central to his success. Something tells you that this is one lesson that will hold the kids enthralled, rather than reading comics under the desk.
? Wisden Cricinfo Ltd
Krishna Kumar, an education official, said that the move to include a first-person account of Tendulkar's life was part of an effort to make education "a more pleasurable experience". "Sachin is an icon in India and kids draw inspiration from him," he said. "So we thought that having a chapter on him will interest kids, and at the same time make them understand that dedication and determination make a successful person."
By all accounts, the kids think it's all right. "I read the interview the day I got the book," said Nikhil Sharma, who is only 10. "I learnt many things about his schooldays. I always wanted to know the things Sachin did as a kid, and the chapter is really interesting."
In the interview, Tendulkar, who was a cricketing prodigy long before he was out of short pants, describes himself as a mediocre boy and an average student. He also says that he was very naughty, always wanting to "escape to the playground".
The "mediocre boy" has already rewritten one-day cricket's batting records, and is now just one behind Sunil Gavaskar's tally of 34 Test centuries. According to him, "strong determination, continuous practice, good understanding of the game, constant improvement of one's abilities and courage to strike the ball with conviction" are central to his success. Something tells you that this is one lesson that will hold the kids enthralled, rather than reading comics under the desk.
? Wisden Cricinfo Ltd
