Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had once famously compared his style of leadership to that of Sourav Ganguly. Nadella had famously said that Ganguly could even run Microsoft. One of India’s most celebrated captains, Sourav Ganguly is often credited for bringing the much-required transition to the Indian team. Even as the President of BCCI, Ganguly has been exemplary and at the forefront of several transitions, which included shedding off apprehensions on day-night Tests. However, the coronavirus outbreak is a different ball game.
Ganguly, who had shown swiftness earlier this month in postponing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, has now led with example by showing his humanitarian side. With the nation going through a 21-day lockdown due to the pandemic, the daily-wage workers and the poor are the worst hit. In the wake of the background, Ganguly has pledged to donate rice worth INR 50 lakhs to these needy people.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), in its statement, confirmed: “#Sourav to provide Free Rice to the Needy. It is heartening to note that Sourav Ganguly along with Lal Baba Rice has come forward to provide free rice worth Rs 50 lacs to the needy people who have been put in government schools for safety and security. Hope this initiative of Ganguly would encourage other citizens of the state to take up similar initiatives to serve the people of our state. #CAB.”
The CAB President Avishek Dalmiya has also lent his support by donating INR 5 lakhs to the Government’s Emergency Relief Fund.
EDEN GARDENS FOR QUARANTINE?
Ganguly has also expressed his interest to offer Eden Gardens’ indoor facilities to the West Bengal Government for quarantine facilities. One of the largest stadiums in the world, the Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens has high-standard dorm and indoor facilities.
“If government asks us, we will certainly hand over the facility. Anything that is need of the hour, we will do it. There is absolutely no problem,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI.
The cricketers are among the highest paid professionals in India. In times of such crisis, it is expected that the cricket community collaborates and donates funds towards curbing the pandemic that has infected over 650 in India and killed 13. Globally, the numbers continue to surge, reaching 4.7 lakhs with over 21,000 deaths.
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