Karnataka cricketers bat for a cause

BENGALURU: They’ve won matches for country, state, franchisees and clubs. Now, they’re doing their bit to win the battle against Covid-19.
A group of cricketers led by former India all-rounder Vijay Bharadwaj has been working alongside scores of volunteers of the Akshaya Patra Foundation. Around 20 people, who have played cricket at various levels, are in this group.While most are from Basavanagudi, some like former Karnataka cricketer and popular commentator Akhil Balachandra are from Malleswaram. There’s also former cricketer and current BCCI umpire KN Ramesh.
Bharadwaj, now a commentator, said: “The easiest thing would be to donate money. When we heard that Akshaya Patra Foundation needed volunteers, we childhood friends signed up. As athletes, we try to give back to our chosen sport. This is an opportunity to give back to the society.”
Most volunteer for 6-7 hours every day and pack rations at the Palace Ground facility of the foundation. Some like Akhil, employed with the State Bank of India, chip in over weekends, during bank holidays and even after work.
“It’s humbling to see people from various professions and age groups come together in such testing times. It’s our duty to do our bit. I'm glad I have this opportunity to serve people,” said Akhil.
Bharadwaj and Akhil were all praise for working conditions. “There is regular sanitisation of the area and temperature monitoring, and we wear caps, gloves and masks all the time. We work as a team without forgetting the basics of social distancing,” explained Bharadwaj.
Chanchalapathi Dasa, vice-chairman, Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “The foundation is grateful to Vijay Bharadwaj and his cricketer friends for their support. Bharadwaj and many other players volunteer at our packaging centres. They work tirelessly and they demonstrate the power of collective compassion in the service of society.”