Sports stars enter a new ring of nobility

BANGALORE: They have all tasted success after graduating from the school of suffering and struggle. And they have struck gold in their respective fields.
If you thought sportspersons only promote soft drinks and swear by the sturdiness of mobikes, think again.
Amidst autograph-hunters and curious onlookers, the car park area outside Kanteerava Stadium on Wednesday saw a meeting of some of these jewels who have brought glory to the country.It was the first meeting of their dream project, Mathru Foundation, a platform for people with disabilities.
Bubbling with diehard spirit was Foundation’s CEO Malathi K. Holla — the paraplegic braveheart and sportswoman who lost both her lower limbs as a 15-month-old. Today, at 45, Malathi is leading the six-member mission possible team to help physically challenged face the world bravely and spreading the motto — ‘We can do it’.
Sprinting for her cause is former India international Ashwini Nachappa, who has already taken a fad for social work along with her managerial role with the Syndicate Bank. Next comes speedster Venkatesh Prasad, who is chipping in with some great ideas apart from running around to take some catches for a cause. Malathi’s left and right hand come in the form of her childhood playmates H.T. Krishna Reddy and M.K. Sridhar, both physically challenged.
The former is chief supervisor with HAL Sports Club and a regular participant at various swimming events for the disabled, while the latter is a reader with Canara Bank School of Management Studies, attached to Bangalore University. Giving them the legal tips to take the Foundation forward is trustee number six advocate M. Ananth Bhat.
So, what makes Mathru Foundation different? Mathru means mother and, true to its name, the Foundation aims to give motherly care to shape the individual in all-round development. This institution will help the person overcome their physical disability and elegantly integrate into the normal world so as to lead a life with dignity.
The Foundation will kickstart its movement with a residential home for the orthopaedically handicapped children aged 6-12 years. A rehabilitation centre for those with spinal chord injuries will be part of this mission.
Basic training will be given to these patients in taking care of their day-to-day needs. Each batch will be put through a six-month training course and depending on their education background the person will be trained accordingly, before being set out to face the world with a smile.
Hunting for a shelter: The biggest problem is the non-availability of a place to function from. “We are looking for a rented place that will fit into our needs. We are dealing with special people and the place should be accessible to all those coming forward seeking help.
It’s definitely bothering us. We will get a suitable shelter, until then Mathru Foundation will function from our hearts,’’ says Malathi Holla, who has seen worse challenges than house-hunting.
Shelter or not, the Foundation is inviting applications from physically challenged children (6-12 years) for the dream residential school and also from adults with spinal chord injuries.
For more details contact: Mathru Foundation, 110, I Floor, Cambridge Road Cross, Ulsoor, Bangalore - 8. Phone: 98800-80133, 25236136 or email:
mathrufoundation@yahoo.com