Sham Samaroo

Dec. 17, 2005

Sachin Tendulkar is one of the most celebrated sports personalities of the last 10 years. He is worshipped by more than a billion fans that elevate him to the status of a demigod.  An entire nation comes to a standstill when he walks to the crease, and plunges into mourning if he fails to get a hundred.  Yet, Tendulkar has not lost the common touch.  He continues to live a life of quiet dignity, selflessness, and humility. When Thomas Jefferson wrote that all men are created equal – obviously, he did not mean that literally.  Jefferson was referring to that universal principle by virtue of which all men are equal.  It is that same universal principle that obligates us to act with modesty and humility regardless of our talents and abilities. 

Who is the greatest batsman since Bradman?  Most people agree that it is Sachin Tendulkar.  But fans of Lara may stake an equal claim; and so can those of Viv Richards, for that matter. The debate, quite frankly, could be endless. But there is no debate about which one has fulfilled that universal obligation to humanity – to live with dignity and humility. Sachin Tendulkar stand, unrivalled in the sports world as the embodiment of modesty. Cricket’s Brian Lara, Soccer’s Diego Maradona, Basketball’s Wilt Chamberlain, Baseball’s Pete Rose are some examples of genius betrayed. Examples of individuals with incomparable talent, whose dignity and integrity were sacrificed on the altar of success and fame.  Not so Tendulkar.

So just how did he do it?  Tendulkar was born in the suburbs of Mumbai (Bombay), and grew up in a home where spiritual values were treasured above worldly possessions, and where honesty and integrity were never compromised. Such was the moral code that shaped his early outlook to life, and that would later help him to accept both success and failure graciously. Once, when asked about this, Tendulkar said, "I think it was my background – the typical middle class virtues of an Indian home – which has shaped me as a person." 

Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in the world today, yet he remains true to his humble beginnings. He still lives in the same building where he grew up with his parents, and a few years ago India thanked him as the nation’s highest tax-payer. Offered millions to broadcast his wedding, Tendulkar politely declined, saying that he wanted to keep such a personal event a private affair.  As a child, Tendulkar would always bow at the feet of his parents before any game in Mumbai – a practice that he continues to this day. Whenever he is in the village of Bandra, it is normal for Tendulkar to stop in and visit, for a few minutes, with his childhood nanny. She says: "He (Tendulkar) places his hand over my head and pats my cheeks.  He hasn't changed.  He is still like my son". Tendulkar’s deep spiritual convictions are an inseparable part of his persona, and he humbly credits the Hindu Deity, Ganesh, for all his glowing achievements.  

Someone once remarked that such is his integrity that no bookie would have the guts to approach him. To the media, umpires, his fellow players, and the public, he is politeness personified. It is said that the true measure of a man is how he relates to children. Tendulkar always has a kind word for them, and is never too busy to listen to them or to talk about school. He finances a charity for disabled and disadvantaged kids in India, but chooses to keep it out of the media. 

Our world needs more Tendulkars. Long may he live, and continue to entertain us with the secret that was gifted him by the Great One.