We can collectively do it–if we contribute individually Part II

Continued from Part I

It is you and me.

We love the game. We follow it passionately. We pray for our teams’ successes. We live and die with its fortunes—almost.

Stop here. Think for a while differently.

Is the emotional connect and the sentimental attachment alone are all what you can offer? You are capable of just this only?

No. Definitely not.

You can do more. You cannot afford to be idle and remain a watcher – merely, no more.

You are a concerned citizen of India.

You are concerned when India is at war, or when a terror strikes us. You come out of the homes, lit a candle, sign on the street posters, and find numerous ways to express your emotions and feelings. We saw this on a phenomenal scale in Mumbai after 26/11, our own 9/11.

Yes, your voice was heard world over. The nation saluted the spirit shown by you all.

Now hockey needs you. A game that gave you so much pleasure, so much to savour about, so much passion, that it needs you.

Only thing is you don’t know this.

Because, you are not aware of your worth to hockey. You think you are only a fan, a keen watcher, and assume no role to you beyond this.

You can contribute to the game. It is possible. Don’t be stuck with pessimistic virus. It will un-immune you. It will take neither you nor your game any further.

A professor in Amritsar goes to the schools and talks to the principals and headmasters, get invited to the schools’ morning assembly, where he speaks about hockey. He motivates the adminos and the students to bother about hockey. He eggs them on to start hockey in their premises.

He has so far done it so in 17 schools in the span of just three months – with more than expected response.

A passionate Delhite trains 60 to 70 boys and girls, all poorest of poor sections, every week end; he has been doing it so for so many years.

Bawa Patel’s untiring legs haven’t stopped spotting Virens in Mumbai.

When they all can, why can’t others — you and me?

Have we ever spared a minute and thought about what we can offer to hockey? Why we have to look up to the likes of Gills, Ajit Pals and Aslams to deliver – all the time.

If hockey wins, we savour more than those in running the hockey affairs. Are we not therefore supposed to be more responsible and accountable for what we do — or rather what we don’t do?

Are others duty-bound to make you happy? That too in public life? If you think so you are an idealist not a common man.

Why can’t we be an another Randhawa of Amritsar, Mahesh Dayal of Delhi or Bawa of Bombay – or of your own in different and distinct style.

We need not sacrifice our lives, our fortunes — but only a day or half in the week ends. That can do wonders for hockey.

If you in case want to contribute to hockey and don’t know how to go about it, please believe me — and in yourself — there are many ways how you can fulfill this urge.

You can form a small group with like-minded people or friends and start involve with hockey. You can form or motivate others to form a team in the school next door, or a team in your locality, something like this. You yourself go and play the game on the park or the street, and enjoy it barbeque style.

Or, you or your friends can interact with your state or city hockey teams, invite hockey players to your Resident Welfare Association functions, or School’s sports day functions and much more like this.

There is no need for funds, no administrative approvals to stand connected with hockey. What is needed is your will and time that too on your leisure spells and holidays.

If you are still clueless or not satisfied as to what you can do for the betterment of hockey, just look for. Keep eyes and ears open. If you cannot do it for any reasons, but would like to join others, yes, that is also a good option. I can help you I this regard.

Speak to me. Or, write to me. Email or sms. I, and the volunteers with me, can help you, advise you and if possible take you in our fold.

Do it something for hockey on your own with your own friends and hockey fans at your own city or village. We can help you, we want to do such things.

If you can’t, I invite you to join us in whatever we intend to for the betterment of hockey.

If you really love the game and you have a heart for it, for heavens sake don’t just sit at home and rue about it. It is time to dream and say, “Yes. I have a hockey dream”.

Time has come for you, people who love the game, to come out and contribute.

Never hesitate to contribute, don’t be afraid of doing some good for some good cause.

If we can contribute something, we gain moral strength to appraise, apprise, criticize and comment on non-performers.

If we don’t contribute, don’t involve with hockey effectively, we lose the moral right to accuse others of non-performance, including the non-delivering players, coaches and administrators.

You are capable of contributing. You are capable of making others hear your voice.

Are you ready?

My Contact: editor@stick2hockey.com or hockeybook@gmail.com, Mob.(New Delhi) 9811662081