Sehwag’s pep talk to inspire govt school teachers

[Desi Cartman]

New Delhi: After endorsing sportswear and other products, Virender Sehwag seems to be taking his role as the brand ambassador of Delhi government schools very seriously. Starting Monday, more than 40,000 teachers of government schools will be given a pep talk by the cricketer as part of a training programme. And if that’s not enough to inspire them, the directorate of education has also roped in a message by Neelam Katara as it kicks off the training schedule. Said Rina Ray, secretary (education): ‘‘We wanted the teachers to start off their training programme on an inspirational note. Sehwag fits the bill perfectly as he is a youth icon and an international sports star.’’ As part of the programme, the directorate will use Sehwag’s letter, addressed to all teachers, which talks about not only his rise as a sportsperson from the dusty lanes of a government school in Najafgarh but also pays tribute to his ‘‘guru’’ and coach, A N Sharma. In the letter, Sehwag lavishes praise on his coach and credits him with his success. ‘‘I was lucky that my parents could afford to spend Rs 125 every month for my cricket training. My family didn’t have high hopes. My grandfather used to call me Bholu, an endearment for a goodnatured simpleton. That simpleton is now a jet-setter,’’ the letters states. Asking the teachers to spot the potential within their own students and nurture them, Sehwag goes on to share his gratitude to his teacher. For the education department officials, it’s the first time that they have tried to tap their former alumni to inspire current personnel. Said Ray: ‘‘Sehwag was our obvious choice as he is not only a product of a Delhi government school but also because he has always freely contributed his success to his coach. It’s the perfect example for our teachers, who too can nurture talent in their students.’’ Adding Neelam Katara’s letter to the training programme was equally thought out. ‘‘Katara, a former Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan education officer, is someone whom the teachers identify with,’’ says Ray. :isalute::isalute:

[Sachinism]

wah re wah