Kolkata: It was indeed a great evening to live and relive for the 350 odd inmates at, ‘The Refuge’ on Sunday evening. For many, it was a ‘dream come true moment’ seeing Indian cricket team’s head coach Ravi Shastri, right in front of their eyes and former CAB Secretary Biswarup Dey who is the man who put together all of this was undoubtedly happy and proud, when he announced the inauguration of an ‘Indoor Sports Complex’ at the 117-year-old institution, which is a first of a kind.
Also present at the occasion was India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun, batting coach Sanjay Bangar and fielding coach R.Sridhar.
Said Dey, “Initially we would focus mainly on four sports-Table tennis, gymnastics, judo and chess. We would begin with this four and later expand but whatever we do, we will have the Olympic games in mind.”
“He (Ravi) had asked for a proposal from us as to what work we do and how do we want to develop the sports complex. When we give the proposal, then only he’ll think what he could do for us on a permanent basis. He has said it that he’s enthralled by looking at the work Refuge is doing,” he revealed while talking to the reporters after the event.
A short film about the institution and it’s past was shown right at the beginning and the Indian coach felt touched after watching the same.
Speaking at the event, Shastri said, “Seeing that film, it was a very touching moment. Biswarup, what you’re doing with this refuge is something tremendous and you are giving these kids hope, you’re giving them the opportunity to re-invent their lives because if you put yourselves in their position , you know how difficult it is to grow up without parents.”
He also had words of encouragement as he said, “But I think it is really special and for me, it’s a privilege and honour to be here. There’s going to be a sports complex that’s going to be opened for them and I think it’s magnificent because sport is a way of life and by giving that kind of direction to a kid, I think will do wonders where they end up once they finish their schooling.
“Today, if there’s if there’s one faculty that’s going to grow faster than any other faculty in India, it’s sport. And who knows, with the hunger these young kids have, the drive and the passion they would naturally have, you never know.”
He also went ahead and said that he and his colleagues would give their best efforts in supporting this institution.
“I think this is a great cause and I just wish the kids all the best because our support for such things will always be there.”