It's sach a special day!

Tendulkar floors nine-year-old physically challenged Vachan Shetty with a eartening talk and an autographed India cap

Members of the Indian cricket team can be proud of themselves. No, we are not referring to their enviable status on both the Test and one-day charts. We are talking about how they made less fortunate children happy here yesterday -- not only for a day, but for the rest of their lives.


Sachin Tendulkar autographs his India cap for physically challenged
Vachan Shetty at the team hotel in Bangalore yesterday

Being the eldest (38) member of the playing squad, Sachin Tendulkar, a father of two, probably understands kids better than the rest. There was this boy in a group of blind kids who reminded Tendulkar of his blindness at the Chinnaswamy Stadium yesterday and the batting maestro shot back, "don't say that."

He wanted to make the kids feel better. The rest of the Indian team too were warm to the blind kids.
The previous evening, Tendulkar touched the life of nine-year-old Vachan Shetty forever. Vachan is a cerebral palsy patient.u00a0 He can't stand or walk without help. When we approached Tendulkar to meet him, he agreed willingly. He came down from his room to meet the kid and didn't take time to put him at ease. (See box on the conversation) Vachan was speechless; absolutely mesmerised. Later, he told MiD DAY: "My dream came true. I
can't believe it. He is God for me."

Vachan's father Ramesh was equally shocked: "From birth, my son can't walk or stand without help. Vachan is speechless. He told me that he'll take the signed cap to school and show it to his friends."

Tendulkar's chat with Vachan ufffd
Tendulkar: What do you like to do?
Vachan: I like to watch sports on television especially cricket.
Tendulkar: Please continue watching sports.
Vachan: I am a blind fan of yours.
Tendulkar: This not an issue (being physically challenged), life will go on. Keep smiling. You have to see the world.
Tendulkar: Which sports do you follow besides cricket?
Vachan: Football. After you, Messi is my hero.
Tendulkar: Please watch football and enjoy the game. Tendulkar then said, "just wait for me. I am coming from my room." He returned an India cap and wrote on it, "Keep smiling."