Kolkatans shower love, gifts on Sachin Tendulkar

Showering love and gifts, Kolkatans accorded a grand felicitation to batting genius Sachin Tendulkar for completing 20 years in international cricket.

Painters, film stars, sportsmen, business magnates, fashion designers, were among the glitterati who assembled in large numbers on Tuesday night to express their gratefulness to the Little Master and acknowledge his contribution to the game and the country.

Tendulkar, who received a standing ovation on his arrival, was draped with a scarf by city police commissioner Goutam Chakraborty, who said: "The god of cricket has finally arrived at our doorstep."

As soulful strains of Rabindranath Tagore's songs made the background, Kolkata's celebrities paid their tributes to Tendulkar.

Sachin's former teammate and ex-Indian captain Sourav Ganguly described the Mumbaikar as a champion who always has his feet on the ground.

"Playing cricket is the first and last thing for him. After playing at the top level for 13-14 years, you realise how tough it is. And then you realise how long are 20 years," said Ganguly, rated as the most successful Indian captain.

Ganguly said Tendulkar became adorable to the fans for the way he played his cricket, batted, behaved, and carried himself for the last 20 years.

"It is very difficult to emulate what this man has achieved, and the talent that he possesses. We need to follow him the way he has carried himself for the last 20 years," Ganguly said.

The citation called Tendulkar a "rare heritage" of cricket.

"Wherever you go the tricolour travels with you. To us you are not just a cricketer, but a happy son of India happy to be recognised as such."

Bollywood star Mithun Chakraborty said Tendulkar is god of cricket and humanity.

The mementos and gifts given to Tendulkar included bouquets with "20 years" written on them, shield, mishti doi (sweet yogurt) and rosogolla, a photo of goddess Kali, and paintings.

Aryans Club conferred life membership, while a private hospital named a bed after Tendulkar for free treatment of cricketers.

In his speech, Tendulkar said he felt overwhelmed. "You know while coming I came in one car. Now I will need more to fit in the gifts given to me.

"My relationship with Kolkata started way back. I was named after Sachin Dev Burman who spent lot of time in Kolkata," he said.