Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar emphasized the importance of proper nutrition and quality education for children during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, amid the country's economic challenges and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his role as UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador, Tendulkar said, "Children are the future; if we support them today, they will make us proud tomorrow." Expressing his concern, he mentioned, "Many children suffer from stunting." He noted that he was saddened by the realization that numerous Sri Lankan households struggle to provide children with the quality and quantity of food they require.
The cricket maestro, recalling his school days, mentioned, "When I played school matches, the tendency was if I was batting at lunchtime not to have anything to eat. I would have a couple of soft drinks and bat." He underscored the significance of nutrition by sharing a personal experience, "I got out after lunch at an important match, and the first thing I wanted to do was to eat." He termed it as a pivotal lesson in nutrition.
Tendulkar highlighted the intertwined nature of nutrition and education, stating, "Children require a nutrient-rich diet and quality education to reach their full potential. By investing in their education and nutrition, we are not only investing in their future but also every country's future."
Citing initiatives back home, he said, "Something unique has started in India, which is local therapeutic foods, ready-to-eat packages."
While on his visit, Tendulkar shared an observation from a Sri Lankan village school: "Children are the best teachers. They help us see the wisdom in the simplest of things...All children take a few portions of food from their plates and keep it on a common plate - which is then served to birds." He applauded this act of sharing and compassion.
Tendulkar engaged closely with the local communities, visiting the UNICEF programmes in the Sabaragamuwa province, and even serving food at a preschool supported by UNICEF's midday school meal programme. Emphasizing the foundational role of education, he said, “Every child should have the right to education."
Tendulkar, who has been actively associated with UNICEF for numerous initiatives over the past two decades, concluded his visit by expressing gratitude: “Together nations can do wonders, and that is the aim of my trip here. A brilliant learning experience for me, thank you so very much, UNICEF”.
