The story of a boy from an obscure area and school in Ahmedabad

Are legends made only in palaces? The most obvious answer is No. After the Indian Cricket Team’s recent T20 WC victory, I read a story of unwavering grit and passion. A story narrated by Deepali Trivedi Ma’am. Read with patience and have tissue for tears:

“One day in December 1993, when my salary was less than Rs 800 a month, my best friend and next-door neighbour compelled me to take a leave. She was expecting. I must have been 22-23 years old and I spent most of my day at a hospital in the Paldi area that December in Ahmedabad. My friend Daljit's husband Jasbir had stepped out a few minutes when the nurse shouted our name and later put a baby in my shaky hands. That was my first time touching a newborn baby. All I remember was the baby was lanky. He was trying to smile but he really didn't. The nurse said he was a boy. He was thin and weak. And the doctor soon took charge. My friend was very happy. I was already a godmother to her daughter Juhika.?

This isn’t a Bollywood film. Gujarat Chief Minister Chimanlal Patel passed away. In the next two months, I became a political reporter and got a small raise. Bought some ice cream that we shared.

We as next-door neighbors shared everything. I didn't own a phone, fridge, or even a bed!? We shared a wall and her house was my Haven.

Sadly. my friend's husband passed away soon. Life changed. We were hopeless. That whole month, I handled the kids. Read to them. The boy was never interested and started playing with his cheap stupid plastic ball.?

I also sometimes, ate their biscuits because I was starving while babysitting.

We starved, we struggled, we cried, we fought. With life. Juhika, the daughter whose godmother I was and who is the most beautiful child I had ever seen. She gave me hope. With her smile and a tight hug. That she still gives.

But the boy's struggles were worse. We could hardly afford him a packet of Amul Dairy or any milk.? We were all busy struggling to meet ends as he grew up. His mother worked atleast 16-18 hours a day.

I remember once I got some increment and I went to Westside, the most posh shop I then knew to buy a kurta. Jasprit was there, must be 8 years old with his mom, hiding behind her dupatta. He wanted a windcheater. That's my only gift to him. I spent Diwali, Christmas, and my birthday without a new kurta. But his windcheater gave me the satisfaction of wearing a Rajdeep Ranawat or a Manish Malhotra or who ever.

Unlike his sister, he was a shy reticent child. He is a legend now. To add more to his achievements, last night he played a crucial role in winning the Cricket World Cup for us. Every Indian must be proud of him and learn from him. His humility has remained unchanged.

His name is Jasprit Bumrah.

I have tried to watch one match of his at his mother's insistence but I walked off half way coz' I just don't understand cricket.?

Maybe I will watch when (if) Angad plays football!

I have written this long post to emphasize that don't give up coz' God never gives up on us.??

I am so lucky to have held Jasprit first in my hands. That moment often gives me hope to face life as and when I face difficult situations. His mother Daljit is of course solely responsible for raising such wonderful resilient kids. A few months back, Jasprit's beautiful wife Sanjana served us lunch. With class, humility, and elegance. Note, my baby Jasprit has his own baby Angad now. Of course, Angad is much more handsome than Jasprit was!

I hardly write personal posts but I wanted to. Because I don't want anyone in life to lose hope.

Think of Jasprit Bumrah. His struggles. And how God has helped him. God will help all of us but first, we have to help ourselves.?

Please join me in congratulating my baby Jasprit Bumrah for his World Cup victory.

From an obscure area and school in Ahmedabad, he has made all of us proud. I thank his mother Daljit & sister Juhika for shaping him up as a World Champion. His wife Sanjana is ofcourse his soul.”

For me, what stands out personally from the above story is the fact that we shouldn’t give up as god never gives up on us. Let’s just get inspired and admire the man of the tournament. Jasprit Bumrah!! A true legend!