Journey by Lijo Jose

How often have we tipped waiters at hotels with a Rs. 5/- coin, that is for a well deserved serving of food. It also means a lot to the waiter. How many of us would be willing to work as a waiter and receive Rs. 5/- tips? May not be many, but some interested few would surely exist. How many of us would be willing to jump from over thirty feet into the flowing stream for Rs. 5/-? May be none.

The boys of Hogennekal are no doubt driven by the need for more money, but let us not commit the same mistake that they and their parents are committing. One can only imagine what the plight of their families would be given the risk that these boys take for such a meager amount. It is important that we recognize their talent and enable them to sustain themselves. They have in them the courage to make it big on a world stage. Let us give them a chance, they deserve it.

They are suited very well for either diving and wall climbing games. Bangalore boasts of an excellent swimming coaching institute in Basavangudi Aquatic Centre (BAC). It also has a wall climbing facility at Kanteerava Stadium. It has to be ensured that the boys are given sufficient support, until a stage in their careers where they receive sponsorships and they are able to sustain themselves.

Who knows, we may very well have an Abhinav Bindra among them.

Text Content Courtesy: Vinay Parameshwaraiah

The above photos are shared in flickr at Hogenakkal boys set