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Legendary cricketer Kapil Dev on Tuesday emphasized the importance of voting during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and urged citizens to exercise their franchise.
“Vote dete nahi lekin gyaan dete hain (Those who abstain from voting however are eager to offer advice. They should refrain from even mentioning the ‘P’ of politics),” said Dev who was in Pune at an event organised by Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, to unveil the new and advanced robotic technology for joint replacement.
On the occasion, Kapil Dev responded to various queries on players who enter politics, IPL game funds and mental health issues which at one point of time were unheard of. On sports persons wanting to enter politics, he said that each player has his/her own thought process. “If politicians can enter the sports arena, then so can players,” he said.
The renowned player however said he was happy and content with the life he led presently. “My life mantra is that I can learn more everyday. I had a passion to play and people enjoyed it. I am grateful for that,” he added. Kapil Dev said he had moved on beyond cricket and now likes to travel, meet people and engage in learning opportunities.
On the question whether the amount of funds involved in IPL games positively or negatively impact the growth of players, the cricketer said it is a reason to celebrate when people gain financial stability. “What is essential to understand is that it should be used wisely. Players should not be misled. This responsibility lies with the Cricket Board of India,” he added.
Meanwhile, he stressed that the learning process should never stop. In cricket, it is teamwork that prevails where players refrain from using `I’ and instead emphasize a collective effort centred around `we’.
Meanwhile, the ace sportsperson went down the memory lane and pointed out that at one point of time, they were not aware what the term depression meant. “We did not have knowledge about depression. But there is a lot of conversation about mental health issues these days. So what I would say is talk to people, stop playing on your mobiles and go play on the ground. Sweat it out,” he added.
On the occasion, authorities at Manipal hospital spoke about robotic-assisted surgeries that are advanced medical procedures performed using robotic devices guided by a surgery. “Robotic assisted surgeries aims to improve knee replacement and joint treatment by minimizing the risks and improving patient outcomes,” Dr Sinukumar Bhaskaran, adult joint replacement and reconstruction and robotic arthroplasty (hip and knee), Manipal Hospital, said.
“The new system allows personalized 3D CT scans, delivering sub-millimetre accuracy and enhanced safety with real-time bone movement monitoring for more precise implant surgery and reduced risk of infection,” said Parmeshwar Das, director of Manipal Hospital.