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By Sanika Deshande
During the semi-final match of the Women’s World Cup Cricket Tournament between India and Australia held at the D Y Patil Stadium in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, nearly 300 students from three Pune-based institutions participated in a special cheer initiative to support the Indian women’s cricket team. The students performed a coordinated group dance to the song ‘Jeetega India’, accompanied by traditional dhol and lezim performances.
All the students who took part came from low-income families, originating from three organisations: Sumati Balvan School in Nimbalkar-Gujarwadi (150 students); Ishwarpuram Sanstha, which teaches children from North-East India in Tulapur-Waluj (45 students); and Manavya Sanstha, which offers care and education to children affected by AIDS (45 students). There were about 300 participants in all, including teachers and volunteers from various institutions who went with the youngsters.
Before attending the match, the students visited prominent landmarks in Mumbai, including the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty, and the seafront. Following lunch, the group proceeded to the D Y Patil Stadium to witness the highly anticipated semi-final. At the stadium, all students were provided with snacks, beverages, T-shirts, caps, and paper flags of India.
The Exim Integrated Club (EIC Trust) supported this programme. Shashank Wagh, the banking professional who came up with the idea, introduced the proposal, which was then handled by Pradeep Chavan, the EIC Trust’s treasurer and project manager. Both expressed their delight at being able to give children from underprivileged circumstances the opportunity to attend an international athletic event while also participating in a strong display of support for the national team.