‘The One’ and only Shikhar brings cheer to refugee colony

Ace cricketer, doting daddy and a Good Samaritan, Shikhar Dhawan has added another feather to his hat. On Saturday morning (July 4), he visited the Hindu refugee colony near Majlis Park Metro Station in Delhi to distribute cricket kits, toilets and bedding amenities. The area houses a number of Hindu refugees from Pakistan, who are taken care of by the Delhi Riding Club Foundation (DRCF).

“I like to contribute to the society and this was a great experience. The Delhi Riding Club Foundation has been doing a lot of work there, so it was good to collaborate with them. I’m in a position where I can contribute in that direction and it gives me immense joy and peace,” says the Delhi-born batsman.

The residents had no idea about Dhawan’s visit, which made it all the more special. “They were quite shocked at first. They were very happy I came, I could feel their happiness. They asked me about my moustache and asked me to do the thigh fives (his signature celebratory gesture). They told me they enjoy watching my game and the (on-field) celebrations,” he adds.

Though it is not unusual for cricketers to sport gloves and shields, this time, given the Covid-19 crisis, batting gloves were replaced by surgical ones and the helmet by a mask. Protective gear in place, the left-handed opener took selfies with the refugees. The young ones, especially, had a field day as he interacted with them.

Dhawan believes these kits will help them take up sports and practice better. “You just have to give them direction in life. It is very important to educate them. Cricket unites the whole community. It promotes a sense of bonding. You learn how to share, and wait your turn. These little things have a huge impact in life,” he concludes.

Shikhar Dhawan paid a surprise visit to a Hindu refugee colony in Delhi