Cricket unites, like little else, in our country. It brings people across the divides of age, beliefs, demographics, and even, political preferences, together, in celebration of sporting spirit and glory.
The idyllic, bayside hamlets of Alibag, became an arena of this celebration, when Samir A Nerurkar, Founder MD - Samira Habitats, supported Gram Panchayat : Gunjis- Boris (Alibag) in a gesture to commemorate one of the most triumphant chapters in cricketing history; the Champions of Champions trophy victory, steered by their own “Alibagkar”, Ravi Shastri.
The event marked the 37th year to the day, when Ravi Shastri was crowned the Champion of Champions, at the tournament.
The copper and steel, installation art, themed to represent Ravi Shashtri’s spin bowling and all rounder cricketing fame, has been created at the newly beautified Kankeshwar Junction, Alibag.
The behemoth installation was inaugurated by Hon. Minister of Urban Development & Public Works, Mr. Eknath Shinde, Hon. Minister of State, Ms. Aditi Tatkare, Ex Minister of State Mrs. Meenakshi Tai Patil and, the man of the moment, proud Alibagkar, Ravi Shastri.
The event, heralded by traditional dhol, taasha, lezim dancers and resplendent traditional gaiety, was attended by Mr. Mahendra Dalvi, MLA Alibag, Mr. Subhash Patil Ex MLA, Mr. Aswad & Chitra Patil, Kiran Patil IAS, Addl Sup. Of police Mr. Atul Zende and other govt & local dignitaries.
Samir Nerurkar, reiterated the Samira Group’s commitment to working in collaboration with Alibag and its people, “Ravi is one of the earliest Mumbai dwellers, to make Alibag his first address. He has embraced it as his home, and calls himself a proud Alibagkar.”
Ravi Shastri won every heart, present, when he said, “Coming home, to Alibag, after the kind of stress we live through, as sportsmen, representing the nation, always in public gauge, rejuvenates me. The peace and solace, Alibag gives me, empowers me to go out and win a few more trials, undeterred!”