Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma witnessed the documentary film Dekh Le! India, which follows the inspiring journey of India’s First Blind Women’s National Cricket Team at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai on Wednesday.
The screening of the documentary was organised by UNICEF Maharashtra.
Appreciating the Blind Women’s National Cricket Team for its dream run, the Governor said he was very happy to witness the film and was touched by the saga of players most of whom came from humble rural background, facing all odds.
“The film is a documentary of human courage. Society needs role models like the blind women cricket players who provide direction to the youths especially the Divyang persons. ‘Viksit Bharat’ does not mean higher incomes or GDP alone. Inclusion and empowerment of all people, including the physically challenged will make India a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
The Governor said he will arrange a special screening of the film for invitees from various walks of life.
Filmmaker Mukund Moorthy said the film educates people how blind women play the game using a ball that makes a special kind of sound. He said the players came from very tough backgrounds. He also spoke about documenting the team’s remarkable journey.
“This film is about much more than cricket. It is about courage, friendship and belief. These young women showed that determination can overcome every barrier, be it social, economic or physical,” he said.
Ganga Kadam, Vice-Captain of India’s Blind Women’s National Cricket Team, shared her experience.
“Cricket changed my life. It has given me confidence, purpose and the opportunity to represent my country. I was sad because I could not read like others. But now I feel proud that I play cricket. This film is our story, but it is also the story of every girl who dreams of achieving something despite the challenges she faces,” Ganga said.
She was accompanied by other players Priya Kheer and Sushma Patel.
Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India and Founder and Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, spoke about how cricket has helped persons with visual impairment. He shared how CABI helped form the America Blind Cricket team, which participated in the World Cup. A true example of India’s soft power in sports is used.
The 70-minute documentary captures the team’s journey whose members came from different parts of India to the World Blind Games in England.
It follows their training, challenges and determination as they went on to win the gold medal after defeating Australia in the final match played at Edgbaston.
The film highlights resilience, inclusion and the importance of equal opportunity for young persons with disabilities.
Sanjay Singh, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Maharashtra, Swati Mahapatra, Communication Specialist, UNICEF, Priya Keer and Sushma Patel both players and Shikha Shetty, Manager of the Team were present.