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Waugh brings happiness to Calcutta leprosy home

Zakia Maryam in Barrackpore (West Bengal)

Here is a cricketer of repute adding glory to the much-maligned sport.

Though he made over Rs 2 million in just hours, he did it sans help from any Chawla or Kalra. The money collected at one of Calcutta's prestigious five-star hotels on Tuesday night came from an auction where the guest cricketer sold off all his precious personal belongings. For a noble cause.

So impressed was one of the invitees at the function with Australian skipper Steven Rogers Waugh - yes, it was he -- that he couldn't help saying, "He's a man God has stopped making."

Waugh's visit to Calcutta was primarily to inaugurate the new girls' wing at the Udayan leprosy home in Barackpore, which this charismatic player from Down Under has been patronising for over two years. He arrived in the city on Tuesday by a Royal Brunei flight.

Thirty hours of exhausting journey notwithstanding, this gutsy player showed little sign of fatigue or jetlag and insisted that the organisers drive him straight to the hotel where a star-studded gathering was eagerly waiting to bid for the cricket memorabilia he has always kept close to his heart.

He visited Udayan, a leprosy centre housing over 300 underprivileged kids, on Wednesday morning. It wasn't merely gracing the inaugural ceremony at Udayan; Waugh sang, danced, performed yoga with the inmates and also taught the kids how to wield the willows.

Not often does one see Waugh throwing away his wicket cheaply, even against the most lethal bowling attack. He however loved each time his little friends got him out.

Tapash Das, 16, was visibly ecstatic when he bowled Waugh twice in quick succession. Says he, "Last year too I played with him and got his wicket. Today again Steve recognised me and asked me to bowl once again. Thank God I could get his wicket this time too."

Waugh's was a classical example of modesty and human values, and a true representation of a game known world over as a gentleman's sport. He made it amply clear that his entente with the indigent kids of Udayan wasn't a short affair.

"My commitment to Udayan was always long-term. So I'll continue to associate myself with these kids as long as the need arises for me to extend helping hands," said Waugh.

According to Reverend James Steven, a Swiss who founded this leprosy centre around 30 years ago, in the last two years the way Waugh has been helping the suffering kids is incredible.

"After the renowned French author, Dominique Lapierre, Steve is the second person responsible for metamorphosing the lives of hundreds of kids directly. Just his presence today is a source of great motivation for all of us. The kids have been very excited for the past few days just to catch a glimpse of Steve whom they consider as their role model," says Stevens.

Waugh, however, says: "My contribution to Udayan is nothing compared to the hard work its volunteers have been doing all along."

Waugh said that he had some special memories of Calcutta. He appreciated the fact that kids at Udayan were getting more chances than what they used to get earlier. The children couldn't have asked for more when Waugh promised to bring them the entire Australian side down to Barrackpore next year.

When asked whether he was considering a joint charitable project with his counterparts in the Indian cricket team, Waugh's reply was tinged with disappointment: "I have spoken to many Indian players, but they said they've their own things to follow. But it doesn't discourage me a bit since I know that the Australian side is behind me."

How difficult is it for him to spare some moments for the kids of Udayan despite his pressing cricketing schedule?

"Yes, cricket is an integral part of my life, but it is not everything for me. I have a loving family back in Australia, and don't forget that the Udayan kids too are a part of an extended family," he replied. "The smile on the faces of these children here is enough for me to come back every time. For me, if one person is benefited from my little support, then I guess it's all worthwhile."

Waugh will fly back to Australia on Friday.

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