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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket...

Cricket’s Quiet Crusader

Former kca Selection Chief who helped nurture a generation of women cricketers when the sport struggled for recognition Niketha Ramankutty A prominent figure in Indian women’s cricket, Niketha Ramankutty — former Chairperson of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Women’s Selection Committee and Manager of the Kerala State women’s teams — has long championed the game, especially when women’s cricket had little platform in her home state. Her dedication helped nurture girls taking to cricket in Kerala. During her tenure, which ended recently, five players from the state went on to represent India, while three now feature in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Niketha’s journey began in 1995 on modest grounds and rough pitches in the blazing sun of her native Thrissur. At the time, girls aspiring to play cricket often drew curious stares or disapproving glances. This was despite Kerala producing some of India’s finest female athletes, including P.T. Usha, Shiny Wilson, Anju Bobby George, K.M. Beenamol and Tintu Luka. “Those were the days when women’s cricket did not attract packed stadiums, prime-time television coverage, lucrative contracts or celebrity status. Thankfully, the BCCI has taken progressive steps, including equal pay for the senior women’s team and launching the WPL. These have brought greater visibility, professional avenues and financial security for women cricketers,” Niketha said during a chat with  The Perfect Voice  in Pune. With better infrastructure, stronger domestic competitions and greater junior-level exposure, she believes the future of women’s cricket in India is bright and encourages more girls to pursue the sport seriously. Humble Beginnings Niketha began playing informal matches in neighbourhood kalisthalams (playgrounds) and school competitions before realising cricket was her true calling. Coaches who noticed her composure encouraged her to pursue the game seriously. More than flamboyance, she brought reliability and quiet determination to the turf — qualities every captain values when a match hangs in the balance. These traits helped her rise through the ranks and become a key figure in Kerala’s women’s cricket structure. “She was like a gentle messiah for the players. During demanding moments, they could rely on her – whether to stabilise an innings or lift team spirit,” recalled a former colleague. Guiding Youngsters Her involvement came when women’s cricket in many states struggled even for basic facilities. Matches were rarely covered by the media, and limited travel or training arrangements often tested players’ patience. “As a mother of two daughters—Namradha, 18, and Nivedya, 14—I could understand the emotions of the young girls in the teams. Guiding players through difficult phases and helping them overcome failures gave me the greatest satisfaction,” she said. Niketha — an English Literature graduate with a master’s in Tourism Management — believes success in sport demands not only skill but also sacrifice. Strong parental support and encouragement from her husband, Vinoth Kumar, an engineer, helped her overcome many challenges. Never one to seek the spotlight, she let her performances speak for themselves, earning respect on the national circuit. Quiet Legacy Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. Young girls are more ambitious, parents more supportive, and cricket is seen as a viable career with opportunities in coaching, umpiring, team management, sports analysis and allied fields. Players like Niketha have quietly strengthened the sport. Their journeys show that some victories are not won under stadium floodlights, but by determined women who simply refused to stop playing.

The Echoes of 1971: Bangladesh’s Path from Victory to Recent Strife

Updated: Oct 21, 2024


The Echoes of 1971: Bangladesh’s Path from Victory to Recent Strife

Pic: PTI


“Jung hai jurrat toh mohabbat kya hai

Kaid parinde ki hasrat kya hai

Aazadi ke naam pe kitne hai maatam

insaan pe insaan hai aakhir kya haakam”

 

“If war is audacity, then what is love?

What is the desire of a caged bird?

How many mourning’s are there in the name of freedom?

What is the right of man over man.”

 

Pippa, a 2023 Hindi-language biographical war film, concludes with these lyrics by Shellee set to music by A.R. Rahman, reflecting the inevitable loss of conflict despite the euphoria of victory.

 On December 16, 1971, Bangladeshis overthrew the brutal authoritarian West Pakistani regime that seemed unstoppable and had the support of the United States. I believe they could because they were pushed to the limit with no means of self-expression. When you’re treated like you do not matter and your way of life is under attack, leading you to lose all hope, you will be driven to fight. However, that victory came at a tremendous cost: millions were killed, around 400,000 women were raped, and in desperation, the regime murdered intellectuals and potential leaders.

 US leaders Nixon and Kissinger ignores the genocide despite US Consul General in Dhaka, Arthur Blood’s “Blood telegrams,” urging action. Instead, they supported the regime with arms and sent a naval fleet. While India provided political and military assistance, the victory was unequivocally that of the Bangladeshi people.

J. Krishnamurthy, the philosopher, said all conflict comes from ownership. Thus, when a few individuals attempt to hoard resources while alienating the majority, conflict becomes inevitable.

 During the making of Pippa and on previous trips to Bangladesh, I was fortunate to meet with diverse people-intellectuals, artists, musicians, businesspeople, and students. I noticed one common characteristic: their incredible cultural capital: a deep value for their tradition, music, and way of life. To me, it seems like this unity is what empowers them to rise in revolt whenever necessary.

 With Sheikh Hasina at the helm for 15 years, Bangladesh prospered economically, and social indicators improved. So, I wonder, why did we witness these recent events? How are the two rebellions similar? And what lessons can we learn from these situations?

I am neither a political scientist nor well-versed in Bangladesh’s politics. However, as a filmmaker I observed that in historical and recent conflicts, people in power seemed disconnected from ordinary people, believing they could be subdued by force.

 The events of 1971 demonstrated that no force can stand against the human need for self-determination and expression. There is no comparison to the brutality or issues that drove 1971. However, when people are pushed into despair, it triggers a need to express themselves. They will stand up for their rights.

 Propaganda and curated truth do not change reality. Suppressing dissent does not eliminate it. Without room for debate, conversation, or credibility for opposing points of view, the festering angst, even over minor issues can spiral into something much deeper. The need to be released from subjugation gives rise to rebellion, with a new beginning being the only acceptable solution.

 Instability only benefits bad actors who use it for their political gain. I hope that through the next few months, all political parties will find solutions to ensure Bangladesh’s stability. I hope, that the future is not taken for granted.

The writer is a film maker. Views personal.

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