The humility of a stalwart is always visible by his modesty and discipline. The world cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar is built with ample of these blocks by the creator. I suppose that has been his strength to be playing on his terms even at this age, when most would have gone into oblivion much early.

To this day he remembers his Guru Ramakant Achrekar Sir. This was the gentleman who had gifted us the legendry icon. The master blaster who was speaking to a few students at his school Shardashram, narrated them an occasion when a slap changed his life’s direction. One of the days at school, he missed his match and went along to cheer his school team who were playing against fierce opponents. And incidentally his Ramakant Achrekar Sir was there. He went up to wish him as a mark of respect, when the Sir questioned him about his performance in his own match. For which Sachin humbly responded that he skipped that to cheer his school team. Ramakant Achrekar Sir furious over his act slapped him, which made the tiffin box in Sachin’s hand fly high, flung open. Ramakant Achrekar Sir, told him though it is important to cheer his team, but the best way to support was to give a splendid performance and get cheers from the audience.

The incident narrated was spell bound on our young master blaster, from then never looked back. As a columnist from the NDTV said Sachin never really needed the 100th ton, doesn't really deserve the Bharat Ratna. The man who has been the face of India in a team sport for over two decades now, has already gained what comes with sporting excellence - respect, love, accolades, awards. And then again, so much more - a nation in awe and a billion in prayer each time he grips his bat.

True to his stature, he is incomparable and his achievements are like Mt. Everest. And ofcourse the contribution of Ramakant Achrekar Sir on his persona was an imprint forever.