Category: Deal with it

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A dream football space in Borivli’s backyard

‘Feet For Foot’ initiative seeks citizens’ help in setting up artificial grass for young footballing talent to train on, at Borivli.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

It sees several budding footballers train on its premises regularly, and is a popular sporting hangout for children and adults alike. But now, the Vintage Football Club ground at IC colony Link Road, is embarking on a very special mission – to install artificial grass on about 4,000 sq feet of the ground’s surface for young footballers to train on. This, believe its patrons, will go a long way in training young talent to play on an international stage.

The initiative, titled ‘Feet for Foot’, is asking for donations of Rs 999 per square foot of the proposed area to be developed, and is slated to be fully operational by December this year. Once operational, this will be Borivli’s only international-level football training space.

Says Conrad Pinto (50), one of the coaches at the ground and part of the initiative (in pic on left), “The ground currently has natural grass, which is not very good for playing on. What’s more, the grass dries up and withers away in the summer months, so the surface becomes very hard, especially with the gravel lying exposed. It is essential to train young talent on artificial grass, which will help prepare serious footballers for the international stage.”

What’s at stake

Children from the neighbouring Ganpat Patil Nagar slum play at the ground, as do others from adjoining areas. “The Club runs free training camps for children in the 6 to 9 years age group, with one coach catering to about 25 children per camp,” Conrad explains. “We are especially tuned in to children from underprivileged backgrounds – if the child is willing to play, we ensure we put a ball to his foot.”

The ground was initially in a shambles – it doubled up as a debris dumping ground and parking space for buses. “We got it cleared up in phases and then covered it with mud. We needed about 290 trucks of mud to layer the 8,155 sq metres of total area,” Conrad explains. “We formed the Vintage Football Club about 10 years ago. There are four trustees and currently 200-odd members, but over 1,000 parents are also active supporters. We impart training for free, and only charge corporates or professional teams wanting to train at the ground,” he adds.

Once ready, the ground will cater to the suburb’s urgent need for a world-class training space. “The costs of preparing such a facility are enormous,” says Wilfred Fernandes (44), also associated with the Club. “India needs training at the grassroots for football. See the current condition of football training in the country – it’s pathetic. Our children should be trained to represent India. Football instills confidence and team spirit, and we are always working towards reaching more and more children. Our activities here are driven by passion, not commerce – we never let the ground out for events or weddings or rallies. We are proud to say that since we have been associated with the ground, it has been used only for sporting activities,” he beams.

The costs involved

The cost of installing artificial grass is enormous, and they’ve worked out the total cost to about Rs 40 lakh for about 4,000 sq feet of area. “We cannot possibly cover the entire ground, because that would be too expensive,” Wilfred says. “Besides, we plan to develop the other portions of the ground for separate activities – a tennis court at the back, a walking track, a senior citizens’ space, a small play park for children. The football area will be at the centre, and will be cordoned off with nets,” he explains.

But why launch the initiative now? “We started the project on June 1,” he says. “Currently, there is a lot of hype around the upcoming football World Cup in Brazil, and interest in the sport is at an all-time peak. We will wind up the collection (of funds) process by July 15, when the World Cup will end,” he adds.

Already, donations have started coming in. “We’ve got donations from all over Mumbai, as well as from Delhi and even Muscat. Till date, we’ve managed over Rs 3.2 lakh from June 1, when we launched the initiative,” Conrad says. “Several more people have committed funds for the cause. One gentleman works in a company that manufactures lighting equipment, and he has pledged that the lighting for the ground would be done by his company. Even our trustees are donating money. Help is coming from everywhere,” he says.

The Club will shortlist a vendor by a tendering process in August this year, and the actual work of preparing the ground and laying the grass should be finished by November. “We hope to be fully operational by December 2014,” Wilfred signs off.

Do you want to donate for ‘Feet for Foot’? Log on to vintagefeet4foot.com or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VintageFootballClubMumbai for details. Call 9022420053 for more information.

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Sion residents and a cop reunite lost boy with mother

A heartwarming story of a lost boy reunited with his mother, with joint efforts by the cops and local residents.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

“Rushab found at Sion junction yeh ladka mere paas hai” pinged the Whatsapp message on 17 of Sion’s residents mobile phones. It was from Sujata Patil, a cop with the Sion Matunga Traffic Police, who had found a four-year-old boy lost and crying at Sion junction. The recipients of the message immediately swung into action.

“We are in the Sion Traffic Police committee,” explained Ajay Pandya (in green shirt in the pic), chief coordinator of the Sion Welfare Forum.”We regularly coordinate with the local police in times of need, and yesterday, we immediately rushed out to help when we learnt that the little boy, Rushab, was lost and crying for his mother. Sujata madam had found him on the footpath when she was on bandobast duty in the area.”

The child was first pacified, and when he had calmed down, the search party – comprising area residents and the police – fanned out in the area to try and locate his mother. “Sujata madam stayed with the boy throughout. It was three hours before the frantic mother was located.”

It turned out that the boy had simply strayed away from his mother when she was in Dharavi to buy something. “Then he couldn’t find his way back to her and panicked. Fortunately for him, he was spotted by a cop,” Ajay said.

(Pictures courtesy Ajay Pandya)

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Know the causes of brain diseases

We often ignore the signs and symptoms of brain disorders, to disastrous consequences. Ignore these brain diseases at your peril.

Brain diseases are one of the most complex ailments known to medical science. Be it Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s or even a haemorrhage, their results are often debilitating and the consequences can be fatal. With heart ailments and diabetes cornering the world’s attention, brain diseases are often relegated to the sidelines.

Often, with our fast-paced lives in the city, we don’t take corrective measures until it is too late. Brain disorders do not discriminate on the basis of age and sex. By being aware of the causes of brain diseases, you can take actions to safeguard yourself.

Known causes of brain disorders:

Blunt trauma. Though powerful, the brain is actually a delicate organ. Blunt force attacks against the brain are one of the leading causes of brain damage. A forceful injury can damage the brain and its tissues. The nerve cells responsible for transmitting the information from the brain to the whole body are also affected. Significant damage can alter the ways the brain functions and communicate with other body parts.

Degenerative conditions. Many brain disorders attack as you age and hinder your cognitive abilities. Examples include Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. While there is no definitive cure for them, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may prolong their onset. Some of them are even hereditary and can affect small children as well. Examples of such diseases include Tay-Sachs disease. A child’s mental and physical capabilities are affected by such ailments.

Infections. There are infections that originate from one part of the body and spread to the brain. Such infections are the number one cause of human mortality rates amongst brain disorder ailments. Once the infection reaches the brain, the case is usually referred to an expert brain specialist or neuro surgeons. Some examples of brain infection include meningitis and encephalitis.

Seizures. There are many factors that contribute to seizures. It can be in the form of infecting bacteria like tapeworm, high blood pressure, strokes and even lack of blood circulation in the brain. Seizures are often debilitating and can lead to fatal consequences if medication is not taken immediately. The incidences of seizures are higher in developing countries than in developed ones. Seizures create a sudden interruption of the blood supply to the brain and increase the pressure on certain areas.

Drug overdose. Overdosing on drugs can create brain disorder symptoms. Even withdrawal symptoms are seen to have a negative effect on the brain. For example, antidepressants addict report the highest number of seizures and the resultant brain damages. If you are consuming drugs like cocaine, now would be the best time to quit using them.

The above five causes show how brain diseases develop. Let this knowledge be a guiding light for you to stay healthy, mentally and physically.

(Picture courtesy news.emory.edu)

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Mumbai kickstarts India’s first senior citizens helpline

Silver Innings starts a referral helpline portal to provide information on all things that matter to senior citizens in Maharashtra.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

It is fast becoming a cause of concern – a burgeoning elderly population in India and very little senior citizen-centric infrastructure. But there is hope yet, as senior citizens can now get access to a host of services through a unique helpline.

SI helplineLaunched in Mumbai on February 16, 2014, www.silverinningshelpline.com will provide comprehensive information to senior citizens and their family members. “It’s our way of creating a ‘super market website’ where elders can get information and get themselves connected to everything they need to lead a happy and contented life in their silver years,” says Sailesh Mishra, President of Silver Innings, which is working in the field of elder care since 2008.

Launched with information primarily aimed at Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune, the helpline will carry contact information for emergency numbers, medical and fitness help, legal and financial assistance, special needs (such as support group bureaus) and social needs (such as clubs, tour operators, etc.)

The helpline is a joint effort between Sailesh, Ramaa Subramaniam, co-founder of Silver Innings and Dhanalaxmi Rao, Project Manager and experienced gerontologist. “We call upon elder products manufacturers and distributors, as also service providers to register with us to reach a target audience of 50+ years,” says Sailesh.

Email info@silverinningshelpline.com/ silverinningshelpline@gmail.com for details.

(Picture courtesy Sailesh Mishra, reecetenderheart.com)

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Commuter groups demand better travel for Mumbaikars

Two organisations based in Mumbai observed Commuters Protest Day against the Railways’ apathy towards Mumbai commuters’ woes and long-standing demands.
by Nidhi Qazi

Yesterday, a young boy in his 20s fell on the space between up and down tracks at Chembur station, from a CST-bound train on Harbour Line after hitting an electricity pole. He was then rushed to Sion Hospital.

crowdsWhy did he fall? “Because he was standing on the footboard, teasing passengers on the platforms and did not see the pole and thus got hit by it,” said a constable at Chembur station. He further added, “In the 10 months that I have been stationed here, I have constantly been hearing about such incidents. On an average, two to four people die like this every week. Most of these people are young, between 16 to 25 years of age. And they hail from three main areas – Mankhurd, Govandi and Kurla. The young boys from these areas are famous for their antics.”

The fact that a lot of young people can be spotted doing antics on the moving train or atop it may be worrisome, but it is equally important to see beyond the issue and question why they do it. Is it something they do just for fun or really, is it because they have no space inside the compartments, and are forced to stand (or rather hang) by the footboard?

Yesterday’s incident may not be a new occurrence by any means, but it was still significant as it happened on a day that was being observed as Commuters’ Protest Day – an initiative of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Pravaas Adhikar Andolan Samiti (PAAS) covering 111 suburban stations in Mumbai’s Western, Central and Harbour lines.

As Preethy Sekhar, Maharashtra Secretary of DYFI put it, “We stationed our volunteers at various stations on all the three lines who distributed badges to the commuters. These badges are a symbol of protest against the ill conditions commuters face daily. Peak-hour trains are overcrowded three or four times the carrying capacity. Passengers fall off from running trains and fall on the tracks while trying to board. Death and loss of limbs have become daily occurrences.”

The two organisations laid out a list of demands: 

– Increase the number of services on war-footing in all the suburban routes. Procure new rakes for giving relief to commuters.

– All local trains on Western, Central, Harbour and Thane-Vashi routes must have 15 coaches.

– All platforms at all stations must be extended to suit 15 coach trains.

– Start suburban train services (EMU) in Dahanu Road-Vasai-Diva-Panvel route.

– Stop the practice of late-running of trains. Resolve problems in signalling system and deploy sufficient number of running staff.

– Bring about comprehensive commuter safety measures.

– Conduct survey of platform heights urgently at all stations and make adjustments wherever necessary.

– Avoid the danger of stampedes; build adequate number of foot over bridges and subways.

– Provide 24 hours ambulance service at all railway stations.

– Conduct safety audits of all railway stations and adopt accident prevention measures.

– Provide necessary passenger amenities at all railways stations.

– Ensure women’s safety in local trains. All ladies coaches must remain reserved for all 24 hours.

– Police personnel must be deployed in ladies coaches without fail.

– Railway board must conduct an immediate assessment of all projects for Mumbai suburban sector and implement all proposals on war-footing.

The organisations will follow up with the Railways on these demands.

(Pictures courtesy Nidhi Qazi and Sadiq Basha)

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Apni Shala: Where children see life

A city-based start-up works with children of BMC schools to impart important, essential life skills through games, stories and drama.
by Nidhi Qazi

That life skills are important, we all know. We can proudly look back at our schooling and say, yes, we did have a platform to show our potential. But wait – do all of us get a chance to see our life skills at work in school? Did all of us get a chance to really know ourselves? If these questions disturb you, read on.

Eleven-year-old Nilesh studies in a BMC school. His classmates stay away from him. There was a time when he didn’t talk in class, was withdrawn and showed physical aggression towards his classmates. His father is an alcoholic, while his mother passed away. Being the eldest child, he has to take care of the rest of his siblings. Then ‘Apni Shala’ happened to him.

A start-up, ‘Apni Shala’ started working with Nilesh’s school since January 2013. Since then, Nilesh is a changed boy. He participates in class, his self-esteem has improved and his classmates are much closer to him.

More such stories of children and their problems, is what Apni Shala aims to address. A team of three – Amrita Nair, Anukriti Goyal and Swetha Ranganathan, all passionate about education and all three being alumni of TISS, Mumbai – came together and formed Apni Shala in 2011. Initially, the team started with the idea of setting up a library and building skills through stories, when they realised the potential of other potent media such as games and drama. “Our project was to set up libraries and we did that. But once we did the need assessment, schools expressed a need for Life Skills Education (LSE). And thus, we have now started providing the same to the schools we work with,” says Anukriti, who looks after finances and fund-raising for the start-up.

Apni Shala’s LSE programme has modules based on various life-skills prescribed by the WHO, such as making responsible decisions, teamwork and co-operation, solving problems, understanding emotions etc. These modules are facilitated by all three team members; even while each of them looks at separate aspects of the programme like design, content, fund-raising, strategy, communications etc.With the LSE programme running in three BMC schools and three community centres, Apni Shala works in Sion, Chembur, Oshiwara, Colaba, Worli and Reay Road. Their team also consists of an advisory board of curriculum consultants, psychologists and experts. They get funded through various grants.

Why Apni Shala?

Why do we need life-skills building in the first place? “In theory, life skills help build positive attitude. And thus, when we take it to practice, the skills learnt can be used in behaviour. So, we are aiming to provide an environment where a child can get better skills to face situations. Thus, LSE becomes important as more skills in a child’s environment can have a better and positive impact on his or her life,” says Swetha, who looks after communications, monitoring and evaluation of the programme.The need for LSE also stems from the fact that mainstream education overlooks the need for children to express and enjoy learning. Take the story of Sunita, who studies in a BMC school and who lives in a hostel, away from her parents. “Sunita was always disinterested in our programme, she was also shy and would not participate. But now she has become so expressive and enjoys drama,” says Swetha.

She adds, “Yes, some of the schools do give a platform, but kids from many schools do not gain enough experience and exposure. These schools do not teach much about these life-skills. And thus, we want LSE to be incorporated well in pedagogy. Even though there are separate books now on life-skills, how much of it being used in schools really?” 

The challenges

As a start-up, they are looking for more manpower, on all three fronts – administration, front-end and organisation.

Also, one session in a week for one school is a frequency that worries the team. “Although something is better than nothing, we still have to make our programme spread over a week rather than just a weekly one,” says Swetha. This becomes a challenge as “many of the schools do not consider the programme as ‘academic’ and thus it becomes a challenge to convince them.”

The team also feels that it becomes challenging to quantify the impact made by the programme, in front of funders. “To what extent can we quantify? Moreover, our assessment is based on observations. We try being as objective in our observations as we can, “ says Swetha.

In the pipeline…

Though the LSE programme is their core offering, Apni Shala plans to get into training teachers for facilitating life-skills and delivering the same through the existing modules.

They have also launched merchandise comprising bags, mugs and diaries which have quotes on life skills printed on them, and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kits for children. “Besides fund-raising, these products are aimed at creating awareness among the general public about life skills and their relevance in the lives of children,” says Anukriti.

While they are based in Mumbai, Apni Shala is also looking for collaboration in remote areas. It recently conducted a life skills workshop in Anandwan School, Chandrapur district in Maharashtra.

To understand the impact of their work better, Apni Shala is also thinking of ways to engage with the parents of the kids, to get a better sense of their work.

Apni Shala will conduct a workshop on ‘Interactive theatre’ for children at the Kala Ghoda Festival on February 7 from 5.30 to 7 pm at The Museum Gardens. To volunteer, share ideas or give expertise on building the start-up, visithttp://www.apnishala.org or call them at +91 8454822690.

(Pictures courtesy Apni Shala)

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