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Ram
Bahadur: A hockey player to watch out for
 Sixteen-year-old
Ram Bahadur draws an interesting parallel with his father,
Devi Singh, who manned the gates of Ruia College as a watchman.
Blessed with eagle eyes and presence of mind, young Ram plays as
a defender for Khalsa Gymkhana hockey team. Like his father,
he guards his castle with great panache and style. Ram lives in
Ram Seva Sangh Colony in Matunga. As you enter Ram's sweet little
home (his humble possession that is barely 10 feet by 10 feet),
the family is there to greet you with a smile.
His father, who has been living in the city for the
past 30 years is the sole bread-earner of the family with mother,
Hira Devi, being the obedient housewife. Devi Singh understood the
significance of modern education despite being illiterate. While
patrolling the territory of Ruia college as a watchman, he observed
students making a beeline to their classes. This led him to procure
a modern education for his son Ram who completed his matriculation
from the prestigious Don Bosco School, Matunga.
Ram Bahadur shows considerable promise as a hockey
player. As captain of Don Bosco, Ram led his team to victory over
St. Anne's in the final of the inter-school hockey championship
in the under-14 category in Mumbai, last year. It is no wonder that
he won the hearts of teachers and friends as well. Ram also represented
Mumbai in the All India Jagtar Singh Tournament held in Ludhiana
last year and earned the appreciation of his coach, Iqbaljeet
Singh.
Like his father, Ram is an uncomplicated youngster.
He does not harbour any inferiority complex and enjoys the company
of his well-to-do friends. He reminisces how his father would take
him to Ruia college and plead with senior students to help his ward
in academics. After completing his matriculation, Ram could have
joined elder brothers Prem and Ajay who are self-employed in Nepal.
However, he opted for Khalsa college to pursue higher studies and
his favourite sport (hockey) as well. This F.Y.J.C commerce student
of Khalsa college is also conscious of his responsibilities. He
wants to work in his spare time or give home tuitions to meet his
pocket expenses before he gets a stable job. This shows immense
strength of character as the family survives on a measly pension
of his father Devi Singh who retired a couple of years ago. Ram
undergoes strenuous practice sessions conducted at the Khalsa Gymkhana
ground every day. His aim is to emulate his idol Anil Aldrin
and play for India.
Author : Wasim Siddiqui
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