‘Cricket’ in India is like a religion, practiced more honorably and regarded more sacred than one’s own. Like everyone else, I grew up watching cricket, cheering for my country, going on a roller coaster ride during matches, and emotions unabated. But I still cannot fathom how the same game has now changed trajectory and how it impacts the population at large.
Current-day scenario: the crazy breakout of people who arrive in masses just to catch a glimpse of an athlete is ridiculous. Historically, large crowds result in chaos and stampedes in one way or another. It’s not a fact unbeknownst to us, yet one takes the path of folly—all in the name of cherishing that one moment of seeing their favorite player. Climbing walls and trees, trying to barge into closed gates—all to witness the players from a distance that would strain the eyes to a great extent. The athletes would look like a tiny speck from afar, yet the madness of being in that moment drives people. What saddened me the most was the loss of an 11-year-old girl. Coaxed by her mother, who was optimistic that her daughter would get to see her role model/favorite person, they took off—much to the dislike of the father, who warned them of the crowds. She was found motionless, lying on the ground when the stampede broke out.
Now, who is to blame for her death? She has gone too soon—an irreparable loss to the family. She was their only child.
Similar is the story of many others who succumbed to this madness. It’s the families who are at a loss and in pain. Just like they say, “Life goes on,” the game will go on too—again next year. Will their deaths be accounted for? No, I fear not.
Parents, society, the government, and many other influential groups should teach the younger generations not to immortalize movie stars and athletes. They are people like everyone else too. We must encourage these professionals for their achievements, motivate them in legitimate ways, and cheer for them as a country.
But on a personal level, we all have lives of our own—we are heroes and superstars to our families and friends. We have goals and dreams to chase. Our energies and time must be focused on ourselves. No movie star or athlete is personally affected by the general public. Their path is niche, and they will move on.
This incident hit closer to home—the city I grew up in. So, I vent my feelings and frustrations.
Hope this tragedy will serve as an example for future game days.
I guess only time will tell.
Current-day scenario: the crazy breakout of people who arrive in masses just to catch a glimpse of an athlete is ridiculous. Historically, large crowds result in chaos and stampedes in one way or another. It’s not a fact unbeknownst to us, yet one takes the path of folly—all in the name of cherishing that one moment of seeing their favorite player. Climbing walls and trees, trying to barge into closed gates—all to witness the players from a distance that would strain the eyes to a great extent. The athletes would look like a tiny speck from afar, yet the madness of being in that moment drives people. What saddened me the most was the loss of an 11-year-old girl. Coaxed by her mother, who was optimistic that her daughter would get to see her role model/favorite person, they took off—much to the dislike of the father, who warned them of the crowds. She was found motionless, lying on the ground when the stampede broke out.
Now, who is to blame for her death? She has gone too soon—an irreparable loss to the family. She was their only child.
Similar is the story of many others who succumbed to this madness. It’s the families who are at a loss and in pain. Just like they say, “Life goes on,” the game will go on too—again next year. Will their deaths be accounted for? No, I fear not.
Parents, society, the government, and many other influential groups should teach the younger generations not to immortalize movie stars and athletes. They are people like everyone else too. We must encourage these professionals for their achievements, motivate them in legitimate ways, and cheer for them as a country.
But on a personal level, we all have lives of our own—we are heroes and superstars to our families and friends. We have goals and dreams to chase. Our energies and time must be focused on ourselves. No movie star or athlete is personally affected by the general public. Their path is niche, and they will move on.
This incident hit closer to home—the city I grew up in. So, I vent my feelings and frustrations.
Hope this tragedy will serve as an example for future game days.
I guess only time will tell.
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