Cricketing heroes at Mahatma's place

Ahmedabad, Oct 6 (UNI) 'Today is the day I would remember for the rest of my life. Thank you for offering us the opportunity to be here...'' wrote Brian Lara in the vistor's book at the Mahatma Gandhi Ashram here today.

Echoing Lara's sentiments, Prosper Uthseya the Zimbabwean captain too wrote ''Great day of my life. I will not forget this place..'' It was time to remember the Mahatma, the apostle of non-violence, as the Caribbeans and Zimbabweans steel themselves to the tough times ahead at the Champions Trophy beginning on Sunday.

The two teams made a beeline to the Gandhi Ashram thanks to the Gujarat Cricket Association president Narahari Amin playing host.

Though the visit was brief there was a sprinkling of crowd and quite a gathering of children that saw the cricketing stars at close quarters. The children went agog with excitement shouting ''Lara, Lara'' and Lara who was in the Gandhiji's room soaking in the spiritual ambience of the past went straight to shake hands with many of them.

Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trusts' secretary Amrut Modi said, ''This is the first time a cricket team is visiting the Gandhi Ashram.'' For Lovemore Banda, the media manager of the Zimbabwean team, it was a day of stock-taking. ''The world is much bigger place than a playing field,'' Banda said with all humility. ''India has a rich culture. We had also visited the Taj Mahal. I realised that our players need to know about this country's culture and about Mahatma Gandhi,'' Banda said.

GCA president Narahari Amin was in person to escort the teams in the ashram and oversee the traditional Gujarati welcomed by girls.

When the Windies team was inside Vinoba's and Miraben's kutir they were left wondering how sombody could live in such a small room with bare necessities and a pot of water at hand.

As momentoes, Mr Amin presented the teams with three books on Gandhi's life and a khadi shawl.

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