Nicknamed Iceman, Steve Waugh has melted himself to support the misfortunate children with Steve Waugh Foundation India after his retirement. Inearly 2000's, he linked himself to Udayan [a trust to help leper children] West Bengal India and still being a great patron of it. What other reason can anyone ask for being an admirer of him. The children there, were so emotionally attached to him that they called him 'Steve da' and once a child quoted, "We want India to win, but Waugh to score a century" on a test match played by Ind & Aus. Ha..this is true diplomacy but its actually sweet.
An Australian, opening a Global Foundation in India to manage his charity work around the world is not something usual. Australians are infamous for racism and sledges. They are like "India is a beautiful country and a great place", "We love to tour India, the people are very good"...These are the statements thrown away by various cricketers who come to India. But behind the screen they do all sorts of mockery. One example. I've seen a video where Brett Lee was being laughed at heartily by Symonds and others for topping the charts of Indian Music for his pop song with Asha Bhosle at a serious kind of award show..I guess it was AB medal. But Lee was being humble and didn't give away. Among these fellows Steve proves to be an honourable Aussie.
He was one captain respected highly by the opponents and considered a sedater. We hear a lot of good things about him. I've been told that, even he has sledged in the early phase of his career but he has shaped out wonderfully well. He will be remembered for his right doings.
There is one thing I'll regret in my life forever. Approximately 6 years back I had missed a golden opportunity of meeting him...no...seeing him...no atleast a glance. I still remember that day I woke up to find Steve on the front page of Dinamalar with tilak and drums. Stunned..I read the caption. God, Steve Waugh at Madurai!!!???!!!. He had visited for ANP Sanmar sponsorship or something. Immediately I asked Appa if he would take us[I and my cousin she is an admirer too] to go and see him. My dad chuckled and said 'Yes, if anyone permitted you to'. I rang up to a hotel which he was likely to stay. The lady [she sensed that we were desperate to meet him] told me that he had left only that morning and he had spent a few minutes with his fans. Damn! we missed it. We felt unfortunate..after all that was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity.:(Steve Waugh is a mighty person. According to me, he is eligible to be stated as 'GREAT'.
Narrow miss rams!!So sad..Am too a fan of steve waugh!!
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