Cricket-themed fundraiser on cancer

At a small pitch-like structure inside theTaj Bengal hotel, there will be a victory march led by Sourav Ganguly.

To fund cancer treatment for those who cannot afford, the Tata Medical Centre is organising a unique fundraiser where former Team India skipper Sourav Ganguly will be dressed like a captain, doctors like umpires and cancer patients like cricketers.

To be held at the Taj Bengal hotel, a part of which will be converted to resemble the Eden Garden stadium, the cricket-themed event ‘Dada r Shongey Dil Sey Deejiye’ on April 8 will have an extravagant fashion show by Krishna Mehta.

“We will have a small pitch-like structure inside the hotel where there will be a victory march led by Mr. Ganguly. This will be like a fashion show,” the veteran designer who has come up with a special T-shirt for the occasion told PTI.

Geeta Gopalakrishnan, Honorary Director, Donor Relationships of Tata Medical Centre, said they have got T-shirts signed by the T20 team when they were playing in Kolkata.

“We will auction them as cricket memorabilia. Ganguly has also agreed to get one of his bats auctioned,” she said adding that their target is to raise funds to the tune of around Rs. 2 crore from the event.

Close to half of the beds in the Rs. 350 crore not-for-profit facility providing comprehensive cancer treatment and care in Kolkata is reserved for the underprivileged.

Ms. Gopalakrishnan herself has written a few songs on cricket which will be performed by singer Usha Uthup at the program.

Even the speech of Dr. Mammen Chandy, director of Tata Medical Centre, will be inspired by the world of cricket.

Big names participating, include actresses Riya and Raima Sen, former Team India chief selector Krish Srikkanth and Ravi Shastri.

“My heart goes out to so many underprivileged children with cancer whose parents come to Tata Medical Centre with hope in their hearts. I am sure with all the love pouring in from the big ‘dilwalas’ of Kolkata, the event will be a great success and these kids will overcome cancer and play a glorious innings through life,” Mr. Srikkanth said.

Top 100 donors, with a minimum bid of Rs. 25,000 per ticket, will be invited to this high profile hungama event.

Top ten donors will also receive a special limited edition canvas personally signed by Mr. Ganguly.