“I grew up in the slum area near Adambakkam, Chennai. My name is Prem, and I’m a Christian. My father was a driver, and we were a family of eight, with me being the youngest of six children. From a young age, I was fascinated by cricket. Despite our poor financial condition, I was curious to learn and play cricket.
I studied in corporation school and spent my free time fetching balls for the players on the cricket ground. The other players were from wealthy, high-class families, and they never accepted me into their games. I was always on the sidelines, dreaming of the day I could join them on the field. The caste system, though something I didn’t fully understand then, played a significant role in keeping me excluded.
I wondered why slum children weren’t allowed to play the so-called posh games – may be, because of the fact that we don’t have necessary support in terms of money, people or position.
Out of all these clumsiness, one day, a coach noticed my dedication and my relentless interest in cricket. I was standing at the edge of the ground as usually. He saw me and asked if I wanted a chance to play, and I immediately said “Yes!”. He gave me the bat and to his surprise, I played really well, considering the first ball. He then told me that he would train me. But also asked if I could afford to buy the necessary things to play.
Around the same time, a rich girl from the neighborhood helped me get the necessary equipment to play. Though my area wasn’t considered part of Chennai, I got a chance to play for the Chengalpattu Cricket District Association and eventually for the Lead Zone. I quickly gained recognition, became the captain for the Under-12 team. I never left an opportunity, I played many matches. I became one of the best players in the district. Officials started noticing my efforts and talent.
Tragedy struck in my late teens when both my parents fell ill and passed away. My siblings were all married, and I was left unsettled and without much support. Despite these hardships, my love for cricket never waned. I got married at 27 to a girl from Kerala, and the struggle continued. I traveled by lorry to other states for matches and often walked around 20 kilometers each time to play. My determination to play for India kept me going, despite having literally no financial support. My wife was a huge support.
The reality of merit being overshadowed by caste and money hit me hard. My background made it impossible for me to progress. By 38, I was exhausted from fighting against the social barriers and the discrimination that came with my caste and financial status.
Defeated, I quit cricket.
I was a little dejected back then because I literally lost my life because of the passion and love I had towards cricket. Moving to the present day, now, I am a driver, with my own car. Despite my struggles, I encouraged my son to follow his dreams. Today, he is a journalist and hosts TV shows. He also loves cricket and I never failed to get all the cricket equipements for him.
Once I was my son’s hero, now, my son has became my hero!
He is married to a wonderful woman who is an HR professional at a top corporate company. Life has taught me harsh lessons about the value people place on caste, religion, and community. Yet, through it all, I remain proud of my journey and hopeful for my son’s future.”