*Debashish Datta
Nestled in the heart of the archaeological town of Kailashahar in Tripura, a story of resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit has emerged. This is the inspiring journey of Sentu Sarkar, a man who ascended from the depths of poverty to become the esteemed captain of the cricket team of Tripura.
Sentu’s odyssey began in the modest neighborhood of Kalipur in Kailashahar, where he resided with his mother, brother, and sister. The sudden passing of his father, Sunil Sarker, placed the weight of familial responsibility on Sentu’s young shoulders. To ensure his family’s survival, Sentu stepped into his father’s shoes, taking over the business of hawking old clothes. The earnings from this trade were meager, but Sentu soldiered on.
Despite the financial hurdles, Sentu made certain that his siblings’ education remained unaffected. His brother, Montu, has since become a successful software engineer, and his sister, Shrabani, is currently continuing her studies at Ramakrishna Mahavidyalaya in Kailashahar.
In the midst of his struggle, Sentu found refuge and solace in cricket. He was forced to abandon his studies due to his circumstances, but he never relinquished his passion for cricket. After a grueling day of work, he would be spotted on the field every day, honing his skills, perfecting his game. His unwavering dedication and relentless hard work eventually bore fruit, earning him accolades and respect in cricketing circles.
Pradip Pal, the secretary of the Kailashahar Cricket Association, lauded Sentu and said, “In cricket, luck takes a backseat, and performance takes the wheel. And that performance is a product of years of relentless practice and battles on the field. Sentu exemplifies this.”
Sentu’s successful journey has become a beacon of hope and a source of immense pride for not just Kailashahar, but the entire state. His transition from a cloth hawker to the captain of the state cricket team is a testament to his steadfast determination and profound love for cricket.
As the state eagerly anticipates the inaugural match of the C.K. Naidu Trophy on January 7, all attention is focused on Sentu Sarkar – Kailashahar’s very own, who has been appointed the captain of the State team for the first two matches. His story stands as a shining demonstration to the power of perseverance and passion in overcoming adversity and achieving dreams.
Debashish Datta may be contacted at debu910@gmail.com