While their faces show jubilation, they mask a pitiable story of constant struggle–from finding funds for tickets to being able to purchase food and drinking water.
The Faith in Action team, having been invited for the world event, had approached the State Government for funds but financial support was not forthcoming. The team met with Khriehu Lezietsu, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources and Sports and also his predecessor, Merentoshi Jamir. Both expressed helplessness citing lack of funds.
Narrating the sequence of events to The Morung Express, Deep Kumar, the founder coach, said that the team had missed their flight to South Korea due to the late arrival of visas and were stranded at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. In a frantic attempt to get new tickets, they started looking for contributions from various avenues. With ticket prices shooting up, Kumar remembers people advising them to return home and try next year. “It was the worst day of our lives,” he says. However, they did not lose hope. “We had faith in God,” Kumar adds.
The team pointed out that an “act of providence” occurred, when an old gentleman after seeing the team sleeping on the floor of the airport enquired and upon hearing their grievances, donated Rs. 2.70 Lakh saying he had seen their performance before and was proud of their achievements. The team also informed that Khriehu Lezietsu had donated Rs.1 Lakh personally, which the team received after reaching Delhi.
The competition had already started when they reached. They could participate only in the events for the last two days. “We did not have any money in Korea. We went without wholesome food for 4 days. We only ate the noodles that the organisers provided and stayed at the cheapest hotel. But by the grace of God, we could do very well,” Kumar says.
Since its formation in 2008, the team had participated and won reality shows like ‘Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bi Karega’ and ‘Nagas Got Talent.’ The team reached the semifinal in ‘India’s Got Talent.’ However, the “biggest achievement” for the Faith in Action team is performing in front of India’s President during the inauguration of the Hornbill Festival in 2013.
Despite the many achievements, there has been no help forthcoming from the government. Deep Kumar says, “If it was a case of us not approaching the government for help, it can be understood, but despite constant overtures, there has been no help at all.” Even for their performance during Hornbill Festival, Kumar informs, “we had to shell out money from our own pockets and buy costumes for the performance. Apart from the conveyance, we were not paid anything.”
“If we wait for government aid in the field of sports, Naga people will never go forward,” Kumar feels.
Source: Morung Express
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