Gavaskar Urges Youth To Give Back At Philanthropy Event In Orange, CA
By BHARTTI KUMAR
ORANGE, CA — Sunil Gavaskar has always measured life in innings. On September 7, at the MSI Experience Center, he shared with an audience why his third inning—philanthropy—has become the most fulfilling.
“When we are young, we are busy establishing ourselves,” Gavaskar said. “After that, we start looking for something more out of life, and that comes from giving.”
The event, hosted by the Manu and Rika Shah family, celebrated their partnership supporting the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research in Bengaluru.
MSI is funding a state-of-the-art cardiac wing, to be named the Shah Happiness Cardiac Care Center. Gavaskar, a board member of the One World One Family Foundation USA, praised the initiative for embodying “excellence, humility, humanity, and resources working for the greater good.”
The legendary cricketer, known for his impeccable technique and focus, was the first to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. Reflecting on his career, he recalled the early struggles to be seen and accepted. “I worked very hard initially to be heard, seen, and accepted. Once on the field, I maintained my position for 17 years,” he said.
Gavaskar described his life in innings: his first dedicated to cricket, the second to administrative work, media, commentary, and writing, and third to charitable work. “Every ailing child deserves a second chance to live,” he said, speaking about the H2H Foundation, which supports surgeries for children born with congenital heart defects. “I realized I have everything; this is the next fulfilling inning I need. I focus on my projects the way I did in cricket—to see the farthest bowler and bring in similar expertise and teamwork.”
He urged young people to embrace small acts of generosity. “Do some giving daily, like lifting a heavy bag or offering a seat to a senior person,” he said. “It gives that fulfillment and better sleep.”
Gavaskar also shared reflections with India-West from his cricketing days. “Never give up in any walk of life,” he said. “You can sidestep for a while, to reform and overcome obstacles.” He recalled the camaraderie with teammates and the discipline that shaped his career, noting how those lessons guide his philanthropic work today.
The Shah Happiness Foundation, known for its long-standing generosity, supports initiatives such as education, healthcare, nutrition and vocational training through Illumination Health and Home, SAHARA, AIF, Providence St. Jude, Pratham, Akshaya Patra and many other institutions and organizations.
Donations have also been made to building urgent care centers in rural India, with the first ones opening in Karnataka by the Shah Happiness Urgent Care – Sai Swasthya Wellness Center.
“While there are 15,000 urgent care centers in the US, there were none in India,” Manu Shah said. “Within three years, we expect 25 centers in rural areas, which are cost-efficient with the required amenities.”
Drawing a cricket analogy, Gavaskar distinguished between urgent and emergency situations. “There are moments that have no time to spare, and others that can be managed temporarily until further assistance comes, like delaying the game until the incoming player is ready to leap into action,” he said.
Roopa Sharma, LA Chapter Co-President of OWOF, expressed gratitude for being part of the initiative. Together, the foundation and the Shah family aim to continue healing hearts and saving lives.
Even after retiring as CEO of MSI after 47 years, Manu Shah joked to India-West, “I will never retire.” MSI is a leading supplier of flooring, countertop, wall tile, and hardscaping products in North America.
