Whether it was an issue related to awarding Sachin Tendulkar with the highest honor in the form of Bharat Ratna or forcing him to play in the forthcoming T-20 World Cup cricket, our Marathi channels have played an anchor role in highlighting such issues. Inviting experts from different fields to offer their comments on such issues has been the practice of various channels, but on these two issues there has been unanimity among the experts. As regards conferring the Bharat Ratna to the most popular cricketer in India, many felt that it was the right time to honour him now, as people tend to forget the cricketers after their retirement. The humble cricketer himself has however avoided to comment on this matter saying that it was for the government to decide.

But, he has openly denied his intention to play in the T-20 world cup, even if given a chance to represent the Indian team for the forthcoming competition. It may be recalled that the Master blaster of India had himself opted out of this format of the game from the very beginning, allowing other youngsters to find their place in the team. Watching his performance in the current IPL matches; which also has 20-20 format, many former cricketers had suggested that Sachin be persuaded to be part of the team.

There is no doubt that his mere presence in the side helps boost the morale of other players, for the manner in which he gives a flying start to the innings. But, no one has recommended him as the manager or Coach of the team. In fact, our Marathi TV channels should have held a debate on such possibilities, instead of airing the views of former cricketers about his inclusion in the T-20 world cup side.

There was a big news in the print media about announcement of the name of former India cricket captain Ajit Wadekar for the Mother Teresa Lifetime achievement award for the year 2010, but there wasn’t much talk about it on Marathi channels. Ajit Wadekar, who led the Indian cricket team to historic Test series triumphs in West Indies and England in 1971, will be conferred with this prestigious award on 10th April 2010 and this news certainly deserved better coverage on Marathi channels with his detailed interview and telecast of his old matches especially those victories in 1971.

Marathi TV channels are however doing a good job on creating awareness among people about the contaminated water in different cities and highlighting the spread of diseases like Cholera. It is high time that the Municipal corporations in different cities pay attention to such issues. The channels also highlighted the misbehavior of one of the Ministers of state and the video clipping showing the minister Mr. Sattar kicking one of his colleagues. This clearly indicated the attitude of our ministers, though the Government is trying to shield him, using pressure tactics on the victim, who like our CM has taken a U turn on his previous statement. Thanks to these channels for bringing the reality before the viewers.

by Ulhas Shirke © MMW