Sachin adopts AP village, says it's his way of thanking people

Adopting a village in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore district, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar today exhorted the people to give equal importance to boys and girls and make them educated as he advised the men to shun alcohol and tobacco consumption.

"This is a model village which we are trying to create and it should set an example for the rest of the country... This is just the beginning," the Rajya Sabha member said in Puttamrajuvari Kandrika village, which he adopted under the 'Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana' programme.

Tendulkar laid foundation for the construction of Rs 2.79 crore worth developmental works (in the first phase), including a community centre, 'Aanganwadi' (government-run women and child care centre) school with kitchen, a playground, waiting halls and toilets.

An oath was administered to the villagers on the occasion asking them to shun tobacco and alcohol consumption.

Addressing a huge gathering of villagers, Tendulkar said: "There are various things we are looking to do here (developmental works). One is to build a school, have clean toilets, have access to clean drinking water, beautifying a lake... It is going to look very nice in time to come".

"We are also going to have a community centre here. The reason to have a community centre is to encourage all the men to spend more time with their family members in the evening. I would call each and every individual not to be addicted to smoking and drinking after your working hours. Get addicted to spending time with your family in the evening," Tendulkar said.

"As I say in cricketing terms that we are playing the first innings by providing various facilities and to look after these facilities and bring maximum results out of this, it is in your hand," he said.

"So, you promise me that you will try your best to educate the next generation," the batting maestro said.

"The importance you give to your boys, also give equal amount of importance to your girls and daughters. They are future of our nation," he said.

"I would urge each and every family member to encourage both your kids...Your son and your daughter to make them educated. I am sure in times to come they will bring laurels to our nation," Tendulkar said.