While it is a rather well known fact that Golf is a fairly popular game in India, there is hardly any awareness about the importance of caddies to the sport.
Often caddies are not given the respect and opportunities they rightly deserve. Considering how integral they are to golf players, their long work hours and modest wages do not do justice to the kind of effort it takes to be an efficient caddy, particularly as they assist their patrons through long hours in the summer heat lugging heavy bags and clubs. As a mark of appreciation for their efforts, Saiesta, India's premiere e-tail studio designing clothes exclusively for women, partnered with 'Ek Initiative' for the caddy match held recently in the city.
Saieshwar Oberoi, aged 17, a class 12th student had organized the charity golf tournament for the welfare of caddies along with Saiesta. The initiative was undertaken for the benefit of caddies who form the soft underbelly of the billion dollar sport of golf in India. In most cases, they earn a measly Rs. 100 per day for carrying heavy bags in extreme weather. Not regulated, the caddies have no social cover and no government organization to help them. It is not surprising that some of these caddies are excellent players of golf, having spent most of their lives on the golf courses. The charity tournament was organized to help them and provide them with the right incentive to improve their lives.
Commenting on this remarkable initiative, Mr. Rajat Sikka, Marketing & Finance Head at Saiesta.com, said, "We are honored to a part of such a wonderful initiative. Sometimes we forget to acknowledge people around us. Saiesta will always stand up for unsung heroes in our society and will always #GiveItBack! It is a pleasure for Saiesta to sponsor this golf tournament which encourages youngsters to give back to society. "
The event 'Ek Initiative' was organized on 25th May 2016 at the Qutab Golf Course, Lado sarai, New Delhi with Ex-captain DGC, author and golf aficionado, Mr. Ramesh R. Kohli as the chief guest.
Speaking on the dedication of caddies and their role in the life and success of golfers, noted golfer Saieshwar Oberoi commented, "When I first started playing golf seven years ago, I was just 10 and used to spend long hours on the green, often failing to hold my attention. My caddy was like a second coach to me as he had spent years at the golf club, following, assisting and observing excellent golfers and had much wisdom to share. He would tell me stories of great golfers and he also explained his theories on the reasons for their success. Over the years, I realized just how much I had learned from him!"
The 'Ek Initiative Caddy Match' is a charity match aimed at celebrating the talents of these young men and also bringing recognition and respect to those who are considered the backbone of any great golfer. Today let us all stand up and support those who support us - our caddies!
Saiesta pledges to #GiveItBack to the society and supports youngsters who are willing to stand up for unsung heroes in our society. Most of the time we forget to #GiveItBack to the people who have done so much for us. This was an initiative to let them know that we respect them and value them.
