1. Rahul Dravid, 5th Indian To Be Inducted Into ICC Hall Of Fame.
Former cricketer and India U-19 cricket team head coach Rahul Dravid was formally inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in Dublin on Sunday (local time). Former English batswoman Claire Taylor and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting were also inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame.
He is the fifth Indian to be inducted to the prestigious group that includes cricketing legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble.
Ponting is the 25th player from Australia to do so. Taylor is the seventh woman overall and the third female player from England to be named in the list.
Describing it as a great honour and privilege, Dravid, in his acceptance speech, said " I am thankful to the ICC for giving me this honour. It is a privilege to be among a group of people I have looked up to and I have admired as a young man growing up in the journey as a cricketer. I`d love to be able to thank so many people who have made it possible for me to have a career in the sport and to fulfil my dreams."
"My parents, my family, my two kids, my so many friends, colleagues that I have played with, and played against that enriched my game. My many coaches right from the time I was in school and the coaches I have played for in India have really helped me to develop as a cricketer. I would not be here if not for support and love that they have given me and I`m truly grateful and thankful for it," he added.
2. Artist Anjolie Ela Menon Conferred Kalidas Award.
Noted artist Anjolie Ela Menon, 78 on Saturday received the National Kalidas Samman in Delhi for visual arts from the Madhya Pradesh government.
The award was conferred in recognition of her insightful and sensitive portrayal of the identity and spirit of women through her meaningful paintings in a variety of media.
With her first solo exhibition being held in Delhi in 1958, Menon is counted among India’s most accomplished artists and is the recipient of numerous national and international awards including the Padma Shri. She recently received a doctorate from Rabindra Bharati University.
Artist A. Ramachandran was also conferred with the Kalidas Award on Saturday.
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