#567 - Baloo’s Big Win

by Mamta Nainy and illustrated by Saumya Oberoi

“Baloo’s Big Win” by Mamta Nainy and illustrated by Saumya Oberoi. Published by Penguin. An inspirational story of how Palwankar Baloo overcame caste barriers to get into the cricket team for India.

When Baloo was growing up, he had to wake up very early each morning to do household chores. He was supposed to draw water from the well before the people from the wadi or the big colony opposite their small community would wake up. He could not be seen by the people as he belonged to a lower caste. If he got delayed accidentally, he would have to watch the people scrunching up noses, covering their mouths, muttering and even sprinkling holy water to cleanse the ground that he tread upon. He found it very humiliating.

People from Baloo’s community were often at the receiving end from the people of the wadi. They could not do a lot of things that others could and had to bear a lot of indignation. Baloo was not going to accept it just like that. He had lots of questions and wanted to find answers. He got fascinated by the game of cricket that used to be played by the British sahibs. He would watch them play. He started playing cricket with his brothers when he found discarded cricket equipments near the Poona Gymkhana Club. When his talent as a bowler got recognised, he did manage to get a place in a Hindu club’s team. But there was a price to pay. Like before, he was still treated as an untouchable and not allowed to mix freely with his teammates. Could Baloo overcome the caste barrier at all? Did he manage to bring about a change? Read the inspirational story of an incredible man who left a mark by working towards bringing equality in sports.

The book brings the story of a forgotten and unsung hero to life. Given his love for cricket and true stories, my ten and a half year old was keen to read the book. The book was an eye opener to him as he could not believe that caste restrictions could stop someone from pursuing even a sport. He was thankful that things have changed now in sports and selection is supposed to be based only on merit irrespective of caste or any other such factor. Baloo’s perseverance, determination, passion and courage took him way beyond his humble beginnings. The beautiful illustrations bring the narrative alive in front of our eyes.

This book is part of “The Magic Makers” series which brings the stories of eminent people who ended up creating magic in their respective fields.  We have read and enjoyed the three other books in the series already namely, “Roshan’s Road to Music” on Annapurna Devi who was one of the greatest surbahar players, “That Big-Voiced Girl” on Usha Uthup who is a legendary singer and “Looking For Inspiration” on Rabindranath Tagore who needs no introduction.

Recommended Age

The book is apt for children aged 6/7 and above.

Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India, for review. Thank you to Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!