The Ashwin Foundation:Mission with a difference

Calcutta: Ravichandran Ashwin, who had a phenomenal 2016 which ended with him being named as the International Cricket Council's Cricketer of the Year, launches his Foundation on Friday.

The Ashwin Foundation will be launched in Chennai, Ashwin's hometown.

Unlike some of the other Foundations, set up by sportspersons, Ashwin's primary objectives are rather different.

No.1 is eye care and eye donation, followed by the importance of blood donation, road safety and safe driving, 100 per cent voters' turnout during elections.

Ashwin (the No.1 all-rounder and bowler in Test cricket), one learns, intends pledging his eyes at an event on Saturday.

Well, that would be setting an example. Trust Ashwin to do so.

On the eve of the Foundation's launch, Ashwin sent a message to The Telegraph: "Nothing is more beautiful in this world than the gift of sight...

"There is a specific reason why we have chosen to represent the four subjects...

"Awareness is generally less when it comes to blood donations and road safety. If I can contribute in a small way, in spreading the right word, I'll be more than happy...

"My dream as far as voting is concerned is that there should be no campaigns as voting is the duty of every Indian and I am sure my countrymen need not be told what to do."

Ashwin, incidentally, is a brand ambassador for the Tamil Nadu state election commission and his campaign in the lead-up to the 2016 polls had been very well received.

No surprise, given the 30-year-old Ashwin's rapidly-growing stature in Tamil Nadu and far beyond.

While the Foundation's primary objectives are not run-of-the-mill subjects, it will explore opportunities to engage in other fields.

Later, of course, not at the very beginning.