Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Disturbing feat

The feat by four-year-old Budhia Singh, who finished his record run of 65 km in 7.02 hours, though astonishing is disturbing. Was it necessary to make little Budhia cover 65 km in the scorching heat? Did the people concerned spare no thought for the child's ordeal?

Bhuvaneswari VamciKrishna,
Chennai

The achievement is not laudable but lamentable. The pathetic and exhausted face of the child (May 3) says it all. The report says Budhia achieved the feat braving very hot and humid conditions. It was cruel on the part of the organisers to subject him to such suffering for fame and money.

His ordeal was not a result of his independent decision. It was forced on him by his guardians for publicity. Exploitation of children for fame and money should be discouraged.

P.T. Abraham,
Kochi, Kerala

The four-year-old may have entered The Limca Book of Records. But the `feat' is another form of child abuse. It is criminal to put a child through such physical ordeal.

His life was endangered — he could have collapsed during the course of the run. Let Budhia practise running and become an international marathon runner. But is it fair to push him too far at the cost of his education and childhood?

Madhu R.D. Singh,
Ambala, Haryana

Budhia's name has entered the Limca Book of Records. But at what cost? If the child is made to endure such physical stress at a tender age, he will either die a premature death or risk irreparable wear and tear to his muscles and cartilages.

Budhia was clearly exhausted at the end of the run, which is perhaps why he could not complete the targeted 70 km. It is imperative that someone intervenes, and prevents this torture. It is true that India needs young talent in sport. But how young?

Amjad K. Maruf,
Mumbai

Budhia is indeed a child prodigy and has the potential to become a successful long-distance runner. However, his inhuman exploitation by his over ambitious mentor and insensitive sponsors is distressing.

I request the Government of Orissa, the Sports Authority of India, and NGOs working for children's welfare to step in and free him from the clutches of his mentor. Budhia needs to grow like a normal child; life-endangering exploits can wait.

Mira Singh,
New Delhi

Does a four-year-old know what the Limca Book of Records is? Love and care are what children need, not fame and money.

R. Gayathri Devi,
Thanjavur, T.N.

Hearty congratulations to Budhia on achieving the feat. I hope he creates many more records and enters the Guinness Book of World Records too.

Y.V. Koteswara Rao,
Secunderabad

It is all very well to create world records. But is it fair to subject one who has no knowledge and understanding of the matter to such a gruelling ordeal? Can a four-year-old understand the significance of a world record? Budhia should be admitted to a good school, provided nutritious food, and trained as an athlete.

Chitra Singh,
Bhopal

The feat of running 65 km in 7 hours is indeed an accomplishment only a few individuals can dream of. But who is to account for the consequences an endurance event such as this would have had on him? Even for an adult, a marathon run is intensely challenging and emotionally draining. Was it prudent to put this little boy through the run? It is like asking a four-year-old to face Curtly Ambrose. The child is a prodigy, but he should be protected and nurtured to achieve feats that will make him a truly great athlete.

Sanjay Velamparambil,
Boulder, Colorado

Budhia is a representative of the thousands in this country who have struggled to make a mark in the field of sports. Thousands grow old trying to get into the Indian national teams or even make a mark at the State level. With even the best failing at the Olympics, the situation becomes do-or-die for those sponsoring sporting talent. When someone like Budhia emerges, they cling to him. Budhia's ironical statement "I can run as much as you want me to," before collapsing is another testimony to the poverty stricken populace, loaded with talent and desperately searching for an outlet.

Madri Kakoti,
New Delhi

Many feel Budhia was pushed too far. His talent should be developed in a judicious way so that he does not become a burnt-out case.

V. Ramamurthi,
Tiruchi, T.N.

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