Cricketer Adam Gilchrist visits his sponsored child

Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist, who currently captains Kings XI Punjab, is a World Vision ambassador in his country. He has been sponsoring a child named Mangesh Rajput from Mumbai through World Vision India for the last 6 years.

Mangesh lost his father when he was very young. His mother works as a housemaid to provide for Mangesh and his two brothers. Thanks to his sponsor Adam Gilchrist, the family received the gift of a promising future.

Initially, Mangesh was poor in studies and as a result, he was given extra coaching through World Vision India. Moreover, to help supplement the family income, his mother was given a tailoring machine.

Last month, Gilchrist visited Mangesh at his home. He had a 15-minute interaction with Mangesh. For Gilchrist, the visit was an exhilarating and a satisfying experience. "Sponsoring Mangesh for so many years has been a very fulfilling experience not only for me but also for my family," says Gilchrist.

He said sponsoring Magnesh was fulfilling in two ways –"one it led me to Magnesh and his family, and the other is the interest my family and three young children have taken".

"I get very excited whenever we are at home and receive the various correspondences that come our way. My children are always keen to see the pictures of Mangesh, his school and his various activities. They definitely encourage my children," said Gilchrist.

The record-breaking wicket-keeper said it was exciting to see programs that provide opportunities to young children. "Such programs help children in not so privileged positions. If we can leverage what we do in a more effective way, it will be terrific," he said.

World Vision India is a Christian humanitarian organisation working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families and communities living in poverty and injustice.