There’s a nice story from AFP about Sahara, an NGO based in south New Delhi that provides treatment for ex-drug addicts and those with HIV/AIDS. What is interesting is that football - soccer - has been used as a key form of therapy for its men in this cricket-mad country. Its female patients receive vocational training in handcrafts and pig farming, which can lead to self-employment.
Sahara has been around for 28 years and seems to have a reputation for innovative programs designed to give those previously marginalised in general society the confidence and opportunity to become more integrated with the wider community - and hopefully vice versa. It caters for about 200 patients at any one time.
Most of those who play football are from northeastern India where football is apparently more popular than cricket, as well as some foreigners from Nigeria and Iran. With football being played every day, a healthier focus and environment is created for the men and, in the case of seven players, the opportunity to play for teams in the Delhi league. Sceptical locals, who were a little unsure about letting them play on their local pitch, have come around, with some having even joined them on the park.
Here are the contact details for Sahara if you’re in the area:
E-453, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi-110048.
Tel: 29219147, 29222418
