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Gautam Gambhir bares it all at Goafest 2025: “Cricket is a part of my life, not my life”
MUMBAI: If there were any doubts about Gautam Gambhir being a straight shooter, they were obliterated in the opening minutes of his fireside chat at Goafest 2025. Titled “Why So Serious? The Making of Gautam Gambhir”, the session was anything but sombre. Moderated by CNN News18’s Anand Narasimhan, the hour-long conversation unpacked the mind of one of Indian cricket’s most intense figures—and revealed the grit behind the game face.
“10,000 runs are not important”, Gambhir asserted early on, dismissing the fetish for stats in favour of match-defining moments. “You don’t play for broadcasters or the media; you play for the common man”. That common man, he noted, has always been his ultimate judge, not press headlines or highlight reels.
Gambhir emphasised that public memory may be short, but for players, the work behind the scenes is lifelong. His mantra to aspiring cricketers and leaders: “It’s okay to make mistakes. Take decisions with conviction”.
The conversation took a personal turn as Gambhir spoke of his singular regret—not serving in the army. “If given a choice today, I would give up everything to join”, he said. That spirit, he added, defines both his approach to cricket and life. “I’m not into Bollywood, I’m not into corporates. I’m just here to win”.
Touching on his coaching stint, Gambhir credited India’s Champions Trophy win to the entire dressing room. “It wasn’t about me or the captain. Everyone contributed”.
When asked about his notorious intensity, he responded, “There is nothing wrong with having a game face. Cricket is a profession where only one side wins”.
On heated dressing room exchanges and media narratives, Gambhir remained stoic. “If it’s not personal, it ends on the field. Once the match is done, it’s dinner and back to normal”.
He admitted that India’s transition phase in red-ball cricket demands patience. “You can’t compare formats. Australia was tough, but so will England be. The key is to stay the course”.
On retirement, he recalled waking up one morning in 2018 and realising the fire was gone. “If you can’t be the best, it’s time to go. And once you go, don’t look back”.
Politics, he claimed, “just happened”. He entered with a desire to change things, but eventually returned to cricket. “Five years in politics taught me my peace lies on the pitch”.
His closing advice was aimed at India’s next generation of leaders: “If your intent is right, don’t fear failure. Lead from the front, be vulnerable, and never stop being honest”.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
