Racism and discrimination have been sensitive topics to deliberate upon especially in the Asian countries where we hesitate to talk about topics that are taboo. But if the last couple weeks have shown us anything it’s that now, more than ever, we need the human courage to stand up for what is right.

We need the bravery to speak out, to support threatened communities, to build a society based on equality, compassion and unity. The former Indian cricketer Laxmipathy Balaji has openly called out against racism and discrimination.

Racism has no place in society: Laxmipathy Balaji

Meanwhile, the world has witnessed severe upsurge since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Cricketers like Darren Sammy, Jofra Archer have spoken openly about racism in cricket with Sammy accusing facing racist slur in the IPL.

“I believe that there is racism OK all kinds, discrimination of all kinds, we must at least ensure that there is social responsibility ingrained in the next generation. That can happen only when we don’t indulge in any form of bullying.

Calling someone with a supposedly funny nickname may draw a few laughs at that particular point but we can never truly know the extent of psychological trauma it may cause to the person who is at the receiving end, said Balaji in a chat show – Home run with AV- with sports commentator Arun Venugopal on his YouTube channel. 

He also emphasized on the role of elders in sensitizing the children and being a role model for them. The former India fast bowler added that it is high time the people should put an end to this discrimination based on colour.

“You are called by all sorts of names based on your face size, and height. Such bullying is 100 percent condemnable, and anything that psychologically affects children should not be encouraged at any cost. There needs to be a greater sensitization of the problem, and it has to start from the elders. Only then can children learn by example. It is about time, we put an end to it.” he said.