From running a school for athletes back home, meeting ministers and industrialists to raising funds for her academy, P. T. Usha takes time off quite often to be chief guest at various functions around the country or brand ambassador for a variety of causes. She was in Delhi this past weekend to promote the Mawana Sugars Indian Open marathon. As it turned out, she also lent a hand to the Delhi Traffic Police in its campaign on ‘Strap the helmet and safety of women on two-wheelers.
Excerpts from the interview:
How did the association with Delhi Traffic Police come about?
A day before the marathon, the Joint Commissioner (Satyendra Garg) met me and requested me that I attend their campaign regarding helmet-wearing. I agreed since it was a good thing for the public and moreover the marathon organizers also had requested me to help out the Traffic Police.
Will this association be carried forward?
I have promised all help whenever they need it. The Commissioner has requested me to call him whenever I come to Delhi.
Only men are asked to wear helmets compulsorily. How do you view this gender disparity?
In my opinion everyone should wear helmets while going on two-wheelers. Women should not wait for helmets to be made compulsory. Rather than helmets being worn because of the fear of Traffic Police, everyone should wear them since it would be for their own good.
Have you been involved in other campaigns?
I have done a campaign for the farmers of Kerala in promoting coconut for a healthy way of life. I have been in the Curriculum Committee in Kerala which has recommended sports as part of school curricula.
How is the Usha School doing?
We are doing very well. Most of our students have won age group competitions at the National and State levels. We have 17 girls at the moment.
You don't train boys?
At the local level, I do. And now there is a plan at the Panchayat level to provide training for a mixed group of boys and girls.
What is your target?
An Olympic medal in athletics for my country that I could not win. We started in 2002 with that as our aim.
What difference if any have you noticed among the current crop of athletes compared to your days?
I think athletes in my time were more dedicated.
Have the timings improved or do you think the present-day athletes face more challenges?
I don't think the timings have improved in women's 100, 200 or 400 metres compared to our days. There might have been some improvement in discus (throw) and the jumps have definitely improved with Anju (George) and now Mayookha (Johny) doing well in long jump.
How does India treat its female athletes compared to the rest of the world?
They are treated well. In fact the women get more opportunities and better exposure abroad than their male counterparts nowadays.
