Football In The Foothills

Raju Kumar, India

Raju Kumar was raised in Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community in northeast India and is part of the Jhamtse Football Club (JFC) programme. Jhamtse Gatsal (“garden of love and compassion”) was started in 2006 by former Buddhist monk Lobsang Phunstok who aimed to raise and educate a generation of compassionate leaders at one of the most remote places in the Himalayas.

The JFC programme is supported by The Huracan Foundation, an organisation which supports projects led by teachers from the Teach For All network who are working in underprivileged communities across the globe. Since 2013, 41 projects in 17 countries have impacted more than 3,000 children, helping improve children’s educational outcomes around the world through the power of football.

Over the past year the JFC programme has grown from 11 to 51 students and has expanded to include a girls training programme. Pioneered by project leader Tenzin Dondul, students sign a contract committing to uphold community responsibility and academic excellence to be part of the football team.

My name is Raju Kumar and I am 22 now. I was born in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh state in northeast India. I was raised by Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community in Arunachal Pradesh and now I work there. I am also studying in my second year in Delhi at Rishihood University and I am pursuing a Bachelors in Design.

I began playing football at a very young age. However, it was in Grade 11 that I truly started taking the sport seriously, coinciding with our geography teacher, Gen Tenzin la, beginning to teach us football at Jhamtse Gatsal. I am glad that I joined JFC (Jhamtse Football Club) with my friends in Grade 11. In north India, there are fewer people interested in playing football.

However, since I started college, I have been playing less often. I am playing with my university, but I do not play football as regularly now because of my course and the time constraints, 

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

I took these photos at Jhamtse Gatsal, highlighting young individuals with dreams of becoming football players. The photos capture these aspiring athletes in the midst of their passion for the sport, as they actively pursue their goals on the field.

I aimed to capture the unwavering dedication of young football players hailing from the foothills of the Himalayas. The images radiate their boundless energy and their profound passion for the sport. My goal is to present these young athletes to the world, as they serve as a source of inspiration for the upcoming generations.

One particular photo stands out, featuring both boys and girls playing football in traditional attire. In India, there is a prevalent belief that football is predominantly a boys' sport, but this image challenges that notion. It underscores the idea that football is inclusive, transcending specific clothing, time, or culture – anyone, regardless of these factors, can partake in and enjoy the beautiful game.

What is your favourite photo? Why?

My favourite photo is the one where there is fog and a guy looking directly at me. I adore this photo because it creates a sensation that everything around is frozen in time, except for the guy who appears to be actively engaged or scoring something.

Are there any interesting stories connected with the people you photographed?

The day we first received our football and football training equipment from our coach Michael Gonzalez stands out vividly in my memory. It was a moment filled with immense gratitude because we all felt a strong sense of ownership over these items. 

Lobsang Tsering was one of the youngest players when I joined JFC and he is a student in  Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community. I can distinctly recall his  happiness and excitement as he eagerly examined all the equipment we had received. On that day, Lobsang was quite young, but I can see how he has grown up since then. He still possesses the same enthusiasm and deep love for football that he had back then.

What impact has playing football and Jhamtse Gatsal Children's Community had on you?

I used to struggle with anger issues, and this problem still persists. However, my experiences in football have taught me a valuable lesson: getting angry leads to more losses than wins. I vividly recall a moment when I became furious with a friend during a game, and in my anger, I began kicking the football aimlessly, determined to ensure we did not win. Gen Tenzin noticed my destructive intent and asked me to leave the field.

Upon reflecting on my actions the following day, I realised that I had been the disruptive force in the game. This incident serves as an example of how both Jhamtse (a term that relates to a positive influence) and football have had a profound impact on me.

What role does football play in your community? 

When Gen Tenzin la began teaching, all the students were enthusiastic. However, a problem emerged as students were prioritising football over their studies, which concerned the staff. To address this issue, Gen Tenzin la established a rule for students who wanted to play football. This rule required every student interested in playing to achieve a minimum score of 70% in their exams. This solution gained widespread support because it motivated all students to ensure they reached the 70% threshold in their exams, thereby improving their focus on academics.

What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?

Since I have embarked on my design journey, I have found that I may not have as much time for playing, but I can utilise my design expertise to promote football in various regions through different campaigns or by working with football clubs. These are some initial ideas that come to mind. However, if the opportunity arises to work for a football team or club, I would enthusiastically embrace it. This is because I have a deep passion for football, a strong knowledge of the sport, and I am honing my design skills, making me well-equipped for such a role.

What is the future for football in India? What would you like to change?

The future of football in India looks promising as interest and investment in the sport are growing. To make it even better, I would like to see:

Developing young talent through grassroots programs. Building high-quality stadiums and training facilities. Improving coaching standards and education for players and coaches. Growing domestic leagues like the Indian Super League (ISL). Encouraging Indian teams to compete internationally for more experience.

These changes could help Indian football become more successful on the world stage.