Sujo inaugurating our new equipment, an incidental happening

“The most amazing thing about OTHL is the upliftment of young players who largely come from challenging circumstances,” Dutt says.

“Even greater than giving them hockey coaching is the fact that OTHL grooms them to develop their skills for employment. “It’s as much as social upliftment as sporting development,” Dutt says in awe of the project.

“OTHL  is carrying out multi-tasks. Its  commitment is exemplary. Its volunteers selflessness inspiring,” he adds.

He laments the fact, though, that OTHL  battles the odds with little support and makes a clarion call for better response for such an altruistic effort.

“OTHL founder  has the know-how and contacts but needs financial assistance and contribution in terms of equipment,” the 43-year-old Dutt observes.

It’s plain to see Dutt’s heart beats for hockey. Having been coached by the legendary Kishan Lal Sethi after taking to the game in Class V, Dutt went on to captain his school team.

A sturdy full-back with a penchant to hit penalty corners hard, Dutt grew up with stories of the Beighton Cup and the exploits of Leslie Claudius, India Olympic hero, related by his father, the Late A.K. Dutt.

Surjo's mother, a teacher, interacting with OTHL kids

His mother Jayanti has been encouraging, not just when it came to playing the sport but also in Dutt’s endeavour to support OTHL, often accompanying him to donate sticks to the boys at training.

Dutt works in the advertisement field and is FCB ad agency’s National Creative Director. Wife Suruchi joins the party.  Being an artist, she designed a couple of jersey insignias for OTHL to make it a family effort for the cause.

Dutt may have grown up in an atmosphere of cricket and football but hockey he proclaims is his first love – something that augurs well for OTHL and its manifesto, both sporting and social.

Sujo family is part of OTHL family

"I remember his first visit to OTHL Centre. It was Saket Centre, coincding with us installing first-ever full pledged goal cage donated by an USA based kind heart. On that visit, the first-timer to our work Surjo was amazed at seeing hundreds of kids bubbling with enthusiasm, buzzing around the ground like bees would a honey comb, and the atmosphere. He was so happy that he had spent more time than  he  originally intended to, clicking endless photos, and sharing the joy of the kids. The moments confirmed his deep love for everything the OTHL stands for".

"That day I decided we have got another  genuine member to our small family. Sujo for sure is our asset", says founder K. Arumugam.