- Edited and Published by S.K Nair Director Edutech Foundation - Bangalore
Once up on a time J Mohan Kumar was the best foot ball player, defender, former India international and ITI defender, the pride of the foremost Public sector Unit of India ITI Ltd,, now keeps vigil at the gates of Mount Carmel College
Mohan Kumar has fond memories of his golden days when his name often announced through football stadiums and his face was so familiar to the foot ball fans of India.
The deep defender remembers with a smile on the collective attacks of his team and his teammates with whom he enjoyed, got injured, sweated and toiled. Those were the good golden days in his life and now he has been discarded and forgotten once his legs turned weak and his hair gray.
In a 30-year career as Player and then Coach, Mohan stayed loyal to ITI. He won the inaugural Federation Cup with ITI in 1977. His tenure in ITI Ltd earned him a call up to the national team.
The legendary player reached the final of the Stafford Challenge Cup in 1980. His football skills took him to Korea, Afghanistan and Malaysia at a time.
He retired from ITI Ltd and joined as the Football Coach in Garden City College. He left abruptly due to differences with his higher ups with regard to the odd jobs assigned for him.
His story is very interesting. Born in Ambur, Tamil Nadu and moved to Bengaluru after Class 11. His parents couldn’t afford to send him to college. He was one of eleven children for his father!
He finally enjoys the rest of his life manning the gates at Mount Carmel College.
Mohan says “this job is a boon for me. It is better than doing nothing at home! One of my friends is working s as a driver here. I asked him for a job here. He told me that there is an opening for a guard. He did ask me whether I would like to do this work considering I am a familiar footballer who has won many laurels. I told him that I am happy to ensure safety for the staff and students inside the campus. I don’t look at it as something that is beyond my dignity. It’s still a job and I enjoy it.”
