'This gesture will make a difference'

When a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Sikkim on September 18 last year, Bhaichung Bhutia was caught right in the middle of it. HT reports.

When a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Sikkim on September 18 last year, Bhaichung Bhutia was caught right in the middle of it. It took the former India captain eight hours to reach Gangtok from Tinkitam village, to be with his pregnant wife and 17-month-old twins. The quake claimed over a hundred lives.

Affected by the tragedy, Bhutia had urged people to show their humanitarian side. On Monday, Bhutia and the Khushi Centre for Rehabilitation and Research reached out by holding an auction of sports memorabilia, donated by various sportspersons. While pugilist Vijender donated his gloves and Ronjan Sodhi a shooting jacket, cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Ashish Nehra gave their bat and India jersey for the cause. "I thank all for the gesture which will help make a difference to the affected families," said Bhutia.