Stuck in Kolkata, Soosairaj plans relief work for Kanyakumari village

CHENNAI: Around this time last month, M Soosairaj was in high spirits. Having won the ISL title in his first season for ATK on March 14 in Goa, the Tamil Nadu footballer had returned to Kolkata along with the rest of the team to celebrate the success.
However, when most of his teammates, including his brother M Regin, were leaving for their respective homes amid the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country, Soosai decided to stay back to explore the city for a week.
Little did he know though that he would have to rue his decision as India went into lockdown from March 24. Stuck in Kolkata for over a month now, Soosai, who hails from Eraviputhenthurai in Kanyakumari district, is trying to constantly keep in touch with his family and friends even as they struggle back home.
The Eraviputhenthurai village might have remained immune to the pandemic so far but its fishermen community is staring at an uncertain future with tons of fish going to waste every day. As a result, their income is taking a hit and Soosai is desperately trying to help them overcome the crisis.

"I spoke to Father Jerome of our St Catherine Church back home and asked him how I can be of help. Since I am not physically present, I offered money for their needs. Father Jerome said they are managing somehow despite shortage of essentials and masks and sanitisers. But he assured me that he will plan something with me to tide over the crisis," he said.
Soosai is also using his star value to influence people back in his village to stay indoors. "With the fishermen not going to the sea, they would play football. But I try to speak to as many people as possible over phone and make them realise the importance of staying at home," Soosai said.
The 25-year-old was supposed to return to Chennai on March 23 but his flight got cancelled because Kolkata recorded its first Coronavirus death on that fateful day.

"I was on my way to the airport to take the 7pm flight but then it got cancelled. I rescheduled my flight on April 15 but the lockdown got extended. Now, I regret my decision of staying back even when my flatmates Regin and Alexander Romario (who plays for Mohun Bagan) left. During the season, I hardly got time to explore and learn about the culture of Kolkata. So that was why I decided to stay back. In such crisis, most of the players are with their family. But I am all alone and miss being at home," the ATK midfielder said.
Even though Soosai remains concerned about his folks back home, he has tried to maintain his fitness. But it is culinary skills which have kept Soosai busy during this period.
"Initially, for a few days, I was sleeping and waking up late and my diet was taking a hit. I also put on 3 kgs. But it has been a blessing in disguise since Igor Stimac (national coach) had asked me to gain weight. However, I have been doing my core and strength training exercises to remain fit. I have been cooking as well and I can now prepare chicken and fish curry, chapati and a few other items. Cooking is actually a stress buster," he said.