TOUCHING! Sachin Tendulkar still seeks blessings from child-hood coach on Guru Purnima

New Delhi: Batting great Sachin Tendulkar met and paid respect to his childhood coach Ramakant Achrekar on Tuesday on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima in Mumbai.

Tendulkar, 43, who retired from international cricket in October 2013, continues to seek blessings from his teacher.

"Guru Purnima" is celebrated to acknowledge the selfless induction of wisdom and knowledge by teachers.

The festival is of paramount importance to the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist communities of the country, which indulge in festivities as a means of paying respect to their respective gurus.

Achrekar played a pivotal role in grooming a young Sachin and the latter credits him for all the success.

Tendulkar's association with Achrekar, 84, dates back to his school days. He was first introduced to Achrekar by elder brother Ajit.

It was Achrekar who suggested that the former India captain switch schools to Sharadashram Vidyamandir (English) High School which was known to have a dominant cricket team.

In many subsequent interviews, Achrekar himself admitted that the spark and talent was always visible in Tendulkar.

But, Tendulkar's unwavering devotion towards his coach is the living example of how important a part grooming plays in every successful individual's life.