The fifth day of the first Test match against England was nothing less than a miracle. Imagine chasing 387 on a fifth day pitch in India, that too at P.A Chidambaram stadium where the highest successful chase was 155/8. Veeru set up the game for India on Day 4 but we still required 256 more runs to score on Day 5 with 9 wickets in hand.
And the innings that Mr.Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar produced in this situation was filled sheer brilliance. Not that he needed to prove his class or clear any doubts that he is not a "match-winner" (for all those who still doubt this - please click here), but this innings will definitely go in the history books as one of his finest knocks as the Little Master accomplished his 41st century with the winning runs. It was only appropriate for the winning shot to come from his blade!
The support that he got in the form of Gambhir and then Yuvi cannot be neglected either. When you are chasing 250 runs on the final day, it is important that you have some aggressive batters in the line up and Yuvi proved to be that on this important day. You rarely see Sach celebrate his hundreds jumping in the air as if it were his first Test hundred. That indicates the importance of this knock in his mind and truly so.
In the post match interview, I have rarely seen Sachin so excited about his feat although he under played it in view of the horrific events that preceded this feat in his home town, Mumbai. Even Yuvi said that "today his childhood dream came true" - to win a Test match for India with Sachin Tendulkar. This little guy has been in the Cricket arena for 18 years now and he still doesnt cease to astonish me!
Please keep going Sach!!!
Incase you missed the end of this epic Test match - Click here
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
All good things have to come to an end!
And we all witnessed that at the Wimbledon on Sunday, July 06, 2008!
Roger Federer who has ruled the Center Court at Wimbledon since 2003 was dethroned by Rafael Nadal in the longest finals in the history of Wimbledon [4-6, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 9-7]. Although I would have loved to see Roger make the history books with this sixth consecutive Wimbledon title, it just wasnt to be. He made way too many mistakes for the class of player that he is and oh did they prove him costly. Nadal on the other hand made fewer errors and maintained his quality of game despite losing the 4th set after holding two championship points at one stage. He was definitely the better player on the day and therefore deserved the result in his favor.
With the team winning the Euro 2008 earlier in June and now a Spaniard being crowned on the grass court, it must be a big party time in Madrid!!!
Roger, I hope you come back will even more vigor and show the world what a champion sportsman you are!
ROGER THAT!!!
Roger Federer who has ruled the Center Court at Wimbledon since 2003 was dethroned by Rafael Nadal in the longest finals in the history of Wimbledon [4-6, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 9-7]. Although I would have loved to see Roger make the history books with this sixth consecutive Wimbledon title, it just wasnt to be. He made way too many mistakes for the class of player that he is and oh did they prove him costly. Nadal on the other hand made fewer errors and maintained his quality of game despite losing the 4th set after holding two championship points at one stage. He was definitely the better player on the day and therefore deserved the result in his favor.
With the team winning the Euro 2008 earlier in June and now a Spaniard being crowned on the grass court, it must be a big party time in Madrid!!!
Roger, I hope you come back will even more vigor and show the world what a champion sportsman you are!
ROGER THAT!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Ambidextrous Pieterson and the trouble thereafter!
Recently in an Eng-NZ ODI, England's Kevin Pieterson played a shot that created some arguments in the Cricketing community. At the outset, I was wondering what the ruckus was all about but after carefully giving it some thought, I did see some validity in these arguments.
Kevin Pieterson's swap shot
As Michael Holding points out in his commentary, if the batsman can change his guard at the last minute, the bowler should also be allowed to do so without notifying the umpire who then would notify the batsman. He should be allowed to sneak in from behind the umpire and bowl either a left or right-handed delivery as he chooses. Although not many players are ambidextrous and will be able to do this effectively, the privileges should be the same. However, a counter argument to this could be that the batsman has a split second to react and play his stroke while the bowler has comparatively more time to think and plan his next delivery.
Cricket is changing so much day after day and one never knows what stranger things are yet to come our way!!!
Kevin Pieterson's swap shot
As Michael Holding points out in his commentary, if the batsman can change his guard at the last minute, the bowler should also be allowed to do so without notifying the umpire who then would notify the batsman. He should be allowed to sneak in from behind the umpire and bowl either a left or right-handed delivery as he chooses. Although not many players are ambidextrous and will be able to do this effectively, the privileges should be the same. However, a counter argument to this could be that the batsman has a split second to react and play his stroke while the bowler has comparatively more time to think and plan his next delivery.
Cricket is changing so much day after day and one never knows what stranger things are yet to come our way!!!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
When umpires played God at SCG...
I am still in a state of shock even after couple of days since the Sydney test ended in the most dramatic Cricketing fiascoes that I have ever witnessed thus far. I still cannot digest the fact that the umpires and not the players' performances determined the result of this well-fought test match at the SCG. If only the so-called "elite" umpires would have done their jobs a little more competently, the match would have ended much differently.
As if this was not enough hurt to all Indian fans, the "sledging-boys" of Cricket (Aussies) found themselves on the receiving end and realized that they couldnt take it as well as they like to dish it out. They conveniently forgot their motto of "what happens on the field, stays on the field" and suddenly became cry-babies (as Akram called them rightfully). I liked the article by Tim de Lisle that actually talks about eliminating this issue from the root cause instead of trying to be politically correct.
And although this was not enough, they seemed to forget the spirit of the game and claimed some really "disputable" catches on the final day of the test match.
Photo Courtesy The Times of India - Showing Ganguly's catch by Clarke (no way does Clarke seem to be in control of his body after catching the ball and the ball clearly looks grounded) and Dravid caught-behind dismissal off the pad.
The only bright side of this ugly incident was to see the support extended to the Indian team from all fronts including the Australian public and the unity that was evident in the Indian camp.
Sanjay Manjrekar for Cricinfo
Such an end to the final appearance of some of the Indian stars (Sachin, Rahul, Sourav, VVS, Anil) at their favorite Australian hunting ground was ironic but hopefully this new spirit will add some "masala" to the rest of the series and to Indian Cricket in general for a long long time.
As if this was not enough hurt to all Indian fans, the "sledging-boys" of Cricket (Aussies) found themselves on the receiving end and realized that they couldnt take it as well as they like to dish it out. They conveniently forgot their motto of "what happens on the field, stays on the field" and suddenly became cry-babies (as Akram called them rightfully). I liked the article by Tim de Lisle that actually talks about eliminating this issue from the root cause instead of trying to be politically correct.
And although this was not enough, they seemed to forget the spirit of the game and claimed some really "disputable" catches on the final day of the test match.
Photo Courtesy The Times of India - Showing Ganguly's catch by Clarke (no way does Clarke seem to be in control of his body after catching the ball and the ball clearly looks grounded) and Dravid caught-behind dismissal off the pad.
The only bright side of this ugly incident was to see the support extended to the Indian team from all fronts including the Australian public and the unity that was evident in the Indian camp.
Sanjay Manjrekar for Cricinfo
Such an end to the final appearance of some of the Indian stars (Sachin, Rahul, Sourav, VVS, Anil) at their favorite Australian hunting ground was ironic but hopefully this new spirit will add some "masala" to the rest of the series and to Indian Cricket in general for a long long time.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Kirti Azad's irresponsible comments!
In the Cricket Planet show during the 1st ODI between India and Pakistan on 11/5/2007, Kirti Azad made some idiotic and irresponsible comments regarding Sachin Tendulkar. Such comments are expected from the normal public but for them to come from an international player himself is pretty sad and ironic!
His specific comment that crossed my mind was - "Tell me one final which India won where Sachin played?"
Was he even confident of his facts before making such an irresponsible comment??
He then went on to talk about consistency and how "senior players" should walk away themselves when they start being inconsistent. What really surprises and ticks me more is that players such as Azad who were highly inconsistent themselves talk big about consistency. This was in response to a simple question by the host, Padam, as to who he felt should open the Indian innings.
By the way Mr.Azad, pls find this below link for your kind perusal:
Singer-Akai Nidahas Trophy - Final
I have posted this message in several forums including one on the Zee Sports website in the sincere hope that it somehow reaches Mr.Azad and he refrains from making such stupid comments in the future - better even if Zee can simply stop taking him on such shows.
For everyone's reference: pls read Kirti Azad's profile on the cricinfo page - it answers all my questions as to how he became an international cricketer after all!
Hint - the first line gives it away!!!
Kirti Azad's Profile from Cricinfo
His specific comment that crossed my mind was - "Tell me one final which India won where Sachin played?"
Was he even confident of his facts before making such an irresponsible comment??
He then went on to talk about consistency and how "senior players" should walk away themselves when they start being inconsistent. What really surprises and ticks me more is that players such as Azad who were highly inconsistent themselves talk big about consistency. This was in response to a simple question by the host, Padam, as to who he felt should open the Indian innings.
By the way Mr.Azad, pls find this below link for your kind perusal:
Singer-Akai Nidahas Trophy - Final
I have posted this message in several forums including one on the Zee Sports website in the sincere hope that it somehow reaches Mr.Azad and he refrains from making such stupid comments in the future - better even if Zee can simply stop taking him on such shows.
For everyone's reference: pls read Kirti Azad's profile on the cricinfo page - it answers all my questions as to how he became an international cricketer after all!
Hint - the first line gives it away!!!
Kirti Azad's Profile from Cricinfo
Thursday, January 25, 2007
When should Sachin retire?
If you are a Cricket fan of any nature, I am sure this question must have crossed your mind some time or the other. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar has been the backbone of Indian Cricket for over a decade now. Considering a Cricket-crazy nation that India is where Cricket is almost the primary religion, you can imagine the mental stress these Cricketers must be going through given the expectations that the "junta" has from them each and every game they play. In this context, imagine the level of expectations from people like SRT, Dravid and likes. How much of this stress can a human body take and for how long?
Agreed that these same Cricketers are paid a fortune to represent BCCI (not India - since BCCI is not a government entity and therefore they are not necessary playing for their country - a whole different subject altogether). However, they are human beings too, you know. I am slowly getting convinced that Sachin's body is getting tired from all the Cricket he has played and the consequences are visible. He is going through a lot of fitness issues and his performance has not been the same. Therefore, looking at the precedence set by "Warnie" & "Pidgeon", should Sach consider retirement at this time? I sincerely feel that he has some more Cricket still left in him.
The ideal scenario would be Sachin retiring at Wankhede after winning the World Cup final in 2010. If it comes to that, I would pay any amount to get in the stadium that day to witness the event.
Agreed that these same Cricketers are paid a fortune to represent BCCI (not India - since BCCI is not a government entity and therefore they are not necessary playing for their country - a whole different subject altogether). However, they are human beings too, you know. I am slowly getting convinced that Sachin's body is getting tired from all the Cricket he has played and the consequences are visible. He is going through a lot of fitness issues and his performance has not been the same. Therefore, looking at the precedence set by "Warnie" & "Pidgeon", should Sach consider retirement at this time? I sincerely feel that he has some more Cricket still left in him.
The ideal scenario would be Sachin retiring at Wankhede after winning the World Cup final in 2010. If it comes to that, I would pay any amount to get in the stadium that day to witness the event.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country!
An article by Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam - worth a read!
I Was In Hyderabad giving this lecture, when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is. She replied: I want to live in a developed India .
For her, you and I will have to build this developed India . You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation.
Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance.
Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.
YOU say that our government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke,
The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
You say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.
YOU say, say and say.
What do YOU do about it?
Take a person on his way to Singapore.
Give him a name? YOURS.
Give him a face? YOURS.
YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don't throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores.
YOU are as proud of their Underground Links as they are.
You pay $5 (approx. Rs.60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road) between 5 PM and 8 PM.
YOU comeback to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over-stayed, identity.
In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU?
YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai.
YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah.
YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds (Rs.650) a month to, "see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else."
YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, "Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so's son. Take your two bucks and get lost."
YOU wouldn't chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand.
Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo?
Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston?????
We are still talking of the same YOU.
YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground.
If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India ?
Once in an interview, the famous Ex-municipal Commissioner of Bombay, Mr.Tinaikar, had a point to make.
"Rich people"s dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place," he said. "And then the same people turn around to criticize and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements. What do they expect the officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels?
In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job.
Same in Japan. Will the Indian citizen do that here?"
He's right.
We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility. We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not
going to learn the proper use of bathrooms. We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity.
This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public.
When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse?
"It's the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my son's rights to a dowry."
So who's going to change the system? What does a system consist of?
Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbours, other households, other cities, other communities and the government.
But definitely not me and YOU.
When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr. Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand or we leave the country and run away.
Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system.
When New York becomes insecure we run to England .
When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf.
When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government.
Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system.
Our conscience is mortgaged to money.
Dear Indians, the article is highly thought inductive, calls for a great deal of introspection and pricks one's conscience too?..
I am echoing J.F. Kennedy's words to his fellow American to relate to Indians?.
"ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY "
Lets do what India needs from us.
Thank You,
Dr. Abdul Kalaam
I Was In Hyderabad giving this lecture, when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is. She replied: I want to live in a developed India .
For her, you and I will have to build this developed India . You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation.
Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance.
Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.
YOU say that our government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke,
The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
You say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.
YOU say, say and say.
What do YOU do about it?
Take a person on his way to Singapore.
Give him a name? YOURS.
Give him a face? YOURS.
YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don't throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores.
YOU are as proud of their Underground Links as they are.
You pay $5 (approx. Rs.60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road) between 5 PM and 8 PM.
YOU comeback to the parking lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over-stayed, identity.
In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU?
YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai.
YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah.
YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds (Rs.650) a month to, "see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else."
YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, "Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so's son. Take your two bucks and get lost."
YOU wouldn't chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand.
Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo?
Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston?????
We are still talking of the same YOU.
YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground.
If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India ?
Once in an interview, the famous Ex-municipal Commissioner of Bombay, Mr.Tinaikar, had a point to make.
"Rich people"s dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place," he said. "And then the same people turn around to criticize and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements. What do they expect the officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels?
In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job.
Same in Japan. Will the Indian citizen do that here?"
He's right.
We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility. We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not
going to learn the proper use of bathrooms. We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity.
This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to the public.
When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse?
"It's the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my son's rights to a dowry."
So who's going to change the system? What does a system consist of?
Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbours, other households, other cities, other communities and the government.
But definitely not me and YOU.
When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr. Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand or we leave the country and run away.
Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system.
When New York becomes insecure we run to England .
When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf.
When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government.
Everybody is out to abuse and rape the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system.
Our conscience is mortgaged to money.
Dear Indians, the article is highly thought inductive, calls for a great deal of introspection and pricks one's conscience too?..
I am echoing J.F. Kennedy's words to his fellow American to relate to Indians?.
"ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY "
Lets do what India needs from us.
Thank You,
Dr. Abdul Kalaam
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
DON Remake - A job well done by Farhan!
After watching "The Don" (remake) on Sunday, I must frankly say that I wasnt disappointed at all. I went in the movie hall with heavy skepticism and with the doubt how the remake will even get close to the all-time classic. However, giving credit to the Director, Farhan has done a decent job with the movie. He has capitalized on the idea that the audience will come in with the idea that the movie is a remake and therefore the twists that he has put in critical places come as unexpected surprises. Good performances by SRK (however, he is no where even in the proximity of Bachchan saab) and Boman Irani (this guy seems to be starring in almost all movies that I have seen lately). However, most of the songs in the movie are completely out of place, especially the "khaike pan banaras wala" - imagine the song being shot in Malaysia among a bunch of UP immigrants...LOL. I'd give the movie 3.5 stars and definitely a "worth see".
Enjoy!!!
Enjoy!!!
Monday, October 02, 2006
The tongue vs health conflict
Why is it so difficult for most of us to control what we eat? To make things worse, invariably what the tongue likes is not good for the heart (or the overall health). From my personal experience, in most of this situations, the tongue wins and the health has to suffer. Ironically, it is so easy to gain that excess fat but so much hard to shred it. It is awefully difficult for me to control what I consume especially things such as chocolates, icecreams, deep fried stuff etc. which makes it even more challenging.
Some might argue - "Live life King size" - you just have one life, enjoy it to the fullest. But in most circumstances, if you dont watch what you eat, you eventually lose out on really enjoying it to the fullest. However, this might be true to those whose only form of enjoyment is "eating". I have promised myself to control my appetite but have been guilty of cheating once in a while.
Confession: I just ate 2 pieces of chocolate that a colleague of mine brought from California.
Verdict: Guilty of cheating.
Punishment: No chocolates for the next 3 days.
Some might argue - "Live life King size" - you just have one life, enjoy it to the fullest. But in most circumstances, if you dont watch what you eat, you eventually lose out on really enjoying it to the fullest. However, this might be true to those whose only form of enjoyment is "eating". I have promised myself to control my appetite but have been guilty of cheating once in a while.
Confession: I just ate 2 pieces of chocolate that a colleague of mine brought from California.
Verdict: Guilty of cheating.
Punishment: No chocolates for the next 3 days.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Can Mumbai really be turned into Shanghai?
The latest Vilasrao Deshmukh government has expressed their desire to turn "Aamchi Mumbai" into Shanghai or Hong Kong! Is this dream really feasible and practical? Some wise man had once said that unless you dream of the impossible, you can never achieve it. However, considering the practical barriers and obstructions towards achieving this ambitious dream, it seems like just another political gimmick to me.
How can the roadblocks such as population, illiteracy, traffic, corruption, and pollution (just to name a few) be undone in order to seek such a growth of the commercial capital of the country? These problems are well and truely existing and until the leaders of the nation find solutions to these issues, this dream seems to be way too far from reality because it is not just the tall buildings that define the city but also the infrastructure that enables the citizens to live their everyday lives. If you ask the "real Mumbaikar", he is least worried about this propoganda and continues to live his fast paced life in the city in an endeavor to catch the 7:04 AM fast local to Churchgate.
Salute to those who dare the impossible! Salute to Mumbaikars!!!
How can the roadblocks such as population, illiteracy, traffic, corruption, and pollution (just to name a few) be undone in order to seek such a growth of the commercial capital of the country? These problems are well and truely existing and until the leaders of the nation find solutions to these issues, this dream seems to be way too far from reality because it is not just the tall buildings that define the city but also the infrastructure that enables the citizens to live their everyday lives. If you ask the "real Mumbaikar", he is least worried about this propoganda and continues to live his fast paced life in the city in an endeavor to catch the 7:04 AM fast local to Churchgate.
Salute to those who dare the impossible! Salute to Mumbaikars!!!
The Jana-Gana-Mana Controversy
With all the hooplah about the intended meaning of the National Anthem by Rabindranath Tagore and the contention that "Vande Mataram" should be the National Anthem instead - all I have to say is - How the hell does it matter what the current day politicians want us to believe???
I cannot imagine a person of the calibre of Tagore to write such a beautiful verse in praise of King George V. He couldnt have been so short-sighted. And even though he did, how does it matter today - since he has died for over 50 years now and will therefore not be able to explain to the world what the real intention of his poem was.
Therefore, in the best interest of such a great nation of ours, I think all of us should get over such petty controversies and sing the National Anthem with the interpretation that we think best - sing it in praise of "Bharat Bhagya Vidhata" - the Lord Almighty, who is the true bestower of good fortune!!!
I cannot imagine a person of the calibre of Tagore to write such a beautiful verse in praise of King George V. He couldnt have been so short-sighted. And even though he did, how does it matter today - since he has died for over 50 years now and will therefore not be able to explain to the world what the real intention of his poem was.
Therefore, in the best interest of such a great nation of ours, I think all of us should get over such petty controversies and sing the National Anthem with the interpretation that we think best - sing it in praise of "Bharat Bhagya Vidhata" - the Lord Almighty, who is the true bestower of good fortune!!!
My latest India trip!
August 19, 2006 to September 22, 2006 was a memorable time this year when I took an extended vacation spent in the country of Gods. It was especially cherishing because this was Aki's first ever India trip, and I was always curious to see how she will react to the sudden attention and pampering that she would get there. Well she being my daughter - she loved it! She made most of the attention that she got from her grandparents, uncles and aunts, and everyone around.
Aki's first birthday party at Vanita Samaj on August 23 was also a grand event. About 120-130 people attended the function, most of them being family from both sides. The cakes were ordered from Monginis, and the highlight of the party was an awesome poem composed by Tejal uncle, Nandu kaka, on Akanksha. The dinner for the function was courtesy Lily Caterers.
The weekend in Murud was fabulous - thanks to the awesome location of the "Sarkari Vishram Gruha" (Government Guest House) where the steps from the front lawn directly led to the beach. The best part of the trip was the company - along with most family were also a couple of my best friends, Samir and Nikhil. Nikhil had coincided his trip from London with ours and it was great to meet him after 3+ years. The one person that we noticeably missed on this trip was my kid brother, Sasmit, who was on his maiden foreign trip to Germany.
The Goa trip was short and sweet and most of the missions were accomplished. I got an opportunity to perform an "Abhishek" at Ravalnath, and a "Laghurudra" at Mangeshi.
The Thane and Borivali trips were also good fun and time well spent with relatives and friends. Got a chance to meet good ol' Ashwin Kenkare after a long time. He hasnt changed a bit and is growing bigger each day.
Overall the India trip was good fun as it normally is, and it stinks to be back to the grind!
Aki's first birthday party at Vanita Samaj on August 23 was also a grand event. About 120-130 people attended the function, most of them being family from both sides. The cakes were ordered from Monginis, and the highlight of the party was an awesome poem composed by Tejal uncle, Nandu kaka, on Akanksha. The dinner for the function was courtesy Lily Caterers.
The weekend in Murud was fabulous - thanks to the awesome location of the "Sarkari Vishram Gruha" (Government Guest House) where the steps from the front lawn directly led to the beach. The best part of the trip was the company - along with most family were also a couple of my best friends, Samir and Nikhil. Nikhil had coincided his trip from London with ours and it was great to meet him after 3+ years. The one person that we noticeably missed on this trip was my kid brother, Sasmit, who was on his maiden foreign trip to Germany.
The Goa trip was short and sweet and most of the missions were accomplished. I got an opportunity to perform an "Abhishek" at Ravalnath, and a "Laghurudra" at Mangeshi.
The Thane and Borivali trips were also good fun and time well spent with relatives and friends. Got a chance to meet good ol' Ashwin Kenkare after a long time. He hasnt changed a bit and is growing bigger each day.
Overall the India trip was good fun as it normally is, and it stinks to be back to the grind!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
