World Champions 2011: Playing for a Cause

I have always been hearing about the biggest day in Indian Cricket. The day in 1983 when we won the World Cup and how Indian Cricket changed forever. Stories have been passed down on how Kapil Dev single handedly scored 175 to secure a berth in the finals. Anecdotes about a spirited catch from Kapil in the finals uplifted the team morale and eventually lifted the World Cup. All this while, with each passing World Cup, I hoped to witness history and be the storyteller.

On April 2nd,2011, I did witness history and what a glorious moment it was. A moment to be proud of and to be cherished all my life. Yes, we are the world champions!!! 2011 World Cup was special in more ways than one. Of course, it’s a world class tournament and more often than not the team which is skilled and mentally strong prevails. But the 2011 world cup was special for many reason – Firstly, It’s been 28 long years that we haven't won the cup and after the Indian team’s disastrous exit in 2007 aspirations and emotions were sky high that we get through this time. After all, there are some advantages of a billion plus population. Secondly,in all likelihood, this might be Sachin’s last world cup (though you never know, he is like an old wine, getting better with age ) and in his illustrious career it would be a gross aberration if he goes without a World Cup medal. And I think precisely for these reasons that we managed to get better off all the best teams in this world cup.

This reminds me of a hugely inspiring speech by Butch Jimenez titled “What’s better than?” where he elaborates the difference between a vision and a cause. While Lanka played for the World Cup, we played for a cause.

Lastly, I would request our president, Mrs. Pratibha Patil to put some good use of her term in office and confer the highest medal possible to the Indian team. After all a team which unites, brings joy and an undisputed sense of pride amongst 1.2 billion people who are otherwise treated with massive misgovernance and often denied of basic amenities, deserve it.

Proud,
Neo.

 

P.S: There has been lot of clamoring amongst our netas to shine in this reflected glory and announcing cash rich awards. If any one can please remind them that India is not ruled by kings anymore who used to declare monetary rewards on their whims and fancies.

The Verdict:A Stable Governance

Being an ardent follower of Indian Politics, I know how much I have missed the heat of action sitting far away (and more so of first time missing my chance to exercise my power). But if I didn't reach political action this time, it surely got hold off me.  Declarations such as "First Dalit PM" or freak rumors of Amisha Patel contesting LS seat -  the great Indian political circus has never been more entertaining. With each and everyone, with  remote connection to Indian politics, harboring dreams of being the PM this elections were surely going to be a blockbuster.

With the results out now, it seems like the magician has pulled out a bear instead of the proverbial rabbit. Congress has not only surprised all others but also its own leaders. Never would have they imagined of getting in to absolute power. Though I am not a particular fan of congress and its (dynasty) policies but am much more relieved and happy at the prospect of having a stable government for the next five years. No more demanding allies. No more "not in the government but always in decision/policy making" parties. There is less clutter now and almost all unwanted noise in terms of smaller regional parties with their own selfish motives are wiped off. The Indian voter has definitely voted ,if not for anything else, for stability. And above everything else, am more happy that the Left didn't get it right. It's high time that they change their archaic communist views which have been disowned by their fellow commarades all across the world.

As far as BJP is concerned, am sad for them. But they need to learn from congress that the Indian media is out for sale and you need to be the highest bidder. Cause I fail to understand  how is BJP blamed squarely for 2002 and Congress has a clean chit on 1984. How is talking about majorities is termed being communal and appeasing minorities is termed secular? How is one person incidentally belonging to a particular family is easily projected as the next PM and then a whole world of lies about charisma and leadership is built around him. And this media favoritism is now more essential for the BJP at the time when Advani will no longer be the face of the party.

But the man of the moment, or should I say the king of the moment is Dr. Singh. Singh is King! and yes he is. But this time he has more to do. No excuses of being tied down by allies will work. No excuses of being accommodating on important cabinet berths will work. No excuses of being lax on reforms and slow on decision making will work. This nation gave you 5 years, and is giving you 5 more. Last time around you might be accidental PM but this time people have voted for you. And am sure no one will understand more than you about the great phrase "With great powers; comes great responsibility"

 

looking forward,
Neo.

Happy Diwali!!!

It's true, when they say that humans are the most adoptable species. From the once sparkling Diwali with near ones to a rather dull Diwali with acquaintances -  I have come a long way. Last time around was the first when I experienced the inexperienced. So this time, I want to to embrace it with open arms and take whatever its brings along.

“There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of even one small candle”

Here's wishing all my readers, friends and family a very Happy Diwali and a very very prosperous New Year ahead.

 

lighting,
Neo.

Karzzz Review: Zzzzzzzzzzzz

Zzzzzzzzzzzz......seems I need a strong shot of expresso to wake up and write few lines. Much resources have been sinfully wasted in making of this movie; hence any of my elaborate writing on it would inviting God's wrath.

I have seen the old movie Karz in my childhood on ole Doordarshan. I don’t remember the movie vividly; but have faint memories of it - good one that too.

But after watching Karzzzz, am just left with one big question!!!????? Once the credit rolled, I was just wondering, if this was a remake? If it is, then I am seriously thinking - was the original such trash!!!!!!!!

Believe me, it takes enormous creativity and masterly art to remake a movie which throws doubt on the original!!
Hats off to the makers!!!!!

Without wasting more resources, I would like to end with some really hilarious lines by Rajeev Masand of CNN-IBN.

"I never thought the day would come when I'd feel sympathy for Dino Morea, especially since he's inflicted such terrible performances on us in his short but shameful acting career. (but) To be cast as a character who's bumped off prematurely only to be reborn in the body of Himesh Reshammiya is a humiliation nobody deserves."

:D :D :D :D

Tortured,
Neo.

RED @ Wall St.

In my numerous walks around the streets of New York, I have been dutifully capturing the Big Apple's charm. Not for a moment, I thought that this picture would tell a story one day i.e. Today - One of the worst days witnessed by Wall St. Its Red all over and its still not over.

Gordon said Greed is Good. And the guys at the Wall St. swore by it. So, now we have a Mr. Lehman falling down with many more to follow.

Author of one of my favorite comic strip Calvin Hobbes,Bill Watterson, said “To make a business decision, you don't need much philosophy; all you need is greed, and maybe a little knowledge of how the game works.” Am sure that this sarcasm was taken a bit too seriously by these folks.

Isn't it easy to understand the immortal words of the great Gandhi - “There is enough in the world for everyone's need, but not enough for everyone's greed.”

Seeing Red,
Neo.