Sonalism- It’s different

Lots of illusions with a hint of reality…

Archive for the ‘Awareness’ Category

HEROES ARE PEOPLE TOO

Posted by Sonu on June 28, 2009

michael-jackson

(Michael Jackson’s death on June 25th, 2009 came as a shock to people all over the world. Never had I thought, that the person whose tunes I grew up on, can die someday, so suddenly, so unexpectedly. I thought him as timeless, as eternal, as interminable….. So did his millions of fans all over the world.

His death, makes us think…..that in reality, death is not partial even to one so famous. All people those we worship in life, be them ordinary ones or even great celebrities, all; all of them are mere mortals. And one day, like us, they will die too.

Yet what will be different about their death is that, they will still continue to live; in our hearts, in our soul, in their talents, their work and in all those people whose lives they have touched.

And this will inspire us that we can be like them too…..

To, Michael Jackson, a person who was our idol, our hero; I dedicate this poem, straight from the heart……….)


We look up to them & are in awe

For they are something different & nice

We love them with all our heart & soul

And follow their all advice


Yet sometimes we are confused

as to what is false & what is really true

How easily do we forget that-

Heroes are people too!

Their successes are our own

Their wins fill us with joy

They are revered as they are

Whether aggressive, sweet or coy


Their downfall is a wound

That never heals in us

Their failures a bad dream

That makes us badly cuss


Its as if our life is attached

To their very existence

No reason justifies our love for them

Be it logic or great distance


Yet sometimes we hate them

Why; we don’t have a clue

How easily do we forget that-

Heroes are people too!


For us, they are an open book

We expect they have nothing to hide

For us, we want them to move ahead

Leaving their personal life aside


When they give us happiness

We lift them up & worship them so

And their mistakes give us sorrow

Its like being struck by a blow


We pry in to what they are

We discuss their all affairs

But we still love their mannerisms

Those high-fi graces and airs


Yet sometimes, they seem so plastic

Like some entity new

How easily do we forget that-

Heroes are people too!


Their illnesses is a cause of concern

They begin residing in our prayer

One so talented should have a long life

Eternal should be the person so rare


And when they die, their death is a shock

Ordinary, what their life seems

For we thought them to be invincible

The rulers of our dreams


But they are mere mortals

Who live like us & die

But between their life & death

Give such a good try

That their ordinary life

Is much more than what ours is

Talents they learn to put to use

Thats what makes them a whiz

And so even when death takes them away

They still live within our heart

They house a particular corner in our mind

And never do they depart


So what they inspire us to do is that

We can be immortal too

They live their life with just a little difference

Otherwise, Heroes are people too!




Posted in Awareness, Life, Motivation, Public, Reality, View-point, Youth | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

VOTE EARTH

Posted by Sonu on March 25, 2009

earth-hour

How many of us really care about our beloved earth?

How many of us want to see it flourishing?

How many of us wish not to see it dying?

How many of us want it to be a better place to live in for the future generations?


This is not a blog post. It is an appeal.

An appeal for the “Earth Hour”; a global initiative by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in the year 2007 when 2.2 million people and businesses switched off the electricity for one hour.

In 2008, it achieved a more global platform where, all major monuments of the world got consumed in darkness, just to save the earth.

And now, in 2009, Earth hour wants to achieve a more active support and aims at involving 1 billion people in this unique campaign. Over 74 countries have pledged their support for voting for the earth. You can provide your own individual share.

This data is then going to be presented at the Global Climate Change conference at Copenhagen in December 2009.


Why Earth Hour?

We are in a delicate environmental situation. Its about time that countries all over the world understand the problem of climate change and do something to tackle it. We have to take the pressure off global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emmissions and this can only be done via an internattional event that is here to stay for better.


Date and Timing:

Earth Hour begins at 8:30pm on March 28, 2009.

It is just like New Year’s eve with New Zealand going in darkness at 8:30pm local time and likewise, will move from one country to another.

This is why Earth hour is held around spring equinox so that countries both in the northern and sourthern hemisphere have equal sunset times.

For more information, you can visit the Earth Hour website

http://www.earthhour.org

From there you can choose a location and move to your country’s earth hour page.

Sign up and spread awareness among your family and friends.

It is my humble request to all. Please join the Earth Hour campaign. It will make a lot of difference. Whether your country is a part of it or not; that does not matter. What matters is your responsibility as a global citizen to save this earth…..to vote for this earth.

You vote for leaders to rule your country but just once stop and think what do you want the leaders to rule? Barren lands, dying nature, sick people OR green pastures, flourishing nature, healthy and aware people???

Don’t vote earth just because someone tells you to; neither do I want you to force others. Don’t just understand but realize the consequences. There will be many appeals from world leaders, film personalities, other celebrities and even from common people like me. But, ultimately, it will be your individual fight. When each person realizes what he/she has to do, only then there will be a meaning to the “Earth hour” and a giant leap towards a welcome change.

VOTE A BETTER LIFE! VOTE AWARENESS! VOTE EARTH!


Posted in Awareness, India, Public, Social cause | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

WAKE UP CALL

Posted by Sonu on March 4, 2009

sp3

(Pakistani chopper air-lifting all Sri Lankan cricket players to Dubai)

It is the first time in my life, that I saw a terrorist attack scoop on a sports news segment. I pray to God, this is the last time.

The recent attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan can’t help but raise some questioning points

1. With 3 similar buses present, how is it that the terrorists knew which bus to target i.e which bus contained the S.L players?

2. Security concerns demand that both the teams leave the hotel at the same time to reach the ground. Yet, why did the Pakistani captain asked his team to leave later? (Was it just a coincidence?)

3. The Sri lankan team bus route was changed at the nth hour just because of an anonymous phone-call to the police. Are the Pakistani policeman really so stupid or gullible?

4. 12 terrorists! Yet, they couldn’t catch or at least injure a single one. Hows that?

5. S.L team was supposed to have Z security (One that is given to the president); yet why were the security measures so lax?

6. According to recent CCTV footage; not even one security personnel was seen pursuing the terrorists and they calmly escaped on motorcycles or walked away. Match referee Chris Broad and others said that it was as if the entire security for us had vanished and we were left vulnerable to the attack.

Now, was this deliberate?

PAKISTAN HAS NO ANSWERS, ONLY EXCUSES!

[Keep watching the news to get shocking revelations by S.L players, umpires and match referee. And also, the childish replies of Pakistani officials.]


The S.L team was lucky. Had the hand grenade blasted under their bus, not one player would have escaped alive!

I shudder to think, that if India was touring Pakistan and a similar incident might have occurred; that would have been a devastating day for us. Thank God, the Indian government refused to let the players go. We were openly criticized that we have been mixing cricket with politics. But, in the wake of what happened on March 3rd 2009, I think, that it was a right decision.

This attack cannot be compared with India’s 26/11 because, no country goes on giving Z security to common people and the attack on Mumbai was totally unexpected; while in this case in spite of  Z security to the players, the terrorists managed to injure almost all the top international S.L players. How?

Samaraweera, the hero of the tests in Pakistan was grievously injured. Was he specifically targeted?

Do we have any answers?

Now, terror even rules cricket!

There could be more such questions raised along with more broad ones like—

“When will Pakistan stand up against terrorism?”

But then, its not just Pakistan…its the entire South-east Asia that is being brutally wounded in these terror wars.

And, Why hasn’t America reacted?

However, Pakistan should keep in mind that there is no smoke without fire. Why would the entire world be targeting them? They should reflect upon this. If Pakistan doesn’t want to end up as a quarantine state, this is the final wake up call to them. Its time, they fight against their own personal demons.

Not only Pakistan, I think, each of us, should get together and fight. Love is not the solution! The time has gone to conduct peace talks with terrorists. We have to retaliate.

Why is it that the terrorists kept in prison and not shot dead when it is clear that they have performed such heinous crimes?

Why is Ajmal Kasab still in custody? Why is Abu Salem still in custody? Hell with those guys!

I think, the law in every country should be changed and altered to address terrorism. The terror groups should know that even we mean business now! I know, every criminal has the right to appeal. A right to get a lawyer.

BUT, terrorists should be denied this right. Can you call this person a human being when he doesn’t even value the life of his own countrymen???

They should be shot dead. Hung up before public. They should be fed alive to hungry man-eaters. And this event should be shown live all across the globe, so that others will be dissuaded.

If we have to fight; Enough of being “Gandhi”, its time to be “Bhagat Singh”!

I dedicate this post to the never-dying spirit of cricket and humanity. To all people who have suffered from the hands of this cruel beasts. Bcoz we will rise again as ONE.


Posted in Awareness, Public, Reality | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Posted by Sonu on December 22, 2008

vote3

Being the grand-daughter of a political leader, politics has been a fairly discussed word at home. However, after grandpa, no one in the family turned to politics.

While growing up, I never had any political ambitions and I detested the way politics has been in India and anywhere else in the world for that matter.

The never-ending corruption of the political leaders, their false promises, incomplete knowledge and open disregard for the constitution and law has always been abominable for me.

So much so, that even 3 years after turing 18, I still have to cast a vote….


In the wake of recent Mumbai terrorist attack, I however, feel very ashamed.

What right do I have to critisize the leaders when I myself have failed to perform my duty as the citizen of India.

In failing to vote, incompetent leadres have been gaining ground.

While my one single vote is very insignificant, it still can make a difference if combined with several other “single” votes.

How come none of us thought about it???


I think its high time to wake up and watch where we are heading to.

All of us are special and can certainly make a significant difference.

I, YOU and WE.


I recently registered on the website Jaagore. It is a really cool one, explaining about voting myths and registering Indians as electoral candidates.Its easy and essential.


Imagine, our ONE vote turning things over…..

v11ote



All of us are so cynical.

We want things to change but don’t want to do anything about it.

Its easy to say, India is in dumps, there is nothing left in this country and fly away abroad. But no one wants to do something about it. No one wants to dirty their hands in picking up this garbage.


Are we a good citizen of India???


I know, I am NOT.

But I know one more thing. And that is, I CAN CHANGE. I WILL CHANGE.

Because I have realized, you first need to change yourself to change others.

Once I modify my outlook, I can modify that of others too. They  in turn can alter the outlook of million others.

Once you accept the reality, it automatically becomes easy to adapt to it….learn from it……grow from it….


Who knows, there are competent leaders hidden within us. Together we can make sure that this country gets its due. India has the capability to become a super-power and we can help it to reach that pinnacle.


When are YOU going to change?

When are YOU going to make a difference?

When are YOU really going to be an Indian?

Posted in Awareness, General, India, Public, Reality | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

AND WE CRIED RIVERS OF BLOOD….

Posted by Sonu on November 27, 2008

station

(Articles on Terroris: My own, Dance of terror on November 25th last year and the recent one I came across

on Ninad Bhangle’s blog, We seek Peace )


Being an Indian, terrorism is nothing new to us. Every single day, we witness the violence in Kashmir. Every month, we hear of bomb blasts either in Bangalore or Mumbai or Delhi or Ahmedabad or some metropoiltan city. It has become such a common place thing.

We witness the ripped out bodies, the pools of blood, the charred remains of people and vehicles; broken homes, wailing loved ones, lost hope, undying spirit…

We witness the gunned down terrorists, the captured ones, the ones running scott free after a disappointing court trial….

We only witness….


But nothing ever prepared us for the cruel attack of terrorists in Mumbai on November 26th 2008!


Compared to what has happened recently, I think, bomb blasts were easier to cope with. After the initial trauma, we have been left to deal with clearing of the mess, helping out the injured, supporting the victims families, nabbing the accused…….we have seen a fresh morning.

We have NEVER witnessed an ONGOING terror attack……until NOW…..


WE CRY RIVERS OF BLOOD, for people at

……CST railway station

……Cafe Leopold

……Cama hospital

……Metro Cinema

……Hotel Taj

……Hotel Oberoi

……Hotel Trident

……Nariman House

and other such places in South Mumbai.


There are thousands of sources that will provide you the entire information about the terror attacks.

But is knowing enough???

Have you seen the terrorists who have been shot dead and caught……they are mere teenagers! What kind of hatred are they holding in their hearts to commit such atrocious acts of inhumanity? What religion compels them to take such extreme steps of terrorism? What exactly is their jehad ?

NO. I don’t think, terrorists have a religion.

NO. I don’t think, they follow a God.

NO. I don’t think, they even have hearts.

They are machines.

They are made up of immense fanatical hatred; that which has no boundaries.


We see brave cops laying down their life for common people. Common people still held hostages. Amidst the chaos, we see the vulnerable human life fighting against these inhuman beasts.


WE CRY RIVERS OF BLOOD, for people

…..all foreingners who came to enjoy a holiday

…..commuters who died at the railway station

……hotel guests

……families of dead cops, hotel staff

and all those who were affected.


It is easy to deal with criminals who have demands. Demands of a ransom, of release of some fellow prisoner, of ammunition, of any thing in particular.

But, how the hell, do you deal with people, who’s only intention is to terrorize, to kill without reason, to injure without an aim, to just create fear.

People? Can you even call them people? They don’t even deserve to be called as animals….

fire-engulfs-the-top-floo-001


What can be worst?


Yet the spirit of the people is undying.

The love for fellow-beings in us eternal.

Not only the commandos but even ordinary human beings have been working ceaselessly throughout the night. They are donating blood where needed.

Every single human soul is making at least a tiny contribution to ease the pain.


Even as I write this, do you know, what video is being viewed constantly on Youtube? The CNN Irony! Check this out!


Even in a grave situation like this, it sure feels funny.

What we need, is not ignorance.

We need support.

People all over the world are pitching in their help.


It doesn’t matter where in the world you are.

You do not need to contribute your money or donate blood or be here in person to make a difference.

Just do ONE thing.

Do not shy away from the television reports and sympathize.

Instead Empathize and PRAY.

PRAY for the brave souls of Mumbai.

PRAY for India.

For what can deafeat terrorism is not ammunition and hatred;

But unconditional LOVE, undying HOPE and oodles of FAITH!!!

(I dedicate this post to people all around the world who have faced terrorism. The fact that you acknowledged the presence of terrorism in your lives and fought it in your own speical way, makes you victorious. Together we can make a difference. And we will. May God bless the departed souls and give the remaining ones courage to move ahead….Amen)

Posted in Awareness, India, Public, Reality | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

SPECIAL IS AS SPECIAL DOES

Posted by Sonu on February 22, 2008

hughesbk-1.jpg

(courtesy: http://www.chester-le-streetrotary.co.uk/hughesbk-1.jpg)

I was born OK.

I could see. I could hear. I could talk. I had no physical handicap. No mental one too. I went to school. I could even read and write well. No learning problems either.

So, I was NOT special. Not special as the many many children we know. Some who are blind, some dumb and/or deaf. Some physically handicapped. Some mentally retarded. Some otherwise normal but having serious learning disabilities.

How do we feel for such children? Sympathy is common and so is pity. We look at them and thank God that we aren’t like that. Our children aren’t so and also anyone else in the family. We are ready to help financially. We become self-proclaimed social workers. We give huge donations, in form of money, clothes, books, toys etc..

I am not saying that it is not important. But, truly, just how many of us “empathize” ? How many of us actually feel their pain, their discomfort, their helplessness, their sorrow…..? How many of us actually give them our love, care and most important, our time! The very things they are actually hungry of!

Material things are very easy to give, because they don’t come with emotional attachments. But, hope, affection, trust are the rarest ones. We ourselves are so short of it that we think if we give them away, we will be left with nothing. What we don’t realize is that, these sentiments double on sharing. That love has absolutely no boundaries. That we can care for anyone else in this world. That blood ties are no different from any other relationships…

How many of us think of helping such people? How many of us actually volunteer to do something for the society. Children are the future of every country. What matters if they are normal or not? AND what exactly do we mean by “normal”? Does normal mean, kids who disobey their parents, don’t study and become big bullies. Does normal mean, teenagers who drink, smoke, drive rashly and party all night?

If you have visited such special schools or institutions, you will realize the tremendous potential these kids have. They may not be scholars in studies, but their mind is brilliant and sharp. They are good at making handicrafts and also at beautiful arts such as weaving, painting, pottery etc.. Some sing and dance well. Some are really intelligent and master their handicap to excel even in the field of education. They have a tremendous self-confidence. They have the courage to overcome their difficulties and move ahead positively. AND, what about us? Do we have the decency to ignore their physical form and identify them as people? Not to ridicule them or make fun of them, but give them the respect that they deserve just like us….

Have we ever done something for them from the bottom of our hearts? Volunteered to teach them or help them with things. Don’t be ashamed. Even I am one of you. I make big plans of helping them and doing something for them. I know I have the utmost desire to do so. But those plans never actually materialize. But, some day, they will. I know, before I die, I will do something that will really contribute to their upliftment. It’s my mission in life.

Can you vow to take such a mission? Or at least plan a short-term goal? To look beyond mortal differences and do something on a very basic yet spiritual/ social level?

There are thousands of NGOs working for this cause. You can find a couple in your own town. Even the UN has a volunteering website, where you can volunteer online and complete some tasks. At least it will better than whiling your time away chatting with friends or doing time-pass. It will be worth it.

All of us are normal. Ordinary. But, there is something in us that is extraordinary. And, we can make a difference. Perhaps, a slight one, but that which will be the beginning of an ever-lasting change!!!

(I dedicate this post to, all the “special” children with any kind of physical / mental disabilities. May God bless you always. And may all your dreams come true, for you deserve much more than mere “normals” like us…..)

Posted in Awareness, Motivation, Public, Social cause | 1 Comment »

THAT’S WHAT I CALL HUMANITY….

Posted by Sonu on February 11, 2008

baba-amte.jpg
All of you might have seen many social workers. The very fact of giving your life for total strangers, giving them unconditional love, makes us think, just how wonderful these people are.
Some work for underprivileged women, some for orphan children, some for the old, some for cancer patients, some for the mentally-handicapped……
Have you ever come across someone who has worked for the ones with “Leprosy” ???
Murlidhar Devidas Amte, better know as “Baba Amte” was one such man. He passed away on the 9th of February 2008 at the ripe old age of 94.
94 seems too old but I wish that he should have lived for yet 100 years so that the next generations would have appreciated the mettle of this great great man!
If you have seen a leprosy patient, you might know their plight. And if you are one of the many who snub and scoff at even normal people, leprosy ones might give you jitters.
What can you make of, of a man who spent his entire lifetime working for them. He could have become anything else he wanted to be but without ever worrying about that he might be contracted the disease, he just kept working selflessly.
Anandwan was one of three ashrams he set up for the leprosy affected people. It got a 250 acres land grant in 1951 and still continues to harbor more than 5000 people. Today not only does it have a university of its own but also two hospitals, an orphanage and a school for blind. Anandwan is a small village in itself.
For years, leprosy has been associated with social stigma. Where the families of the patients themselves abandon their loved ones, I think, its hats off to this amazing man.
What is even more appreciable, is the support he received from his wife, Sadhana-tai. In a time of wife nagging their husbands about little little things like not coming home early or not bringing them  gifts; the support Sadhana-tai gave him was very commendable.
And also, who could have asked for more wonderful sons. Both his sons, Vikas and Prakash are doctors and have selflessly dedicated themselves just like their father for service to these leprosy patients. They actively participate in causes similar to that of their dad, running the ashrams, hospitals and schools in Maharashtra.
baba_gallery11.jpg
I do wonder, how can someone be so selfless. In today’s world, people cannot give unconditional love to their near and dear ones. And here was a man who dedicted his entire life so easily for such a noble cause.
Sometimes, I feel proud to be an Indian for this reason. But, what’s the use? Question is can I do the same? Like millions of other youngsters I would naturally want to have fat-money job in some Multinational company, a handsome husband and a beautiful home. It’s so normal but so ordinary. What will set me apart is the intense desire to work for my people, to forget my own desires, to come one step closer to god, to do that which is extraordinary yet take no credit…..
But then, it takes a lot of courage. I doubt , whether I have it. I doubt, whether most of us, have it.
For millions, Baba Amte will be remembered as a great social activist, as a wonderful person, but for Anandwan residents, he has been a “mother”.
And for me, an inspiration……

Posted in Awareness, India, Motivation, Public, Reality | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

AND I THOUGHT I LOVED CRICKET…..

Posted by Sonu on January 6, 2008

I have loved cricket more than any other game. But what happened, in the light of the 2nd test match between India and Australia in Sydney, is not only shameful but enraging.

harbhajan_ind.jpg

First of all, Harbhajan Singh, is being accused of racism, which is a downright lie.

Helloooooooooo. We Indians are one of the most racially abused people. Its ridiculous to think, we’ll act so stupidly considering how important the game was.

Symonds should know better. Aussies have never played fair. And yes, we do question their integrity!

84793.jpg

In the most controversial final day of the 2nd test, Sourav Ganguly was actually given out, not by an umpire but the Australian captain Ricky Ponting himself!

Since when did the umpires listen to the players and give their decisions???

Moreover, even Dravid and R.P.Singh were the victims of absolutely wrong umpiring decisions.

If at all, the ICC accuses Harbhajan and bans him from playing further matches, then I think its wise enough for BCCI to tell players to pack their bags, cancel the series and head home.

I urge all cricket lovers to follow this controversy.

Support the Indian team. If ONE Symonds was abused by Harbhajan, then in reality, our ENTIRE team has been abused, disgraced in their country.

As, Anil Kumble, summed up the situation, “Only one team played in the spirit of the game..”

AND, we all know who the team is.

I doubt, whether anyone in India has any respect left for the Aussie cricket team.

I guess, http://www.cricinfo.com will keep you updated on most of the things.

So, just be aware!

Posted in Awareness, Public, cricket | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments »

AUSTRALI-YA & INDI-YEAH

Posted by Sonu on January 5, 2008

imagesplayer-432.gif

What put, Cricket-crazy Indian fans like me, in an offbeat mood, was the shameful defeat of India against Australia in the first test match of the series. The Indian players were marred with demeaning cuss words. But soon enough, the painful memory of the loss was left in the last year, as the world gracefully slid in 2008.

All were looking forward for Wednesday, Jan 2nd, when the India-Australia second test began.

What started as a perfect day, for a match between two of the greatest teams in the world, actually held seeds of hopelessness, hatred and a lot of un-cool decisions.

The Indians looked marvelously well in control with Australia down for 2 off 22. And then, one man turned the game! True, Brad Hogg and Brett Lee shot some brilliant half centuries, BUT a smashing 167 not out by Andrew Symmonds turned the tables on us Indians. And, NO, he wasn’t the one who took limelight for the reversal of the game, but, one ‘daring’ west indian, an umpire Steve Bucknor.

It would be highly inappropriate, if I begin a series of cuss words and slang terms in this blog, so lets just be sarcastic…..
ish-sym84539.jpg

Symmonds who was dismissed 3 times by the fiery Indian bowlers, was never given out and continued his blitz-krieg. On one such occasion, he had snicked the bowl by Ishant Sharma, directly into wicket-keeper Dhoni’s hands. The Indians were rejoicing, the commentrators were exclaiming, but only Bucknor remained unruffled! Symmonds was playing on 30 at that time. Imagine, what the state of Australians would have been, if he had been given out then……. Inspite of Hogg’s and Lee’s heroics the next day, Australia wouldn’t have crossed the total of 300.

Later, even Symmonds agreed that he had indeed snicked the ball and for the very first time in the history of the game, a batsman “thanked” an umpire for his achievement.

The Indian cricket board, was furious. They thought, Symmonds should have showed some sportsmanship and should have walked away .

What an expectation! Since, when did the Australians become “team-players” ? I doubt, whether anyone understands the spirit of the game, as well as the Indians do!!

The aftermath of this episode, was the furore that followed. The ICC president Malcom Speed later announced the new rule, twisted in order to benefit the players. It has now been decided that players can appeal directly to the third umpire, if they are not convinced with the field umpire’s decision. This is a positive change and surely, Sachin Tendulkar, will get the most benefit out of it. After all, he has been mis-judged out several times . :)

Anyways, Australia piled up a total of 463 runs by the lunch time of second day and finally, India came to bat.

Yet again Steve Bucknor played tyrant when he judged Wasim Jaffer out on a clear-cut no ball.

Struggling to keep up with the Australian bowling attack, the Indians managed to hold fort and the by the end of second day, Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar remained not out. Earlier, Laxman and Dravid put on a solid partnership and helped India elevate to a competent level. Dravid did a snail-paced yet useful 53, while Laxman, seemed to be playing an ODI, with an amazing 109.

But, with 3 wickets down, India still needed to do better.

A new day began. Every Cricket fan hoped that this would be the day, that Sachin would get that elusive ton finally! But, wickets were falling steadily. Ganguly did hit a fabulous 67 but Yuvraj and Dhoni failed miserably. And, Sachin was slowly progressing from a quiet 84 runs, with Harbhajan Singh keeping him company and hitting glorious shots.

sachin38ton84628.jpg

Sachin edged towards 98 and the tension was obvious. Billions of Indians and Cricket fans all over the world were silently praying that he sails through that ton. Suart Clark’s over began. Sachin let go of the first 3 balls and then on the fourth, he hit hard. He tore his way across the pitch. Only if he took a quick first run, he could try for the second. And, he did. Everyone was cheering, clapping. He himself looked happy beyond imagination. As soon as he removed the helmet and looked skywards, praying and thanking the almighty, the crowd rejoiced. The jinx was broken and he proved, yet again, that he is and will always remain, one of the best batsman, this game ever produced……..

I know, if India wins this match, it would be a double-bonanza for all. But, even if this match draws, cricket enthusiastics would still be happy that their ‘God’ Tendulkar, finally gave the new year a befitting start .

I pray and hope, everything goes right for Tendulkar and India all throughout the year.

As for Bucknor, well, each man has to pay for his sins, at some time in his life. Let this match get over, and it will be seen, it’s his final one.

And, for his own safety, I hope, he never places his foot on the Indian soil, because we Indians can be exceedingly humble with hospitality, yet can turn into blazing fires, when we are enraged!!!!

R.I.P

Posted in Awareness, India, Public, Reality, cricket | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

DEATH OF DEMOCRACY

Posted by Sonu on December 28, 2007

bhutto_benazir.jpg

Pakistan, I guess, has so much internal hatred stacked within, that is more deadly than a nuclear bomb…..enough to weaken it from inside…..and self-destruct!!!

Coping up with emergency for such a long time since last couple of months, the pakistanis have  yet again, started a nation-wide war……The beloved daughter of their nation is DEAD. Benazir Bhutto is DEAD……

Benazir Bhutto was born on June 21, 1953 at Karachi and was the eldest child of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who founded the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).  He was first the president then the prime minister of Pakistan from 1971-1977.  But, was mercilessly executed by General Zia-ul-haq.

She gained her degrees in politics from Harvard and Oxford, came back to Pakistan, inherited the leadership fro PPP and thus, started her life-long battle against the unstable ruling of Pakistan.

She became prime-minister in 1988, was sacked on basis of corruption charges. Gained power agian in 1993 and lasted for just 3 more years before Nawaz Sharif came to power.

Got lost in Dubai later on, when her husband and she were sentenced to 5 years of jail and $8.6 million on charges of taking kick-backs from a Swiss company hired to fight customs fraud.

AND, she came back! Oh, why did she?

It’s said that, everything is pre-determined…..death too. Maybe , it’s the power of death that draws you towards itself. Benazir was drawn too. Drawn, to the country of her birth, to die there as a martyr.

She was lucky once…..when a suicide bomber attacked her rally last month but this time, she wasn’t as lucky…..the 3 sniper bullets made her pay for her good deeds rather than her sins.

Now, what about the impact on the world? What impact on the US of A…..have their plans gone horribly wrong? India is definitely on the edge. Pakistan is on the brink of a civil war. Situation, totally out of control. India will have a high time if the jehadis cross over during the war. India’s security then, will be in danger.

US, definitely doesn’t know how to react. This is what they might have never-calculated. And, although, they have never owned publicly, but they still seem to have a significant role in her return to pakistan (so the experts feel).

Benazir, had once said, “Whether or not the rulers allow me to take part in the elections, I will return home at any cost, not for the reason that i want to become prime minister…. (but because) I owe to the nation to fulfill my pledge I have made to it.”

She is immortal. She returned for her people. Her name is written in this bloody sub-continental history as that of a great leader and motivator.

She fulfilled her pledge, alright….but, it remained incomplete…..

Her restless soul will avenge this hatred. Not for herself, but for her people. Perhaps, one day Pakistan will see beyond dictatorship.

On that day, the nation will be born again and truely a new chapter of India-Pakistan FRIENDSHIP will be written!!!

Posted in Awareness, Public, Reality | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »