THE WALL THEY COULDN’T TEAR DOWN

Dear Rahul,

I do not know how to address this letter, simply because, you always have been a kind of “hidden” figure for me. Growing up in an era graced with the very presence of Sachin Tendulkar, the man we consider as our God; your involvement in the game seemed secondary for us devotees.

Now when I look back, all those times shine yet again, to show me your equal greatness which might have been a bit overshadowed by one man’s presence. Yet I am amazed, that all these years have not faded you; instead you have become that support, that anchor, that wall who has stood tall and become clearer than ever. 

A year ago, when critics and cricket fanatics had written you off and fans sighed at your poor form, you have not only bounced back this year with a great performance but showed every cricket follower of what stuff you are made of. As opposed to Sachin, who midst great fanfare has tumbled records and added some of his own; you have been that silent killer, patiently biding your time, playing your natural game, slowly & surely moving towards pinnacles of perfection. You have been awe-inspiring, indeed.

When I first came to know that you were chosen as the first player outside Australian subcontinent to deliver the Bradman Oration; my first thought was – Why you? Why not Sachin? While as a die-hard Sachin fan my emotions fall perfectly in their place; right now, let me tell you, I am embarrassed of accepting this. When I first read your speech at the Bradman Oration, I had goosebumps on my arms. It took almost 5 mins after I finished reading to finally snap back into reality. I read it. Re-read it. Re-read it again. Re-re-read it and in 48 hours I have been basking in the glory of those sentences….smiling inwardly at those little anecdotes you sprinkled along the way….thinking seriously about the issues you put forth and watching awe-struck at the finesse you displayed while delivering this speech. You have left me spell-bound. It takes a lot of courage for a Sachin fan like me to accept that you, Rahul, have conquered a place in my heart and earned a respect so great that it will last a lifetime. Your speech and the video has become my daily fodder since.

I absolutely loved your opening para –  “We cricketers devote the better part of our adult lives to being prepared to perform for our countries, to persist and compete as intensely as we can – and more. This building, however, recognizes the men and women who lived out the words – war, battle, fight – for real and then gave it all up for their country, their lives left incomplete, futures extinguished.”

It shows your strength of character in such a way that I can’t help but admire & feel proud of the fact that I am an Indian. 

The issues that you have put forth have made people sit up and take things seriously. Now whether something will be done about it, who knows….but at least you have given them something to ponder on. When I was younger, I always used to have a blast with my friends watching matches, enjoying them, playing our own version of cricket….While, I still enjoy discussing, watching & playing cricket with them; Sadly, most of my friends have been distanced from the game feeling that there has been too much of it lately and it has lost its original charm. It sometimes scares me and makes me wonder that this one thing that fills a spark in my life may one day suddenly vanish from my life too; especially when I think about Sachin’s retirement.

However, cricket has been so much of religion for me; losing it will be like losing my identity as a person and my meaning as a die-hard fan. Cricket has been family. Not a commercial bandwagon but a sentimental roller-coaster that I believe fuels not only mine but millions of other lives all over the world. 

And yes; as you say, it is this generation that has the power to re-write history, to set a tradition to honor the game and come to terms with the fact that players will come and go but the game will truly live on…

Your bold decision of quitting one day internationals especially at a time when the selectors were just realizing your mettle; was indeed commendable. You showed them that you aren’t a puppet to be pushed around. You command a respect that is as unparallel as the devotion that Sachin receives. Just because you have been a quiet and humble player throughout cricketing history doesn’t mean that you are dumb. But it actually means you exhibit an intelligence so profound, that few even have the capacity to grasp it. Recently, when you were felicitated for  being the second highest run scorer in Test history, my heart swells with pride to realize what rare gems this Indian soil has produced. 

Being a person of few words, the long speech you delivered gave us a glimpse of your intense passion for the game…the reverence you showed while uttering Sir Don’s name and the genuine warmth you displayed when you mentioned Sachin shows us the purity of your heart. The elegance, the poise, the perfection, the humbleness you display while batting truly puts you in a class of your own and you applied the same rule during this speech and touched our hearts in such an intimate way, that I feel a deep sense of affection towards you.

I came across the poster below while searching for your photos online. For once, I am not annoyed that it shows Sachin in a lesser light than you; instead I am amused as to why I didn’t realize before the importance of this simple statement.

Rahul, you are yet another person I would like to thank after Sachin for showing me what cricket is all about. For being that “lambi race ka ghoda” we all momentarily forgot. For being an inspiration…..a legend….a man that we have all come to respect. If it’s “utmost devotion” for Sachin, it’s “genuine respect” for you. If it’s “unconditional love” for Sachin, it’s “undying trust” for you. If it’s “pure admiration” for Sachin, it’s definitely a “standing ovation” for you for being the man we all look upto.

I always joke with my friends that if Sachin Tendulkar came in front of me, I probably wouldn’t know  what to say because I would definitely pass out cold with the euphoria of seeing him in the front of me. While, the same wouldn’t apply when I see you Rahul; I would certainly bend and touch the ground you walked upon. My love for Sachin probably doesn’t leave a space for anyone else but my respect for you has increased ten-fold, perhaps more and it’s one thing that I as a fan can sincerely give you.

I will dedicate this post to all your true fans and encourage my Sachin fans to read this too. ‘coz as people you two may be as different as chalk and cheese but inherently there is something divine in both of you.

And if at all, you ever come across this letter, let me tell you, I mirror the words of a much larger crowd. And I stand in front you with folded hands, praying to a man we never dubbed as god but worshiped all the same……a man we never understood……a man who lived in shadows yet one day unknowingly became greater than it that we had to stand up and take notice….a wall that we could never tear down…

With lots of respect, admiration & awe,

A  fan whose loyalties you just earned for life

THE ELUSIVE MILESTONE

Dear Sachin,

In all my excitement, as I woke up on Friday, November 25th, all that I wanted was your 100th ton. Just like billions of others like me…

The way I saw you bat in the morning, not only re-affirmed my devotion for you but also took my breath away. The shots that you hit, the technique that you displayed was flawless and I couldn’t help but admire your genius. But the catch from Sammy, not only stunned Wankhede crowd but also shocked us mortals and we retreated back in our cocoon of everyday frustrations and happenings…

When I got back home later that night, I connected to mycrickethighlights.com, just to have a look at your entire innings and believe me, I was mesmerized. Those 94 runs were like 194 to me at that time. It didn’t matter that it was not converted into a century…It didn’t matter that we still have to wait for your 100th ton….All that mattered was your game….your un-tarnished, unbeatable natural flair….

Sometimes we wonder whether we are true fans. We so desperately want you to hit that elusive ton, yet we do not realize that all this hype is just pointless… 

A person of your stature does not require reaffirmations from us to continue your natural game. For you, milestones have always been secondary to your passion for the game and a chance to serve your motherland. 

It is an undisputed fact that one fine day, you are definitely going to hit that ton and silence your critics and I realize, it really wouldn’t change anything… It won’t change you as a person, or it wouldn’t change our love for you….It would only just add yet another feather to your cap…

Sachin, isn’t our love for you kind of contradictory? We want you to keep on playing as you always do, yet we pressure you with our burden of expectations..

Because after all these years, the only thing we desire is to keep watching you play…whether you hit a 20, a 50, or a 100…..there is pleasure in every boundary you hit and your every six is like an burst of enthusiasm…

The respect that you command is so unparallel, that you are an object of fascination among many. We pray for you, we pray to you and we hold you so close to your hearts that our lives revolve around you..

I remember when you once said in an interview- “I hate losing and cricket being my first love, once I enter the ground it’s a different zone altogether and that hunger for winning is always there.” It not only explains your youthful desire to stick to your love for the game but also the attitude to better yourself with time. I just consider myself lucky to be born in era that serves as a witness to your life.

In hailing you as God, we do satisfy our inner urge to worship yet forget easily that on a basic level, you are human too. You aren’t a machine that we can control to our liking…You cannot hit a century in every match…You are very well going to be bowled out on ducks and failures will be in plenty always….And if it weren’t for those failures, those minor disappointments; we would never have understood our faith in you. What makes us worship you as God, is the likeness we observe in you as a human….something to which we can identify ourselves with and still the difference between us that is a result of  a divine character that you have unknowingly created for yourself.

Stupid news channel and newspaper editors don’t bother me anymore. I do not even consider them worthy enough to get angry on. 

As I spend yet another day going through all their baseless assumptions and accusations in all media (whether in print or audio-visual); I cannot help but feel a kind of hopeless pity on their tiny brains and even more non-existent heart. 

Their public disapproval of you, your genius, your perseverance, your strength just makes a mockery of the pure faith and devotion of billions of us worshipers all  over the world; becoz in this world of deceptions, such purity is an illusionary concept.

As I print these words out, they not only exude my love for you but also echo the sentiments of billions of other fans like me. Fans who, feel like breaking TV sets when you get out early; fans who skip food to get a glimpse of you; fans whose only source of real happiness comes from seeing you bat; fans who have cried rivers with happiness when you finally got your world cup dream…

On the day you hit your 100th ton; see how crazily this same media will carry you on their heads and show your entire lifetime on television…They shall proclaim it as history being created…..Stupid Morons!

What they will not realize is that history was indeed made, long time ago…one fine day in the past…when world came to a standstill, one fleeting moment on April 24th, 1973….

With Respect, Love & Devotion,

A fan you will never know about

Dear Sachin…..Dear God….

Dear Sachin,

I cannot explain in words, the amazing feeling that I felt on the night of April 2nd when MS Dhoni hit that glorious six to claim what was rightfully ours. For a moment, I thought about what will be going through your mind & tried to imagine as well as feel the immense joy that you must have felt.

Earlier, it felt cruel and sad when you missed out on big runs when you came into bat especially after watching those crackling boundaries that you hit. But you know what, for the first time, in my life, I didn’t feel the dread of losing the match as I always feel when you get out easily. ‘Coz I could see the determination etched on the face of each and every player to fight back strongly. And fight, they did! The wonderful display of batting that Gambhir put up followed by a never-say-die Dhoni who despite of feeling exhausted & tired was never letting it go; was indeed commendable.

And every player gave his best. Since the semi final, I have observed that the fielding has been superb and we oozed that grit and determination that is expected of champions…..confidence but not over-confidence. Dhoni has such a large part to play in this, with his calm and serene attitude and unshakable belief.

My world cup moment was when you came running onto the field and hugged Yuvraj and both of you had tears of joy in your eyes.

It was so emotional, so fulfilling and so perfect.

I bet you filled the eyes of those watching, with tears too. You filled mine.

A lifelong dream had been fulfilled. A moment for which you waited for 21 long years…the greatest moment of your life….

Your master-class was reflected on every individual in the rest of team, each of them trying to give their 200% not only for the team or the country but also for you.

The respect you hold is so vast…..What must it feel like someone doing something for you…to make you happy….what it feels like when there are other people struggling to fulfill your dreams by cruising alongside you?

SIX world cup appearances…and each and every time you played your best. Each time, with the intent to inch closer to that coveted trophy and each time you were denied….There were times when others fell short of their expectations or destiny never smiled on us. But, you kept going and going and we entered the 2011 world cup with the single expectation of getting you — your dream, your life.

I absolutely loved it when Virat said that you have been carrying the burden of this country for 21 years and its time we carried you on our shoulders.

That sounded like some cheesy dialogue, but it was perfect for the moment. Everyone was looking at you…praising you…dedicating this win to you….. And, you in all your humility accepted their offering proclaiming this as the proudest moment in your life.

You had an amazing world cup…amassing close to 500 runs and showing yet again as to why you are the greatest player of all times. However, while the whole world was wishing for your 100th ton….you, the man who never plays for his personal milestones…you, were only wishing to hold that one golden prize that eluded you for so many years. That beautiful trophy you had seen Kapil Dev lift way back in 1983 when you were just 10 years old….Little did you know, that 28 years from then…you will hold it courtesy of your team-mates who just wanted to make you happy and give to you what you truly deserved.

Sachin, do you realize, with age, you have got even better…..and you have worked yourself so hard each time to reach pinnacles of perfection. And the last 2 years have been fantastic. You have managed to make and beat every single record ever known….You weren’t the one with the highest score in ODIs and last year you hit a double century; a feat that no one else has accomplished and that too against one of the greatest bowling attacks in the world. You completed over 50 test centuries and are just 2 centuries away from doing that same feat in One dayers with an amazing total of 99 combined. What next, Sachin? A triple? A quadruple century in the tests?

You walked off the ground when you were convinced you were out in spite of others feeling otherwise….you have showed tremendous sportsmanship on and off field, never uttering bad words about others. You have set an example, not only as an amazing player but also as a truly wonderful human being.

Sachin, I am so proud to be an Indian because of you. I am so proud of you, I love you, I revere you, I worship you. You indeed are divine.

You inspire me to rise above this mediocrity to reach new heights….to be a good human being….to be true to yourself….to never let go…to keep on fighting…

Today, I sincerely want to wish you on that amazing world cup win and the brilliant effort that you put throughout the tournament.

As I watch the news channels today, where most of the skeptics are insisting that this as your last world cup and that you are going to retire, all I feel is anger & a sense of betrayal.

Who are they to take decisions for you? It was your choice to enter the world of cricket and it will be yours again when you decide to leave it….I know, you love the game more than anything else in the world and that you would do anything to keep on playing, like, forever…

I want you to pass on a message to all those critics and over-smart people who don’t believe in you —-

“Each one wants something out of life. And what do we do, when we get what we want? We simply wish for something else.

The dream got fulfilled but not the Man. As long as the Man is there, there will be more dreams to come. Maybe not as special as this one but just as important….

It will take years for you guys to catch up with this man…No, not just records-wise but to match those exceptional qualities that he holds as a person too.”

Sachin, all I wanna say is that, even if I get at least one person to believe in my dreams like I do, I would have fulfilled my life. But, I am not you and neither are others. What makes you so special? What makes people respect you? Why are people in your awe? I don’t know. But you are like that twinkling star that lights up all our lives.

Sachin, you are my; you are our GOD.

 

Lots of love, wishes & respect,

One crazy fan/devotee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOD

Somebody: Hey, are you an atheist?

Me: No, I am a believer!

Somebody: You mean, you actually BELIEVE in GOD?

Me: Yeah, whats wrong with it?

Somebody: How can you believe in something that you have NEVER seen???

Me: Who said that I have not yet seen God?

Somebody: You mean you HAVE?

Me: Yup!

Somebody: Are you kidding me?

Me: Nopes!

Somebody: You have actually SEEN GOD in FLESH & BLOOD?

Me: Thats what I said!

Somebody: How? Where? When? What?

Me: I HAVE SEEN MY GOD.

I have seen him dedicating his life to something he believes in for 20 long years.

I have seen him opening the batting for India and the Mumbai Indians year after year.

I have seen him hitting centuries and centuries in tests and one day internationals.

I have seen him when he went to become the first and the only player so far to hit a double century in one day cricket.

I have seen him accepting countless “Man of the Match” and “Man of the Series” awards.

I have seen him hitting boundaries like never-stopping missiles

I have seen him exuding talent in all forms of the game.

I have seen him turn things in to gold just by touching them…..

Somebody: Hey, wait. I know what you are talking about. You mean that Tendulkar guy! He is the one? He is YOUR god? Baah!

Me: Yes, he is!

Somebody: But how can he be a God? He’s human!!!

Me: Whats wrong in worshiping a human? As far as I know, the Christians do the same! Jesus was the son of God, not god himself.

And so do Hindus? Don’t we worship, Lord Rama?

Somebody: Puh-leaze! Thats different. Those were mighty men with extraordinary powers. Why would anyone want a human god who is as ordinary as you and me? I mean, even Superman and Spiderman are supposed to have miraculous powers never seen on earth!

Me: Really? So, the prerequisite for worshiping someone is that they have alien powers and the ability to fly and glide over tree tops and mountains? Ridiculous!

Somebody: Why ridiculous? What about cricket then? Its just a game, right? Its not as if winning a world cup is going to make India a super power or just bcoz a guy name Sachin Tendulkar lives here, The floods are going to stop and it will rain plenty but in control, and there will be no earthquakes, no bomb blasts, not any other natural calamities either…..

Me: Well, these things have happened anyways even when Gods walked upon this earth.

It doesn’t count through what amount of burden and trials and tribulations we are put through; what counts is our willingness to get back on our feet!

Why wouldn’t I worship Sachin Tendulkar? What cricket-loving fan wouldn’t?

Whats wrong in worshiping the dedication that guy exhibits. The sheer patience and ample of self-control for 20 long years.

Whats wrong in worshiping a guy who never utters a bad word on field? Who maintains so much poise and dignity even when the opposite person is ridiculing him or cursing him. So much so that the person opposite gets embarrassed with such an open display of humility!

Whats wrong in worshiping genius in its purest form? The unaltered talent and the untarnished brightness that drips from him.

Whats wrong in worshiping an unbelievable display of hard-work and sincerity where most of us youngsters get bored even to walk a few steps to the supermarket?

Whats wrong in worshiping the lavish praise for other players that he is never tired of giving?

Whats wrong in worshiping the selfless guidance that he provides to upcoming players and fans?

Whats wrong in worshiping a dedicated family man who finds time for his wife and kids?

Whats wrong in worshiping an unselfish donor who donates countless money to the charity anonymously?

Whats wrong in worshiping the insatiable hunger he has for improving himself, correcting his own self, competing against his own self, beating his own records, bettering his own natural game?

SACHIN RAMESH TENDULKAR is not a lesson in cricket, my dear. He is a lesson in life itself.

It takes both Gods and Humans to make this earth, my friend.

The only difference is –

We bring some Gods to the level of Humans AND

We take some humans to the level of Gods.

(And I have one such God in the form of Sachin Tendulkar. On his 37th birthday, this is a post right from the heart.

Wishing you loads of success, happiness and a very happy birthday, Sachin……)

HEROES ARE PEOPLE TOO

(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!

VOTE EARTH

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!

WAKE UP CALL

(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.

ENCLOSED MEMORIES

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.

~ The Wonder Years

How funny and sad yet true; Memories have a much stronger hold on us than we imagine them to have. Ever wondered, when we look back, why do we laugh over all the troubled times of the past that don’t matter much now AND how pathetically we cry over all the happy ones that will never come again. Because, Sorrow in the long run, is nothing but a point of life to grow and learn and smile about and Happiness, in long run becomes a pain to endure forever….

Yet, for us, memories represent our whole lives. Even a 10 year old kid recounts the days when he was a baby. And then, as we grow older, our bag of memories becomes heavier and heavier until to the very end of our life, when we are a stooping old man, with a big sack of both pleasure and pain positioned on our back. A sack of memories…..

A camera is something all of us desire. We long as kids for those cartoon models, short and compact. We like showing them off to our buddies, clicking pictures on the playground, in the cafeteria, in classrooms, birthday parties, hanging out in the backyard, family outings….just about everytime. We wish to enclose every single moment in a picture or in a video. And years later, when we open up that dusty album, we automatically get transported to a different world. A world that once was our own. But, a world where we are mere strangers now.

I can remember all the cameras that I have owned. I still have them, safe and sound, yet I never stopped buying newer and newer models. This one’s the latest, the new sony cybershot. Its small and cute and now means everything to me.

Some years back, even the memories from the camera took a long time to develop. The film inside needed to be washed and then you used to get the photos. However, now with the advent of digital cams, you can have even few hours old memories stored safely on your computer.

This is one of the earliest picture that I clicked. I simply loved the simplicity of it. It was not a sigficant moment at all. Yet I know, as long as I have this picture, I shall remember that day. A very normal sunny day, with the beautiful sun shining, a forget-me-not blue sky, clouds like white cotton candy and flowers like innocent little children dancing along with the light cool breeze.

A moment so fleeting, so ordinay……a memory so everlasting, so extraordinary…..

Life is beautiful, just like the flower. So pure and white and it encloses so many memories. So many moments of “I wish”, “If only” and “What if”….. Of “could been” and “have been”. Of death, despair, disappointments, of hurt and wounds. Of life, love, joy, successes, of mirth and laughter. Of family and friends, of complete strangers, of the vast nature, of even the animals and the birds.

Life is like food. So very delecious, so very tasty and so very very necessary. It is something, without which, we cannot live. So is life. Life is different from Existence. In existence, we only exist but in Life, we live, we grow, we learn, we teach and we love….

Life is like food. Colorful. Tempting. Aromatic. It is our fuel. It compels us to always keep moving forward and never look back. o go on and on. It keeps supplying the energy and we keep converting it to do something productive.

People fade out from our lives. Not all, but chosen few are destined to be with us forever; while most of them last a season. (Previous entry: A reason for a season)

We keep on living no matter what. For us, no one’s gone, no one dies, we keep them alive day after day, night after night. Physical death is a mere certainty but people go on living in every memory they shared.

So strong are the memories, so strong their power, so obvious their existence yet so unpredictable their effect. They are an essential component of our life, something without which we are incomplete, something that connects our one life with millions of others, something that tunes our heart to the music of the world….

So, get a camera and start clicking. It need not be an expensive one. Even a small one will do. Click and store the photos, send them to family and friends, display them to the world. ‘Coz every moment that you captured, was once a part of your life which can never be erased. Every memory that will keep you alive even when you go away. A proof that you lived, you loved, you laughed and you enjoyed.

I know, our brain is a wonderful organ. And we can store memories there without having a camera. But, what a camera does is, it never misses any details. And sometimes, details are the only things that make a memory whole and authentic. You might use it for certain family functions or trips and all special ocassions and still know that even when you click a picture on a perfectly ordinary day, it gets etched in the life as an extraordinary never-before moment….

Life is indeed a MEMENTO……

I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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…..

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?

AND WE CRIED RIVERS OF BLOOD….

(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….

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)