SELLING FAITH AND GLORY

For all die-hard cricket fans like me, the beginning of the Indian Premier League twenty20 (IPL) was a treat to the eyes. Two months of non-stop entertainment. While watching twenty20 matches every single day up to June with the heroics of some of the world’s best cricketers is an exciting idea; however, too much of cricket can be enough to put us off the game for some time.

In a world of instant food, instant communication, instant upbringing; “instant cricket” is nowhere out-of-place. No one has time to sit and think. Everyone wants to just get over with it. People want to do something different every moment. No one wants to stick with a particular thing. We want quick answers and faster decisions.

Cricket has evolved from a test game to a one day international to this more recent twenty20 format. Many people love the age-old 5 day test game, slow and steady. It takes a lot of strategic planning and sheer patience to win that one. Much more, later, started liking the ODI format; one single day and the game gets over. Its easy, its enjoyable and most importantly, you don’t have to wait until next day for the results.

Now, comes the time of twenty20; it doesn’t even last half a day. A super-quick ~4 hours and the game gets over! Its so instant! You are enthralled by the mettle the batsmen exhibit, the shrewdness of the bowlers, the constant fear of the fielders that springs from the fact that even a single unsaved run carries the fate of the game.

And, COMMERCIALIZATION! Cricket has become so business-like. There are scantily-clad cheerleaders (heck, we didn’t even know them, in this part of the world). There are musicians for entertainment purposes. There are actors, politicians, business tycoons, all ready to spill money as easily as water.

Cricketers are being bought and sold! Its kind of funny and extremely sad too. How can you judge the worth of a player in terms of monetary values??? Before the start of IPL, there was the huge market of buy & sell, where players were sold for huge amount of money.

I remember watching over the TV; a news channel was questioning the family of a teenage cricketer, they were asking his mother, “How does it feel that your son was sold for Rs.—?”

No amount of diplomacy can ever mask the absurdity of that question. Is it a matter of pride, that your son has been put up for sale???

European football clubs are no new to this kind of transaction. Every now and then, you see famous players getting transfered to other clubs and obtaining a lot of money for that. However, here in India, where, for years, values, traditions, customs have been given prime importance, where we have considered the character of an individual the highest and not his wealth, it feels strange to deal with such a situation.

No one is complaining, though. Who will, when there is so much of fun. Its not every day that you get to see all the famous cricketers in India alone and playing their best against each other. Its a fever that has gripped the nation. Every evening, you have a new match to watch. A new treat to look forward to.

Cricket has become this commercialized religion, where one God is superior to other in terms of wealth. Its overwhelming. You are torn between the love for the game and the business environment that has been created. Or do you even understand, what kind of love you have for the game?

There is money, there are players, there are a string of games….. If there isn’t a cricket game coming up for a few days, ever felt the restlessness and craving for one? And now, there are too much to bother.

Every day you see, brilliant plays, disappointments, ridicule of some of the finest men and rising of the unexpected ones. The ones you thought will reach the top, are the ones who are sweeping bottoms AND the one you thought will do no good, are the ones climbing mountains!

Its like selling yourself, selling your faith and glory, selling your love and marketing your own emotions. Its no longer synonymous with pure fun. Its contaminated with the desire for more, of greed and ruthless passion.

BUT then, am I being practical? It is making the Indian cricket board richer. It is making the face of cricket known internationally. It is bringing money and tourism for the country. It is bringing fame and recognition for the players. It is like living a dangerous dream.

Well, sooner or later, when we all have to deal with personal devils, I don’t know, what we will be happy with? The pure pleasure we once felt for the game or the sheer commercialization that turned us into money-earning and power-hungry machines!!!

LESSONS FROM THE GAME

More than a month back, this picture was different. The Australians were jumping with joy. India had lost the test series. It was a big blow. It’s very difficult to accept things when you clearly know that you have been treated unfairly and you had to win. Thats what happened. Disappointment was clearly written on faces of the Indian players.

But they kept quiet. They tried to bury all the past grudges and began new. A new series. A new beginning.

 

The Commonwealth bank series was one of the longest cricketing series of all times consisting of just 3 teams, yet a total of 14 games were played. It lasted a little over one month. And every new match was as exciting as its previous one.

In a crucial game against Sri Lanka, India won very convincingly and that paved their way into the final.  

And thus, the battle began……. 

 

Australian media continued to put Indians in a bad light. Harbhajan was needlessly targeted. Then it was Ishant Sharma’s turn. When the Aussies began understanding that sledging on the field is no longer worrying the Indians but instead aggravating them, they began to pass comments and print baseless stories in the newspapers.

India, howeverr did not falter. It got support from all over the world. And kept playing the game in the true spirit.

 

Finally, after 23 years, India won in Australia, captured the tri-series cup…..

Each young team member gave his best. Ishant Sharma and Praveen Kumar showed their talent as dependable fast bowlers. Irrfan Pathan didn’t let the team down when needed. Gautam Gambhir batted like a true star. Harbhajan, unruffled, did what he was meant to (taking wickets of Symonds and Hayden )! Rohit Sharma showed tremendous promise as an upcoming batsman. Every youngie showcased his mettle. AND Dhoni, whatever weird decisions he might have taken earlier, proved  that INDIANS ARE THE BEST!

To win against a side which is the world’s best, not only in the game but also in sledging, is not an easy job. What the Indians endured in last 2 and the half months, was not less than “sport-racism”. Now, this mental ordeal of going through wrong umpiring decisions, baseless media accusations and constant on-field bickering has finally come to an end.

And, Indians have emerged victorious!!!

 

We all can learn a lot from this entire “India tour of Australia”. You need not understand the rules of the game.You just need to focus on basic facts.

Lessons to learn:

 

Lesson that HARBHAJAN taught….

“Life is unfair. You’ll be let down many times by it. No one will listen to you. You’ll be targeted again and again. People will call you names and your every action will be scrutinized. BUT, never forget, your capabilities can help you to overcome any difficulties. No matter what, always stand by your ground. Never bow down. If you know, you haven’t done anything wrong, stick to it.”

 

Lesson that ISHANT taught….

“Over-smart people always dominate. They will not respect you if your young. They will underestimate your talents. They will abuse you and try and put you down. BUT, remember, age has got nothing to do with talent. Be fearless. And at the same time, don’t let the success go into your head.”

 

Lesson that DHONI taught….

“Strong people will push the weak ones down. When you lead, there will be tremendous pressure to do better. With responsibilty comes hardships. Critics will be in plenty than well-wishers. BUT, never forget, fortune favors the brave. Never be ashamed to accept your mistakes. Apologise whenever necessary. Take risks. Without risk, there is no chance of any success. As a leader, support those under your command. Let them do something for you not out of fear but love.”

 

Lesson that SACHIN taught….

“A seasoned and experienced person knows that barking dogs seldom bite. Actions speak more than words. So let others speak. You know what to do. Be humble. Respect others (even someone who humiliates you). Respect yourself too. Understand you are not a machine. Failures are a part and parcel of life. They are also a stepping stone to achievements. Losses will come. Your only job is to give your 100%. Once you know, you have given your best, stay rest assured, you’ll get the fruits of your labour.” 

 

AND, in the end

Lesson that from AUSSIES we learnt….

“It’s very easy to look down from the top and make fun of the ones on the ground. Its equally difficult to help the less-fortunate ones to come up. Aggression is required in some walks of life. But, don’t let it become a habit. Humitlity is the greatest virtue. Cultivate it within one self. Always keep on striving to do better. Help the weak ones and share your expertise. Never inflate your head with the glorious past. Otherwise one day you’ll learn very badly that PRIDE always has a DOWNFALL!”

 

 Was it just CRICKET, OR Was it a game of LIFE???

OLD IS GOLD

The only thing that a cricket fan wishes is that his team plays well. Every good batsman you know, should hit a century. Every good bowler you know, should take a couple of wickets. Ofcourse, it’s not possible that every single player plays well in the same match. Obviously, some will fail and some will do well.

 

Dhoni’s comments on Sachin Tendulkar were a litle annoying. It’s true that Sachin wasn’t in his usual self in this tri-series but then, everybody has their ups and downs. Dhoni himself hasn’t been in the best of form. He has played a couple of matches but that’s it. In the earlier series, he was a failure too.

 

Sachin Tendulkar is a man who is so passionate about cricket that few can match his standards. He has been playing cricket for last 19 years!!!

He himself is his best judge. I think, he has the capability of deciding when to call quits. It will be his personal choice.

 

Everybody seems to be criticizing old cricketers. What one musn’t forget is their contribution to the game. It’s true, young blood is needed for bringing about a lot of enthusiasm but at the same time, the value of experiences cannot be ignored.

 

One should feel honoured that Sachin plays for our team. He is a human being afterall and not a machine. There will be times when he’ll falter. But, there always will be great times, when all fans will get a treat to watch his splendid game. Just like today. When he hit a amazing 63 with 10 boundaries.

 

Sachin, we all wish you loads of luck in the coming games. You play your natural game. You retire when you want to. The country is with you. 

But, retire with dignity and not because of someone’s taunts.

 

Today you showed your critics your greatness and let your bat do the talking. Silence prevails now and yet another person knows, what SACHIN TENDULKAR means! 

 

 

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost, the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. From ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be the blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.” 

~J.R.R.Tolkein 

SPECIAL IS AS SPECIAL DOES

(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…..)

THAT’S WHAT I CALL HUMANITY….

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.

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……

3 QUESTIONS

The 3 most important questions of life are:

1) Who am I?

2) What am I?

3) Where am I?

Here’s what I feel about them……

WHO AM I?

Many a times, I do wonder, who am I?

The answer lies within me but is it significant and would I be “this” all my life long? OR have I evolved over time, not only in this birth but all previous ones too, and keep on continuously doing so.

My purpose is, I believe, a part of a plan that was perhaps constructed long ago. When exactly? No one is sure! Because, perhaps, it goes beyond “time-lines”.

What exactly is time? Nothing but a convenience to measure and divide, so that it will be beneficial in identifying our purposes.

I am special. But sill, I have a long way to go. In the end, I just have to compete with my own self!

WHAT AM I?

Today, I read an article in the newspaper which says that, we are not the source of love but we help each other to access the love, that is the source.

Hence, I am a medium. One day, I am going to go beyond this and realize that my existence today is just “a single incident” and this collection of incidents will bring me to a point of spiritual growth sooner or later.

WHERE AM I?

I am here only physically, BUT, metaphysically, I am traveling and going on. Even if I die, I will continue to travel (perhaps in a different dimension).

I will love, I will hate. I will do all that is human. I will be a pioneer of both good and bad BUT whatever I do, whatever I be, I know, I will make an definite and everlasting “impact”.

It’s easy to be famous but it really means something to make a special change in other lives.

There is a reason for everything that happens.

One day, I will, probably, get all the answers OR probably I will die without getting any.

But, it gives immense satisfaction to know that REASONS do exist, even if I don’t know what they are!

These are my answers for the time being. But they are continuously getting updated and evolved.

At least, I have begun my ultimate QUEST.

What about you?

Are you ready to begin this journey?????

AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP

WHAT GOES AROUND,COMES AROUND!

We learned this saying long ago in school. We were fashioned in such a manner that we have believed all through our lives, how what you do now, will balance itself later on.

What can be a better example than the current India-Australia cricket series.

After a devastating second test match for the Indians, the unsure morale of the Indian team seemed meek before the towering Australian confidence.

A draw was foreseen and on a ground like WACA, Perth; the Australians seemed mighty. Shaun Tait, the newly included fast bowler was already boasting, how he was going to crush Indians and Australia truly were on the verge of their 17th consecutive test victory; a feat no team has achieved yet.

Years before, when the Australian side, won 16th consecutive tests under Steve Waugh’s captaincy, it was the Indians, who put an end to their winning streak and this time, yet again, the Indians toppled the Australians with a 72 run win in the third test.

In spite of Harbhajan Singh’s absence, the confidence level in Indian team was tremendous. Everything, that they did, the bowling, the batting, the fielding was excellent.

The most beautiful thing about the game was, the animosity levels present in the 2nd test match were not openly displayed here and the Indians showed the world, yet again, HUMILITY is the greatest virtue conferred on mankind.

HUMILITY that so easily brushed aside the Australian OVER-CONFIDENCE.

The wrong umpiring decisions of the 2nd test, manifested here too, but this time more in the favor of the Indians. ‘Each day’ was an maginficient treat to the Indian cricket fans. AND, finally, within 4 days, the much awaited win was achieved.

If you are an Indian, you’ll know, what the Indian-Pakistan rivalry means. Especially during cricket matches, it is at its peak. However, during recent times, a more friendly atmosphere has developed between us and the Pakistanis.

But, a new rivalry in the game is coming up, the “India-Australia” one!

Rivalry or no rivalry,there are so many things, all of us can learn from the events of last two test matches.

Whereas, Ricky Ponting refused to discuss the “Harbhajan-Symonds” spat with Anil Kumble initially and proceeded to make complaint; Anil Kumble very humbly let go of the matter about Brad Hogg calling him a ‘bastard’.

Whereas Ricky Ponting, took a very defensive stand and talked about integrity and got agressive; Anil Kumble judged the entire situation well and was assertive in his approach.

Whereas the Australians, ignored the faults of the second game and exhibited the same “we are the best” and “there’s no one like us” and “you are inferior” attitude; the Indians, let their game do the talking and proved themselves better than the Australians, not only as players but as good sportspersons too.

You do wrong and it comes back to you.

Right now, it wouldn’t bounce back, but some day it will.

Injustice happens, we all saw that in the second test, but finally, justice prevailed.

In the third test, the Aussie cricket team was paid back in their own manner.

It is so very true, AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP…..

THE KITE FLIER

The kite flying festival just finished in India. It’s lot of fun. It is known as “Makar-Sankranti”.

Even after 2 days, you can still see kites dominating the sky; adding their own beauty to it….

When we were kids, we used to round up all our cousins and friends in the nearby area and fly kites, this time of the year. We knew every little shop where they sold kites; which one was the best, which one was the cheapest, which one was the nearest…..

Now, if you ask me about it, I’ll say, “I don’t know…..”

I don’t remember how to string the kites, how to fly it high, how to cut other kites. It seems I have forgotten everything. I have even forgotten how the kite feels like!

It’s evening and I’m looking outside through the window while typing this out. I can see the bluish-orange sky lined by dozens of kites. Kites of all sizes, some small, some big, some very huge. And some, so far, that they look very tiny and you cannot even make out their color.

Kites of so many colors….. Orange, red, green, yellow, pink, blue,….some dazzling multi-colored ones too.

Some with long tails that are wrestling with the wind…….Some made of paper and some latest ones made of thin plastic.

Kids are running helter-skelter. Some of them, flying kites from their terraces, some from the ground itself. Some boasting, how many kites they have cut. Others running all over the road to catch the falling kites.

Some kids are lucky enough to grab falling kites. Others are dejected as few kites get stuck on the high branches of trees.

AND, there are so many trees like that. Beautifully laden with “kites”. They will remain so, until the wind blows the kites away or the sun fades their bright color or a bird rips them off to pieces…..

Has one forgotten to be a kid while growing up?

Forgotten….

The pride of flying the kite higher than the others.

The feeling of triumph when you cut someone else’s kite.

The satisfaction of spending a rupee on something you really love to do.

Society, rules and regulations, limitations of our age has turned us into nothing but “kites”. Just brightly colored, put on a display in front of the world. Flying high and getting cut just when we think we are on the epitome of success.

It’s high time we turned ourselves from inanimate KITES to lively KITE FLIERS…….

TAKING SIDES

Normally, in any argument that doesn’t involve you directly, whose side do you take???

It’s quite natural for us to support our relatives, our friends, our community and our country as whole.

We might have a hell lot of internal conflicts within us, but when our loyalty towards what is our own, is tested, we certainly “back” our near and dear ones.

For example, take the very recent controversy of the second test match between India and Australia. I conversed with few Australian people. And, as an Indian, I know the views of my people.

There a vast difference in the way of thinking. But, I doubt, whether anyone really thinks in such matters.

It is but obvious, that we as Indians will support our country and they as Australians, will support theirs.

BUT, what is the real truth?

How many people know that?

In this case , since most of the world has condemned the Australian cricket team, for their unsporting behavior, we can make some judgments.

But, is it right on our parts to condemn those Australians that are supporting their team? I know, perhaps, we would have done the same thing. What happened was wrong……but it happens that our sense of understanding and reasoning does take a back seat in matters concerning the integrity on a global scale.

What confuses us is the fact that whose side do we take? It wouldn’t be wrong if we support our country or our people.

On the other hand, what about personal ethics?

Is patriotism or love for one’s people great? Or are your values and principles as a human being are great?

It becomes increasingly difficult to take sides. By supporting one and ignoring the other, you cannot do justice to either of them. Any decision you make, is going to make you regret at a certain point.

So tell me, TWO sides, ONE supportive decision……

What is important?

The sense of what is right OR immense love for something belonging to you???

AND I THOUGHT I LOVED CRICKET…..

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.

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!

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!