A new life

Here's an article I wrote for the Times neighbourhood of Sarjapur and HSR layout, in Bangalore. (Issue: 2nd November 2012)

You can also find it here. 

Sarfaroshi kii tamannaa...

Somehow this poem by Ram Prasad (Bismil), almost always evokes a sense of passion, and a desire to do something.

Note to self: Read this often enough to do something!

Sarfaroshi kii tamannaa - Ram Prasad (Bismil)

Sarfaroshi kii tamannaa ab hamaare dil mein hai

Dekhnaa hai zor kitnaa baazu-e-qaatil mein hai

Ek se karataa nahin kyon doosaraa kuchh baat-cheet

Dekhtaa hun main jise woh chup teri mehfil mein hai

Aye shaheed-e-mulk-o-millat main tere oopar nisaar
Ab teri himmat ka charchaa gair kii mehfil mein hai

Sarfaroshi kii tamannaa ab hamaare dil mein hai
Dekhnaa hai zor kitnaa baazu-e-qaatil mein hai

Waqt aane de bataa denge tujhe aye aasamaan
Hum abhii se kyaa bataayen kyaa hamaare dil mein hai

Kheench kar laayee hai sab ko qatl hone ki ummeed
Aashiqon ka aaj jamaghat koonch-e-qaatil mein hai

Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai
Dekhnaa hai zor kitnaa baazu-e-qaatil mein hai

Hai liye hathiyaar dushman taak mein baithaa udhar

Aur hum taiyyaar hain seena liye apnaa idhar

Khoon se khelenge holi gar vatan muskhil mein hai

Sarfaroshi ki tamannaa ab hamaare dil mein hai

Haath jin mein ho junoon kat-te nahin talvaar se

Sar jo uth jaate hain vo jhukte nahin lalakaar se

Aur bhadakegaa jo sholaa-saa hamaare dil mein hai

Sarfaroshi ki tamannaa ab hamaare dil mein hai

Hum to nikale hii the ghar se baandhakar sar pe kafan

Jaan hatheli par liye lo barh chale hain ye qadam

Zindagi to apnii mehamaan maut ki mehfil mein hai

Sarfaroshi ki tamannaa ab hamaare dil mein hai

Yuun khadaa maqtal mein qaatil kah rahaa hai baar-baar

Kya tamannaa-e-shahaadat bhi kisee ke dil mein hai

Dil mein tuufaanon ki toli aur nason mein inqilaab

Hosh dushman ke udaa denge hamein roko na aaj

Duur rah paaye jo hamse dam kahaan manzil mein hai

Sarfaroshi kii tamannaa ab hamaare dil mein hai

Jism bhi kya jism hai jisamein na ho khoon-e-junoon

Kya wo toofaan se lade jo kashti-e-saahil mein hai

Sarfaroshi ki tamannaa ab hamaare dil mein hai

Dekhanaa hai zor kitnaa baazu-e-qaatil mein hai

My favourite Sachin Tendulkar moments!

I have been a crazy cricket fan since Sachin started playing and there are probably very few innings of his that I have not watched live (on TV, ofcourse). That said, there have been some great cricketing moments that have involved the master and here are a few from my recollection.

1992: Hero Cup semi-final vs. South Africa
The Proteas required 6 of the last over to win the game with one wicket in hand and the dependable Brian McMillan on strike. Sachin went up to the then captain, Mohammed Azharuddin to ask him for the ball since he believed he could pull it off. In the only over of the game that he bowled, he conceded only 3 runs and pulled off a miraculous victory.

1994: 2nd ODI vs. New Zealand in Auckland
Requiring to chase a modest 144 for victory, Sachin requested Azhar and Ajit Wadekar (then coach) to let him open the innings since Navjot Singh Sidhu was out with a stiff neck. He asked for only one opportunity with the self-imposed stipulation that he wouldn’t ask them again if he failed.

He scored 82 of 49 deliveries and India romped home in 23 overs.

1996: The World Cup in the subcontinent
Probably one of his best phases, Sachin scored 523 runs in 7 matches with 2 centuries and 3 fifties at an average of 87.16. He was the highest scorer in the world cup.

1998: India vs. Australia 1st Test match in Chennai
Sachin saved his best for the best team in what was his best year in international cricket. Out for 4 runs in the first innings to Shane Warne, Sachin came into bat in the second innings with India leading by 44 runs.

What followed was a master class innings of 155 not out despite Warne bowling round the wicket into the rough. India led by 347 runs at the end of Tendulkar’s assault and won the first match setting the tone for the remainder of the series.

1998: The 1st ODI vs. Australia in Kochi
Sachin got out for a paltry score but Ajay Jadeja held fort with a magnificent 104 to take India past the 300 mark. Australia was cruising at the 30-over mark when Azhar tossed the ball to Sachin. He turned his golden arm over and India won the match convincingly.

Man-of-the-match Sachin took 5 wickets for 32 runs in 10 overs of crafty leg spin that would have made Shane Warne proud.

1998: Twin centuries in the desert
The desert storm innings is now part of cricketing folklore. Chasing 284 for victory against Australia in Sharjah, Tendulkar was waging a one-man battle against the Aussies before a sand storm halted the match. After the storm subsided, India needed to score 246 to qualify for the finals against the same opponents.

In what can only be termed as savage counter attack through unbelievable cricketing shots, Tendulkar (143) smashed the Aussie bowlers all over the park to help India qualify for the final. The Aussies had been hit by the Sachin storm after the sand storm and did not recover from it even in the next match.

Sachin scored yet another clinical century (134) and helped India win the tournament on his 25th birthday.

1998: ICC quarter final vs. Australia
This match would be best remembered for the way Sachin single-handedly demolished the opposition. He scored a belligerent 141 in 128 deliveries and capped it with 4 wickets to win the match.

1999: The World Cup in England
It was during the World Cup that Sachin lost his father and flew back for the funeral. His mother goaded him to go back and play for the country, since that was what his father would have wanted.

Sachin came back and in the next match against Kenya, scored 140 of 101 deliveries despite the personal tragedy.

Notwithstanding the quality of the opposition, this innings stands out in my mind for the sheer grit and resolve he showed in managing to separate his personal tragedy from his duty towards the country.

1999: 1st Test match vs. Pakistan in Chennai
In my eyes, this probably was his greatest innings and also the most emotionally draining for him, the team and Indian spectators.

Chasing 271 for victory, India was tottering at 82 for 5. Tendulkar scored a brilliant 136 battling all odds and a severe back spasm. Shepherding Nayan Mongia, who played a good hand of 52, Sachin got out to a Saqlain Mustaq doosra, just 17 runs short of victory.

With 4 wickets in hand, India lost the plot and the game by 12 runs. Sachin was in tears and so was I.

2003: The World Cup in South Africa
By this time, it was an established fact for me that Sachin always performed at the biggest stage of international ODI cricket. The 98-run innings against Pakistan was one of his best one-day knocks and the six off Shoaib Akhtar over third man is etched in our memories. He also hit a similar shot against Sri Lanka off Dilhara Fernando.

But for me, the moment that defined the mind of this man in the mega event of cricket was a superb hook off Andrew Caddick that went for a six over midwicket. He scored 52 of 50 deliveries in that innings, of which 36 came off Caddick’s 19 deliveries.Caddick ended up with his most expensive bowling analysis and India won the match.

Sachin also scored 673 runs in the World Cup and was yet again the highest scorer at an average of 61.18.

2006: DLF Cup, 2nd ODI vs. West Indies in Kuala Lumpur
Sachin, now 33, had been criticised by many on his reflexes, his reduced flamboyance and his longevity.
Yet again, Sachin silenced his critics with an unbeaten 141 of 148 deliveries. Tendulkar scored his 40th ODI century in this comeback match after an injury layoff. He was 18 centuries ahead of the next in line – Saurav Ganguly and Sanath Jayasuriya.

2009: 5th ODI against Australia in Hyderabad
Sachin scored a chanceless 175 chasing 351 for victory before falling 19 runs short of victory. The Indian tail did not wag and we lost the match by 3 runs.

But this match stands out in my mind for landmarks achieved by Sachin – the 17,000 run mark and his 87th international hundred!

Cricket - a metaphor for life

What can I say that hasn’t been said before? Over the years, a lot has been said in praise about Sachin Tendulkar and it continues till date – 20 years since he burst into the international limelight. But today I write about Sachin Tendulkar as my guru and not as the cricketer we all love.

How many of us have done something that will give us a sense of pride to last a lifetime? And how many of us did something noteworthy when we were 16? And have any of us been at the top for 20 continuous years without a single blemish?

Since 1989, I have spent each of Sachin’s and my birthdays and more, thinking about how the maestro has reached such great heights at such a young age and still kept his feet planted firmly on the ground. Single-minded devotion, discipline, hard work, passion and equanimity are some of the lessons to learn from Sachin’s life. He has made me want to achieve a lot in life and be like him in everything I do. With reams of accomplishments that he has already attained, I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years from now, ‘Sachin’ becomes an adjective!

There have been innumerable instances where I have drawn inspiration from Sachin’s on-field and off-field demeanour. Whether I have been low for not doing well in my academics or any other sphere in life or when I went out to play for my team during my gully cricket days, there was always one man who helped me get up on my own. If I felt like running away from a situation, I would ask myself: would Sachin have succeeded if he had said he didn’t want to face the fastest bowlers of his time – Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Malcolm Marshall and the likes?

I believed as a ten-year-old that I could beat the opposition in cricket despite they being twice my size or age. I knew that my friends banked on me to play well and ensure a team victory – similar to what India hoped of Sachin. Or so I’d like to believe! But that belief was something that makes me the person I am today. I attribute a large portion of the confidence I carry to Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar!

I'm sure this is the effect Sachin has on many Indians across the country. Unknowingly he influences us to be stronger and emerge successful from every trial that we face. For twenty years, this stocky dynamo has had an effect on a billion – if this is not power, what is?

I have had the privilege of watching Sachin play in Mumbai’s stadia, and the aura of the man is something beyond belief. The reactions of the crowd when he enters the ground or even merely touches the ball can be understood only by being part of it. And I don’t need to tell you about the frenzy when he is batting majestically!

Thinking back over the last twenty years, cricket and Sachin have helped me grow as an individual, become mature and made me live by the belief that I will be able to meet any challenge that life throws at me.

Cricket, for me, has been a beautiful metaphor for life, and Sachin my inspiration!

Old wine in a new bottle

It has been long since I blogged and felt this article would be a good restart. Below is the review I wrote on Subroto Bagchi's latest book - The Professional for www.domain-b.com.

Through his latest book, Subroto Bagchi provides us with a toolkit to sharpen our edge in the 21st-century workplace. Arvind Sridhar reviews The Professional

23 October 2009

Published by: Penguin Group Price: Rs399 Classification: Non-fiction Subroto Bagchi conceived the idea of his third book, The Professional, when he realised an important ingredient was missing from his previous two books on business: Guidance! In his first book, The High-Performance Entrepreneur, the author spoke about the making of his company and in the second, Go Kiss The World, he wrote about his life-story, hoping to motivate readers to achieve what they want to. With The Professional, Mr Bagchi provides a prescription for achieving true professionalism to the young and the experienced alike; in other words, the much-needed and even more sought-after guidance missing from his previous books. In about 200 pages, he provides us with a toolkit to sharpen our edge in the 21st-century workplace. Mr Bagchi has drawn on experiences from his life to depict various facets of professional conduct under different circumstances. He has divided the book into seven chapters: integrity, self-awareness, professional qualities, managing volume, managing complexity, new world imperatives and the professional’s professional. The book is well-structured and easy to read. It won’t take you more than a couple of hours to finish, but I suggest you read it leisurely, in sequential order, internalise what the author conveys through each anecdote before you move on to the next subject. The book has a little bit in it for everyone. Mr Bagchi tackles the dilemma of firing a star performer, advises us on managing client expectations, and talks about personal issues at work: boredom, whining, personal loss, transparency, logic versus emotion, sexual harassment and other gender issues. You are sure to find yourself saying, “Hey! That's happened to me” or “Hey, that's what I wanted to know about!” The first chapter of the book leaves a lasting impact on you and sets the tone for the rest of the book. Making an important distinction between a professional and someone who is merely professionally qualified, Mr Bagchi mentions these two qualities as differentiators: “One is the ability to work unsupervised and, two, the ability to certify the completion of one’s work.”. And to illustrate this difference, he tells us the story of Mahadeva – the professional who disposed off unclaimed dead bodies and gave them a decent burial. Stark, but crystal clear! Another example that I found very enlightening was that of the recent Satyam debacle, where Ramalinga Raju, the founder and chairman of the company admitted to largescale fudging of the balance sheet for years. Mr Bagchi uses this sordid saga beautifully to stress the importance of “The Responsibility of Dissent”. He has made very discerning, analytical and thought-provoking observations, which should serve as a constant reminder to any professional, who might, in beguiling situations, be tempted to disregard his or her scruples. Mr Bagchi has made it easy to judge our actions on the yardstick of professionalism by drawing up a list of top ten markers. If you're looking for radical career solutions or fiery concepts in management, you're not going to find them here. What you will find is a practical, comprehensive handbook advising and guiding you on how to be a true professional. Like old wine in a new bottle, The Professional serves up time-tested values and truths packaged to cater to today’s world. Excerpts from The Responsibility of Dissent: “The entire board of directors that consisted of several independent directors of international standing simply agreed to a completely unrelated business acquisition with an interested party. Who were these men and women around the table who consented to one of the least transparent deal in Indian corporate history? What on their minds when they raised their hands and said, ‘Aye’?… “Eminent people all, but they individually and collectively failed the shareholders, 53,000 employees and their families, and the entire industry by their bizarre approval of the deal... “But the focus of the Satyam falsehood is not Ramalinga Raju. Your focus should be on the professionals who knew all along that the company was taking one wrong step after the other but chose to go along and earn their salaries and bonuses. These people were failing the unwritten code of conduct for any professional – the responsibility of dissent.” About the author: Subroto Bagchi is the vice chairman and co-founder of MindTree Ltd. Till 2008, Subroto was its Chief Operating Officer, a role he stepped down from to become its Gardener. His work involves co-innovating with MindTree’s customers, tending the top 100 minds in the organisation and serving its fifty communities of practice. He is also chairman of MindTree’s Innovation Council. His previous books, The High-Performance Entrepreneur and Go KissThe World were bestsellers and received critical acclaim. The Professional’s handbook: The table below ranks the top ten attributes of a professional and non-professional conduct Professional Non-professional Integrity Missing a deadline Commitment and ownership Non-escalation of issues on time Action orientation and goal seeking Non-disclosure Continuous learning Not respecting privacy of information Professional knowledge/skills Not respecting ‘need to know’ Communication Plagiarism Planning, organising and punctuality Passing on the blame Quality of work Overstating qualifications and experience A positive attitude, approachability, responsiveness Mindless job hopping Being an inspiring reference to others; thought and leadership Unsuitable appearance

Susan Boyle - epitomising inspiration!

Every once in a while, nature provides us with a massively uplifting moment that makes us realise there does exist a supernatural force that controls this world.

One such moment for me was the performance of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent 2009. I am sure many of you have already heard of her and watched the video but I nevertheless feel compelled to write something on this. (See video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY)

Time and again there have been 'born-geniuses' who have had humble beginnings, some have been shunned initially; but they later gave the world ample proof of their supreme talent. Albert Einstein, Sachin Tendulkar, Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan are a few who readily come to mind. Each of them was thought unfit for their profession but evenutally made it big in the same field and have had an ever-lasting impact on people's lives.

Einstein was thought to be a lunatic because of the unheard of theories that he propounded. Today, many of his theories prove to be the cornerstone for many more theories that we now believe in a jiffy. Tendulkar was thought to be tiny and weak to be a fast bowler at the MRF pace foundation. He did not make it as a fast bowler, but the world got a prodigy, who has given nightmares to bowlers across the world. Amitabh's voice was thought to be too deep and he was thus rejected from All India Radio. That very baritone voice now echoes in our ears through his hundreds of movies. SRK was intially thought to be a small time actor who wouldn't last in the industry beyond a couple of second-grade movies. He has been a prolific actor and today is one of the biggest brands in India.

47-year old Susan Boyle is well on her way to becoming another such celebrity. I was awestruck with her singing and it was truly a jaw-dropping performance. Probably flawless and could have been a one-take recording if she had sung it in a studio. And the choice of the song - I dreamed a dream, from Les Miserables - was poignant considering her background. The video shows the faces in the crowd who seem to pooh-pooh at the very sight of Ms Boyle. But at the moment she begins her mesmerising performance, those very faces turn red with embarrassment.

Imagine being in that position, where you have been written off before you can even begin to make an impression. And then imagine those very judgmental faces when they look at you with amazement of having achieved what they thought you never could. Imagine the unbelievable sense of pride that fills your heart because you gave it back in such a dignified manner! Ah, what I would give to get that feeling!

To find the world rooting for your victory after such an extraordinary performance is a feeling that is beyond words. A truly inspirational moment for me. Reminds us not to judge the book by its cover. Very pertinent today since many of us believe that ultimately it all 'Boyles' down to image.

All in all, it ain't over till the fat lady sings! (sic)

The television interview

I recently stumbled upon a story that made me think about the multifariousness of human thought. One man's meat is another man's poison; one man's loss is another man's gain; and other such idioms kept entering my head. 

These phrases tell us that every person can look at the same situation in different light. Here is a small story on the same lines. Read on:

This story is about an elderly lady in Arkansas. The state voted to increase welfare payments to the indigent. Hoping for a tearjerker story, a television interviewer went into the backhills where many welfare recipients lived.

The old woman he chose to interview lived in a one-room shack: draughty in winter; stifling in summer. Her bed was made of a few rough planks nailed together, with a pine needle mattress. A couple of thin blankets, and a fireplace, did little to protect her from the cold. Her furniture, a table and two chairs, were fashioned from the same rough wood as her bed. Some shelves held a few cans of food from the general store, a three-mile walk down the road. Several jars of preserves and a few squash completed her larder. She had no refrigerator or freezer. The fireplace provided heat for cooking. With no phone or television, her only connection with the outside world was an old radio that pulled in two or three local stations on a good day.

The old woman had one convenience: running water. A crystal clear stream gurgled a short distance behind her home. A small garden near her back door provided fresh vegetables during the summer, and some squash and turnips for the winter. A tidy flower garden brightened the front of her house.

The television crew arrived and set up their big expensive cameras. Their mobile station broadcast pictures of the woman and the place she called home. Eventually, the interviewer asked the old woman, "If the government gave you $200 more each month, what would you do with it?"

Without hesitation, the woman replied, "I'd give it to the poor."

Don't worry...be happy!

We often find ourselves not in the chirpiest of moods. A colleague pissed you off, or a close friend said something they shouldn't have; you thought of some old painful times or are super bored or probably just got off the wrong side of the bed - whatever it may be, we always have a reason to be unhappy.

But it comes to being happy we need to find a reason to be so. Most people would rather be certain they are miserable, than risk being happy. Strange, isn't it? We are so lost in mindless pursuits of materialistic pleasures that we believe will make us happy in the long run, that we tend to forget to enjoy small things and be happy every single moment of our lives.

We've all had this quandary of not knowing how to be happy. The trick however lies in getting out of that unhappy zone as quickly as possible and how you choose to alter your state of mind. It's not an easy thing to do, however that is not reason enough to stop trying be happy. Sooner, rather than later, it is bound to be part of your system, and I am sure you won't stay low for long. Your ability to bounce back will increase manifold and nothing ever can wipe that smile off your face. Be sure, it will wipe that frown off your face in double quick time!

The obvious thing to do is to move away and/or divert yourself from the thing that pulls you down. And for that you need to know the things that make you happy. Here are a few things you can do to get out of the rut. One or a combination of these definitely helps me.

• Sing songs or listen to music that brings a smile to my face, Music almost always calms me and rarely do I need to do anything else.
  
• Watch something light and funny. Even if I have seen a movie or a sitcom many times, I watch it again. It is almost certain to cheer me up. Watching something light helps smoothen frayed nerves.
  
• Play some online games or watch a cricket match on Neo sports or Star cricket despite having seen it 14,500 times before.
  
• Talk to someone who usually makes you feel better, but preferably don't talk about the things that you are unhappy about. Staying away from the topic helps. It doesn't mean you are running away from something, but it is better to take a breather and then relook at your issues with a fresher and calmer mind.
  
• Take a walk, but only if you are able to keep a blank mind. Difficult to do, but if you can, this is worth its weight in gold.
  
• Call someone who I haven't spoken in long and just catch up.
  
• Reminisce about the days I spent playing with my friends and the old matches and the fun and frolic and the stupid awkward moments.
  

These are just a few of the things I do. What makes you happy could be similar or vastly different from mine. The important thing is to know what can make you happy at the worst of times.

Being low and unhappy is easy; being happy is not. You might think all this is easier said than done; but remember – nothing in this world that is worth having comes easy!

Once you know what makes you happy, force yourself to do it as much as possible. Slowly but surely you will be habituated to being happy and you'll realise how you are happy and cheerful more often than not.

Happiness is a state of mind; just as all emotions are. Happiness is not a destination but a method of life. Get into the habit of being happy and make your world a better place to be in.

'Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go. - Oscar Wilde'

More blots on the country...

Three news items today have compelled me to write this post:

• The Mangalore pub attack by Sri Ram Sene
• The Nashik school attack by MNS
• Sanjay Raut's bail
  

I was flabbergasted with the scenes of Sri Ram Sene activists felling blows on women and throwing them around. Yes, one guy actually flung a woman a few feet away. I now know what it feels when one's blood boils. Each of these incidents are utterly deplorable and are a blot on democracy. These parties seem to have forgotten that their primary duty is towards the masses and not use them as puppets in order to gain political mileage. It is a sad state of affairs that politicos (I am deliberately not calling them leaders) seem to enjoy every bit of publicity they get, even if it is negative.

Raj Thackeray is an apt example of one who gloats in this brand of publicity!

Whether in jail or on bail, we know Raj, your antics will never cease. Your public image just nosedived in the quicksand you already were in, when your folks beat up students, teachers and parents because they celebrated Republic day by singing Bhojpuri songs. How dare they? Do they not know that 15th August and 26th January are mere public holidays and not dates that celebrate India's independence and her sovereignty? You have shown the world how the MNS man (I don't mean mankind here, but the male species only) is an animal, not social but savage. It is absolutely despicable that you choose to hide your face and not come out in the public and condemn these acts. Oh, sorry I forgot! You are the mastermind behind this, so how can you venture out now! Had this happened to Maharashtrians anywhere else in the world, you would have raised a hue and cry and made it seem like the whole of India and the Maharashtrian culture were under threat by religious and political outfits. Just in case you did not realise, Nashik is in Maharastra, with a large Marathi speaking population. Aathvan aali tumhala?

We know you will soon show us your face during your inflammatory speeches just before the polls. Just so you know, Mumbai, Maharashtra and India has a larger educated mass than when your uncle brandished his brand of politics. He may have succeeded to a certain extent and achieved his ulterior motives, but it is foolish that you thought that the same strategy can be adopted to gain a political stronghold in Mumbai and Maharashtra.

Now with the nephew making headlines, is the uncle going to sit back and watch? Obviously not! His party MP, Sanjay Raut ensured Balasaheb and his party weren't left out of the game. Even so, I was shocked to hear Sanjay Raut bellow, "Mumbai is ruled by Shiv Sena and our orders HAVE TO BE OBEYED." My immediate reaction was, '#*@*#*@&#, tere baap ka raaj hai kya?' He adds that their agitation will continue in the same vein. Thanks Mr Raut, for the forewarning. We will continue to show you our heinie's so that you can whip us for your merriment. How the hell do such swines get bail? How come non-baillable warrants are never issued against politicians? And if is issued, these buggers somehow get out within a day or two.

I urge readers of this post and news channels like NDTV, CNN-IBN, Star News and the other mighty media persons to cover these events and enlighten masses with the same intensity that they possessed while covering the Mumbai attacks. This is yet another attack on our country - by these internal terrorists who masquerade as politicos. I hope the media uses its reach to highlight the atrocities of these fascist groups. Aaj Tak and India TV have spoken a lot to terrorists and made news items of aliens abducting cows. I think it is time to show some of the true power that the fourth estate is known for.

Isn't it high time we ban such parties who are a bloody disgrace to the very values and ethos of a free country like ours? I am beginning to get tired of this tyranny and my threshold is fast approaching. I have restrained myself with the choice of words in this post, and I still can't seem to show my anger and disgust enough.

I strongly harbour thoughts of forming a politcal party, whose leaders will uphold the responsibilities of an ideal party - one that exists to serve the country and not use her like a prostitute!

Saina vs Sania

My first post of 2009 had to be on Indian sports. With 2008 being a golden year for Indian sports, I thought this was the best topic to write on. The title would have given it away that I am comparing two sportspersons - the young and highly talented Hyderabadi girls, Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza.

Saina Nehwal, the younger of the two, was born on 17th March 1990 in the city of the Nizams. Currently, she is badminton's world number 10. She is the reigning national junior champion and is following the footsteps of her coach Pullela Gopichand, yet another illustrious son of India. In 2008, she won the World Junior Badminton Championship. Saina is the only Indian woman to reach the semi-finals of the Olympics (in the 2008 edition). She is also a Dronacharya award winner has also been named as the most promising player in 2008.

Sania Mirza, born on 15th November 1986 in Mumbai, spent her

 growing years in Hyderabad, just like Saina. She won the 2003 Wimbledon girls' doubles championship. 2007 was her best year, with her finishing 8th in the Australian Open singles. She fared better in the doubles (partnering Mahesh Bhupati) and mixed doubles (partnering Bethanie Mattek-Sands), reaching the quarters in both the events. In 2005, she became the first Indian woman to win a WTA championship. A recipient of the Arjuna award, Sania has been out of action in the recent times due to injury. Her rapid ascent to the top 50 in the tennis world gave her instant stardom. But her slump thereafter and injury has led her to remain off the court until the recent Australian Open, where she has lost in the second round of the singles event.

Now you wonder what led me to write this post. In a recent interview, the 18-year old Saina said that she currently is working towards being in the top 10 in the world by the end of 2009. Sania on the other hand, who has flattered to deceive seems scratchy and a fair distance from regaining the glory that she was once showered with. Circa 2006, Sania claimed that she will get into the top 20 in the next two years. Poor form coupled with an injury has hindered her progress.

Many sportsperson suffer for stress related injuries and the healing process takes considerable time. But those who have taken this time off their favourite sport and ensured their 100% fitness have come back stronger, fitter and better at their game. Zaheer Khan is a perfect example.

Initial success has to be backed by consistent performance. To sustain that performance, one needs to have the attitude of Arjuna, who could only see the eye of the bird. He was an  unparalleled archer and this he became by practice, and practice alone. Winning is a habit and it comes only with hard work and dedication. A Sachin Tendulkar or a Brian Lara did not become great players by just stating their goals.

I definitely see Saina working towards her goal, mainly because she seems intent only on playing her sport and not on featuring in newspapers and magazines as another celebrity. Sania, on the other hand, is usually visible in social and glamour dos than on the court. Even when she was injury-free, she made more headlines off the court than on it. The controversy of a muslim wearing a skirt and showing her legs was surely not her problem as much as it was that of the orthodoxy in the community. But her multiple losses after being touted as a world-beater was very much her own doing. Lack of intent and preparedness and probably a touch of overconfidence has brought about her to this downslide.

Being romantically linked with cricketers and models has not helped her in any way, and thankfully, Saina seems to be out of that net for now. If only the media spares her long enough to ensure she is able to concentrate on her sport, I am sure she will achieve the heights she has set for herself.

My angst is against those sportspersons who think they are greater than the game. Every sport, as those who have played at any level will know, has it's own way of bringing you crashing down to the ground, the moment you think you are the ultimate! Both the girls need to keep this in mind and not get overwhelmed with the eye of the media on them.

Play your sport well, practice hard and play hard. Once the world notices that you are a fighter, irrespective of you losing a game, you will win respect. That is what a sportsperson should play for. Respect, which ofcourse will grow if you win consistently, but we know that isn't a cakewalk, especially in global sports. An Australia did not dominate cricket forever. It's hard work through the 80s and 90s made it a top team for almost two decades. Michael Jordan did not become a hero overnight. Roger Federer did not have a two-year winning streak because of good luck. Dedication, hard work and single mindedness only pays! Sania could do well to concentrate only on tennis for the next few years in her life. A sportsperson's career is short-lived. They have to achieve a lot in very little time. There is time after it for everything else.

An interesting fact that I came across while I was looking for photographs of Sania and Saina to put on this post. I came across Saina's pictures, most of which were of her playing badminton. No glamour, no social dos, just plain, sweaty, in-action pictures. Pictures of Sania, on the other hand,  were mainly glamour shots, or shots on the court, which did not focus on her play as much as it did on her skirt and other features.

Yes, I would blame the media more than I would blame Sania for this, but there is never smoke without fire. Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis, both, infinitely clicked more than Sania, definitely were known more for their game than for their glamour and glamourous they both were.

Saina, it would be great if you continue to maintain your poise and win more glory and fame through your sport. Sania, I wish you do the same and win many more tournaments for India and regain our respect and love. And incase you forgot, your Russian clone Anna Kournikova - never won a major title in her short tennis career! 

Now is the time...to act!

It has been over a month since the Bombay attacks, and apart from increased pressure on Pakistan, a few PILs and some candle light marches nothing has changed.

 Well, that is not entirely correct. Some things have changed. People have moved on, expectedly. I obviously did not expect people to mope about this and not earn their daily bread. While we can, we have to catch our evening trains from VT station to get back home, or grab a beer at Leopold's. The Taj and the Trident have opened their doors to customers and people have yet again begun talking about the solidarity of the city and its ability to bounce back.

However, I am still anguished. I don't like this nonchalance. The new mantra - getting back to normal life is our answer to terrorism - is the poorest excuse I've known for us being unable to do anything significant.

Oh please!!! Like the terrorists will stop because of this! Do we honestly think they are going to feel it’s a waste of their time because Bombay was back on her feet in no time? Let us not be under any false notion that only Bombay has this ability!!

New York and London were back on their feet very quickly too. None of these cities can afford to sit on their bottoms and whimper. They are global financial hubs and world economy will plummet further if they did. So let's, for God's sake, stop producing such statements to hide our incapability and accept that we still have not done anything of significance to prevent the next attack.

What the US did post 9/11 is something that we need to do and in double quick time. We were and still are sitting ducks. We need to ensure that we have sufficient multi layered checks at different points of entry to all cities. Yes, I do understand that it is probably impossible to have a foolproof plan, but the least we can do is ensure strong vigilance and not provide easy access to these lowbred.

We need to fast develop a homeland security strategy. Indian technocrats need to fast update their skills and formulate a bird's eye-view level strategy and then zoom in to different levels, identify the issues and formulate strategies based on that. These could well form the cornerstone of the ground level operational strategies that was so found wanting during the recent attacks.

We need to develop a two-pronged approach - development and security. One cannot sustain without the other and we all know how developed we are. What development, you may ask - education, basic amenities, critical infrastructure, etc. We have a lot to do even now and the ever-expanding population is no help in this anyway. We need to up the ante on our investment in our people, our public health and education.

India needs to have stronger and real-time information sharing, quick decision making powers, no bureaucracy and redo our existing strategies. Having an NSG platoon in each of the metros in not a solution. They cannot restrict terrorism but merely counter it. A counterterrorism initiative needs to be a synergy between a various intelligence agencies.

Work with the international community - something we haven't done much of over the last few years. Well, we aren't entirely to be blamed in this regard, thanks to the chaotic neighbours we have around us. We need to strengthen relations beyond this region and the information and knowledge shared with these countries can only help us manifold. Terrorism is not just a national threat, but also a global one.

India needs to set higher standards for herself. Why? Because she needs to! We need to create postgraduate level courses in emergency preparedness. Right now, we can probably send some bright minds to other countries to learn and implement what they have from their experiences. We can then put it in a learning format for students in India and train them. Combat training is not the only thing.

It is not that the US is not a threat anymore post 9/11. It is very much a threat, but they are better prepared. India's regression variable is corruption. We need stronger systems and quick punitive action against those implicated.

The key word is speed - speed in thought, in action and implementation. We virtually have our backs to the wall and the only way from here is forward.

We have it in us to be a champion country. I end this post with the words of Vince Lombardi, "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious!"

Let us work our hearts out, please!!

Less talk, more action...please!

I am sick and tired of everyone lashing out at politicians for the security lapse concerning the recent terrorist attacks on India's business capital. I am not backing the actions of politicians, but merely questioning the importance of this finger-pointing post the event. What is the rationale behind this so-called rational anger?

Yes, we have suffered casualties and we should mourn them. However, let us remind ourselves every day that we cannot afford to have repeat telecasts of this gory episode.

By blaming the establishment, we are giving them the upper hand and letting them continue to believe that we need them for our safety and well-being. We don't!! The politicians of our country should be made to realise that they are dispensable and they are! After all, aren't the cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable men?

That Narendra Modi came to south Bombay, and was also followed by Vilasrao Deshmukh has become a furore. That L K Advani and Manmohan Singh came separately instead of coming together has become a talking point in most of the channels.

What is the point of all this now? What was the point of all this even when the commandos were fighting it out? We know we have elected an incompetent bunch and that even the other parties have leaders who seem more interested in getting to those coveted chairs, but not in doing anything to make it worth each vote that helped them get there.

Time and again, politicians have been an easy target of public ire but their thick skin prevents our pain from tugging at their hearts. So let us not waste our justifiable anger, energy, time and even thoughts on these angels with a facade.

Rather, the need of the hour is a focused approach to channelise this energy and wrath to bring out practical solutions to ensure that we don't have to endure such barbaric incidents again. What we also need to do is ensure that India and Bombay (I still love to call her Bombay) regain their true cosmopolitan nature and not be coerced by a radical who today wants to create a divisive Bombay or others who have forever played religious politics.

I do not know what the pragmatic solutions are. I hope this post generates a discussion where people contribute ideas to make this country a better place to live in. My suggestions might sound naive, but I want to list my thoughts here with the hope that a group of people capable of making these decisions, stumble on this blog and strive to create a difference.  Let me assure you that my contribution towards making a positive difference will be unrelenting!

Here are some of the questions that need answers:

• Is private governance a possibility? What are its pros and cons?
  
• Why not let corporations handle various cities or at least parts of cities like the Tatas manage Jamshedpur?
  
• Isn't it high time we amended our constitution after having almost entirely absorbed the British constitution in 1948?
  
• Can we have a judicial system that will deliver speedy justice?
  
• Can we have a sound law and order system that will ensure that the guilty are indeed brought to the book and not circumvent the long winding legal system?
  
• National security is of paramount importance. Will it be given in the hands of someone capable?
  
• Can we finally move towards ensuring that the real needs of the masses are met, rather than playing religious and vote bank politics?
  
• Can we please have a plan to address various concerns plaguing our country today?
  
• Can we also have people accountable for their duty?
  
• Can we have deadlines for all that we plan to do and actually be transparent about their completion or otherwise?
  
• Can we have better infrastructure and not build bridges and transport systems that take decades to complete?
  
• Can we please have less talk and more constructive action?

It is high time!!!

Mumbai kiske baap ka hai?

I thought long and hard, whether I should even write this post. But the relentless acts of terrorism drove me to vent my feelings. Recently, to A N Roy's comment that "Mumbai kisi ke baap ka nahi hai," Raj Thackeray said, "come to the road after you take your uniform off and you will see Mumbai kiske baap ka hai."

Sorry Raj, you couldn't be further from the truth. Apart from a few of the local Mumbai cops who probably are Maharastrians, Mumbai's security is today being handled by the Army and the NSG, in addition to the RPF and other security agencies. The dadagiri of his Marathi manoos mob was nowhere to be seen. He sure realised they would not have the impact on the terrorists that they usually have on the hapless yet tolerant Mumbaikars.

At the time of writing this post, the Taj has been evacuated with one injured terrorist still in and firing rounds. Parts of the heritage building has been ablaze for long and restoration of its splendour will take quite some time. However the burns and scars on the psyche of the average Mumbaikar will take a long time to even begin healing.

Questions have been raised on how the 20-25 terrorists entered the city and how they have managed to survive for so long. 

However the imperative questions are:

• When are we (Mumbai and India) going to be well-equipped to handle a crisis?
  
• Are we so spineless that we believe we are condemned to such an inept polity?

Be it the regular floods during the monsoon, or the several dastardly acts of terrorism - why are we willing to put up with the inefficiencies of the government and lead a normal life the very next minute? Time and again the media has hyped the 'spirit of Mumbai' and many of us will feel proud that we are part of it.

Who are we fooling? The false sense of pride we possess just because we got back on our feet and headed to our workplaces, schools and colleges immediately is ludicrous. I have a request to the media: please don't extol the spirit of Mumbai anymore. We don't need it.

What we need is a mass awakening! One that shakes the very roots of this country's democracy and gives her its true meaning with purposeful politicians at the helm. Our national security has become a joke and with an imbecile in Shivraj Patil as the home minister and a seemingly impotent prime minister - who I think is best suited to only being the finance minister - I fear for our country!

Make no mistake, I am not anti-UPA or pro-BJP or for or against any other party. All I want is a good samaritan who will not let us down when in despair. Today, we are stuck between the devil and the dead sea with no credible options in sight. We live in perpetual hope that the next government will make things better and each time we are disappointed. I am almost despondent with our current state of affairs and there is truly a need for a messiah!

I know for a fact that in a day or at the most two, Mumbai will be bounce back to normal! But I don't want her to. Public memory is known to be short, but I want the scars to remain fresh for a really long time. Only then will we even act. We need to do something to show our solidarity but enough of the subtlety. No, I am not propogating violence to achieve this, but the educated folks can definitely think of dignified and innovative ways to let our anguish be known. If we show that Mumbai and India wont take nonsense anymore from our leaders, they are bound to take notice and behave themselves better and actually do some good sooner rather than later.

Let us not be selfish and look only to our lives. Let us work towards building a better tomorrow for ourselves and the others around us. The US could do it after 9/11 and I am sure we can do the same if we are selfless and want to live in a city that deserves a lot more than it gets now.

My heart reaches out to the families of the martyrs. It is also noteworthy that the employees of the Taj and the Oberoi epitomised the spirit of the hospitality industry and ensured that their guests were safe as much as possible. I thank all of you on behalf of this magnificent city.

AN Roy's words still ring in my ears - "Mumbai kisike baap ka nahi hai." He meant it differently in a separate context, and he is right - I feel Mumbai is that orphan for whom nobody cares!