The New Era Of Indian Cricket

When the team for Test series with New Zealand was announced , I  thought it would be played NZ . You coould excuse me for my blunder as I am still a newly wed with a "shitty" cable connection . Inevitably New Zealand is a team to bit in New Zealan , not in India . In India we are the kings , Sehwag , Gauti or Kohli won't fail on Indian pitches . Having said that , by the time I wrote this post all three have went to pavilion while Pujara & Raina are on crease . That brings me to the topic , A match w/o Dravid & Laxman .

When Dravid announced retirement , post team's failure in Australia , It was equally an emotional moment for me . Post loss in Australia , I kept saying send everyone home including Tendulkar who for the records averaged better than others in the series . Since his average were not upto the Tendulkar's standard , I said rest the whole side . But , Dravid being dravid announced his retirement . '99 WC series whr he was highest scorer or his test innings in NZ just before 2003 or the Kolkatta upset . There is alot to talk about & everything is history. Unless Dravid decides to do a Shahid Afridi which he won't , unfortunately .

When you talk about Dravid , seldom its w/o Laxman in tests . The gifted player from hyderabad has several records for partnership with Dravid. Funnily it took comments of Australian players in Indian press for BCCI to take note
of him . In 2010 , at Mohali , in 4th inning  yet again he proved what a player of temperament he is . While the other end was falling , he kept playing towards the goal of winning. Speculations of Retirement of Laxman saw a field day on twitter similar to that of Dravid . The tributes were written in Blogosphere for Very Very Special Laxman as were written for Dravid .

However ,The tweet from  @Sidvee cracked me up:
SRT walking to the middle, looking at the fielders and saying, 'Hey dudes, I remember playing against your grandpops

Gilchrist , Haden , Allan Donald , Flintoff , Steve Waugh , Pollock , Shane Warne, Mcgrath , Jaysurya , Akram have retired . The era I am talking about  & I grew up with is coming to an end . Most of them are home except for few like Kallis , Ponting & Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

I am sure  the likes Kohli , Pujara , Raina & Rahane  would do justice to Test cricket . Its just little weird to not see some of your favorites out there . Best of luck to the New team. I hope you play another 100 Matches with Tendulkar.

Guide to Blockbuster Movie During Eid Week

Dear Producer ,

Follow below steps for humongous Blockbuster  during Eid , Oh you missed this year's Eid release , you may do this next Eid :-

1) Sign Salman Khan . Yes thats your first step .  Its Ok, if you don't have story , director, writer , cameramen . You just need Salman Khan , I repeat Salman Khan.

2) Actress - Sign anyone of them :- Katrina , Kareena Priyanka  , it doesn't really matter.

3) Oh , you still don't have story or a writer . Doesn't matter .  These are substeps to storyline :

   

a) Grand Entry for Salman , Opening with a fight sequence .

                     

b) Two or three songs,what item songs? Yeah you can have that one too starring Salman Khan  .                        

    

 c) Two/three romantic scenes around songs .

           

 d) 3-4 Fight sequences /Chase sequences . Salman Khan jumping around rooftops , trains .

 e) Oh , you need Villian , corrupt officer so that Salman beats a shit out of them . Yeah Aditya Pancholi will do ( Remember BodyGuard , yeah he starred in it.)

 f) No one dies , except Villian . Note :- Dabbang  was an exception where Dimple & anupam kher died.

4) Director , Editor , Screenplay writer ,cinematographer . Take any one you want . No , it doesn't matter . Sequel to Dabbang is directed by Arbaaz , that should tell you . Also Sohail is also a director.

5) Music should be good , Sajid Wajid Know , what Bhai prefers.

6) Book all the screens on that weekend . Shift other movies to night slot , don't give Audience a choice.

7) Hit delivered.

8) Don't forget to send me a consultancy cheque.

Guaranteed Results or Money back .

 Vanita          

The Greatest Indian

I was watching #TGI ( The Greatest Indian ) episodes yesterday there are some interesting stats : 

1) SRT is the only person who is below 40 in Top 10 .

2) Dr. Ambedkar is on Numero Uno , followed by Saradar Vallabh Bhai 

3) Only four people are alive in this top 10 category 

4) Pandit Nehru,Indira Gandhi & Sardar Vallabh Bhai patel are dead who are "congress" politician.while Vajpayee is alive who is frm BJP 

5) 70% of us won't vote for , bcos we feel it deem unfit to compare the eras when these people called shots & 60 % of them dead

6) People who saw them alive , are either old , very old . the 40 % of Indians know them only through History .

7) Also If there is competition for before Gandhi , It could have been Either Shivaji or Akbar .

8) One more notable fact is one of the muslim candidate , one Catholic Candidate , rest are Hindu 

9) 30% of them are from Congress

 

10 ) 40 % Non Polititian & one of them is Industralist in The List  .

Looking at above facts & Stats the only person who could get maximum Vote is Saradar Vallabh Bhai Patel . Post his death , After Bharat Ratna , he may get this title too. This would make no difference to him or our society . Only gainers would be the promotors :-) , if not losers .

An ordinary dream of me

Once , when I was senior class student , we were sent to monitor primary & secondary students. The teachers probably had some review meeting with Principal. I went to monitor , one of the 5th standard class . Generally we would engage students by reading some subject or teaching maths or some games which wont require movements like quiz or stan up /sitdown  games . That day we decided to interact with kids , so we set off asking what they would like to become when they grow up. I guess one of us was seeking answers :) for himself.One of the students said , he wants to be "hawaldar" , mind you not police but a 'Constable'. Upon asking he said he loves the "danda" most . Hence he wants to be one .We all smiled at his innocence then.
Our  careers were duly taken care , by conditionng minds for Engg. , Med or defenceservices through NDA exam. I was told girls are not allowed to take NDA exams . So , like everyone I went to become an engineer  & begun working in Marketing. Time has passed since then slowly .My Dream was lost somewhere , If I lookback , I don't even recollect  what was it . I am sure it was there , something in vague . I am sure it was .
May be I wanted to become a Naval Officer , may be a Polititian , I am not sure anymore . These days I don't dream . I prefer to stay real . Thats the dream

Girl Child

I was trying to figure out whats wrong with " Oonch Majha Jhoka "  even though  TV serial is progressive. "Oonch Majha Jhoa" is marathi TV serial based on Ramabai Ranade's life who was wife of scholar Mahadev Govind Ranade. She was well taught by her husband and later took up the cause of women who did not lead a very good life in those days.Though the tele serial has subtly shown that almost every older male has married twice ,  the widow women are succumbed to lead a life if not in misery but alone .

To keep their entertainment value ,  "Oonch Majha Jhoka" is banking on "innocence" and 'cuteness' of young Ramabai . Oonch Majha Jhoka is yet to reach its prime. I hope they don't miss out on the content .Its a long way to go , child marriage , education of girls , widow marriage , working women .India has discovered its prime time with women. Every other Teleserial is women centric.In fact on the occasion on "women's day" I read so many TV serials are example of how men have reduced to a prop. Is that true ?

There was this video which castes "Shweta Tiwari" who is visiting a gynecologist ( as she is pregnant  and has come for sonography) whom her daughter calls from womb appealing to not kill her and  to keep her alive. She says she will live any condition , whatever be the misery of living. Yes the video says that .  The video was also virally shared on FB . Why Should you bring someone on earth whom you are not willing to offer a good life?

Recently a three month old girl was killed by her father in Bangalore and more worst in Rajasthan parents refused to accept a girl child as their daughter .In latter case , how do we trust that the parents who accepted the kid only after DNA test will offer a good living . Can't the state takeaway the daughter and own her responsibility ?. Why child welfare is so weak in India .Can nation of one billion really turn its eyes away from such incidences ?

Story of Ramabai is now 100 years old . Are we going into spiral ? Are we going to measure our progressiveness with wrong scales ? ( women president , women quota)...

Its time we equally welcome a girl child . 



 

Brain

Yesterday , I discovered one of the amazing way by which Brain works.  Here it is :

If I disagree with a third person account of  another person known to me or an instance related to me , the brain will hide the conversation and information is not available to make key decision. However ,  if a person whom you trust says things which are related to this person but not to the account I have heard before or an evidence is provided about this person ,  the brain Maps it and is available for you to make next decision and also in this case I may regret the first key decision.

Also why I think I didn't "forget"  information during first  decision making is , the information was consciously available and it was subconsciously avoided in decision making process .

Amazing !!!!

Coup

 Recently there was a coup in Maldives and in past Bangladesh and Pakistan had their share of Military coups. Infact rumours of Chinese coup were heard not  long ago. However if Someone comes to me and say there have had been a Coup in India , I'd say  you must be kidding  and go on with Day today chores . After the "C" story in Indian Express , I wonder how I may react . The "twitteratti" had gone crazy after the story broke . Its Shekhar Gupta's luck that virtual ranting doesn't kill people yet . As matter of fact , if it did , Many would have been dead . The outrage was quite disruptive .

A lot of dirty linen has been already washed  in public between Govt. and COAS Gen. V. K. Singh . Every news is converting into a Saga, courtesy Media .Anything for prime time TRP . As per Nitin Pai's blog here , The story of coup would not have been printed without the consent of Govt . Still, the Govt. allowed a press to go ahead with a story whose magnitude is equally damaging to Army and Govt.  Also he makes a point , "A Coup" is ruled out because its India .

For long , we have been taking pride for being largest democracy in the world and in recent times I have also read how we leverage being one . Alot of sighed in relief , when  " Left front " pulled out of UPA-1 in 2008 and the govt. was able to get the threshold seats in parliament . The philosophy was stability  and everyone I knew personally didn't want midterm elections. Being democratic country , we are a respected lot internationally , we counterbalance China and our market is growing steadily in terms of Investment .

The Army movements which happened on January 15th , is not a good sign. Army said it was usual where as many reports suggest , it ain't be .  The last thing this nation wants is Anarchy or a military raj , we already have had a failed govt.

Buy! Buy! Buy! - Your Dreams

In recent times,  Mom developed taste in the products of a plastic container company . The company has presence in 190 countries and a factory in Haryana.  Mom wanted to attend a marketing cum training program of this company .She intends to sell these plastic containers and become a millionaire ... Ok that is exaggerated . So, the rule of the program was to get one "guest"  who would pay Rs .100  and is willing to sell the product .  Mom , couldn't get anyone for the program as her business is less than three months old , hence I "had to" accompany her. Though she paid for my registration , I had already blown double the amount in Taxi fare and I was an hour late .

The auditorium was filled with women . Around 300 may be, I was amused at the number of women trying make a cut in network marketing .Network Marketing is a big business - It operates on principal of advocate selling and getting a commission. The more member you add more business you get. I remember , an autorickshaw driver who also sold some supplements for weight loss through network marketing . He used his journey time to talk about the product . I asked him about what was his conversion rate from traveler to customer ? he told its 1 out of 10 . Also , when I asked him  why sell these Medicines , he replied that he has two kids and wants a better living for them . Their school fees , tuition fees and expenses need another source of income . Driving "auto" only is not an  option .

Now this program ,was presented by a guy who was in early thirties , possibly an MBA from some or premier institute . He was perfect example of  a typical marketing professional . He assumed himself to be the star of the evening . He was also an "Alpha" male without whom these women in the auditorium won't achieve their dreams. Remember the way class teachers asked us the question in 1st standard . The fellow conducted the program in similar manner  while distributing prize (key chains!!) for right answers. The program had just begun to roll and so did aspiration in eyes of my Mom. It was like before the release of  Tees Maar Khan , Yeh toh trailer hai , picture abhi baki hai mere dost!!!!

Remember those tele marketing programs, dubbed in Hindi;

" Is product ne toh meri zindagi badal di',"

"Mujhe toh laga hi nahi tha meri iss problem ka koi solution hai,"

" Mera confidence kafi low ho chuka tha , tab mujhe mere dost ne yeh product use karne ki salah di."

A similar live version begun where the company claimed of changing lives .  The women from the crowd were invited to share their stories.  These women claimed that they are now financially independent . They buy things for kids and pay tuition fees of kids.  Most of these stories in changing lives were scripted. This segment had many stake holder, the two main distributors who were at top of 'pyramid' and the marketing manager who would later show this in his appraisal. The story teller themselves weren't exactly set to win anything from it. The two main distributors of the company had left no stone unturned to please the marketing fellow. A houseful auditorium and a prospective layers to Pyramid. It was a superhit program!

The next part was , 'guest sharing their dreams' , their dreams were similar like the autorickshaw driver, better lifestyle , a vacation abroad and of course more money .These women were essentially housewives , some of them were actually from lower middle class who thought the guy standing there holds key to their success . The difference between the telemarketing program and these guest was -the guest were real .

To further boost up the interest of crowd , there was cake cutting ceremonies for Birthday. The marketing fellow boasted how these women got an opportunity to come on stage and celebrate birthday with 300 people . There was lucky draw too . Oh wait, did I mention the  Lucky draw was not an easy thing . One had to match up their dream with one of the main distributor of the company . I kept cribbing to Mom about how hungry I am and she promised me a good snack if I kept quiet. Later to my delight the organisers had arranged  or some snacks (samosa to be precise) and also a small gift ( Mom's 100 Rs. paid off) .

While leaving from program , I told Mom not to take this seriously . If she finds buyer - good and if it she doesn't - still good. Don't let anyone sell you - your dreams.

Ants , Pain and Desires

  (I)

 Ever wondered how a society of ants would function if they break centuries old culture of discipline ??   Why am I  suddenly concerned  is , I spotted such an ant , who I suppose had lost her trail and was  searching it  . Yes , I had a lot  of time to observe an ant in a natural ecological system at Shegaon. I was at Anand Sagar  , which is a 350 Acre Spiritual place and also a water reservoir project built by the Shegaon Trust . Tranquility of Anand Sagar gave me  an opportunity to observe this ant . I was sitting under a tree while waiting for my husband who went to buy some refreshments.

  Now this ant at Shegaon , was holding a big chunk of a food particle and was desperately looking for a trail . The Ant during her quest , never did let go of food particle while it  traced  various path back home . Ironically ,the Ant reminded me of today's society . How we are engaged in finding our own "big" chunk without paying hid to today's society . Sometimes not even society , we miss our own people .  I am so busy for running in competition or for money , i.e, I almost become clueless about  what people would like , who are close to me . This Ant , who was trying to get back home 'appeared' desperate just as we are often to find peace of mind .

Once someone asked me ," how much money you need? " and I realised how poor am at managing finances . I'd never given thought to that question, I mean ofcourse I do have a vision of kind of lifestyle I want to lead in future . However , I've never thought what kind of a cash I need in future. So with current messed up financial condition,the questions started bothering me. Unfortunately I could never quantify the amount I need for "settled" future life . I kept thinking about the question which eventually was answered by the Ant  .

(II)

I met someone , who was rich not by birth but by virtue of her own hardwork .  She didn't even had education to back her up .  What she had been through , I wish no woman is ever subjected to it .  I had heard her story from a  lot of people . When she herself narrated it , my eyes were full of tears . Unfortunately alcoholism and domestic violence is still a way of life in modern India . She told me , all she wants is her kids to be financially stable and hence she was investing at right places ( Real estate and Gold) .

What I saw was a woman who longed for a life where she had a happy family like everyone else... She was like the traveler in desert who seeks water , but  what he follows is "mirage".  Sometimes enduring pain is better idea than running from it.

(III)

In life it often happens that  we long for something. Infact recently I realised I spent so much time on an unfulfilled desire that , it eventually started affecting me. Though consciously I don't desire it anymore , my subconscious mind  stored this information and successfully brought it out when I was most upset .

It disturbed me alot . No, not the "unfulfilled" desire but the thought that how my  mind successfully links two unrelated instances. I wondered about how do I get rid of the situation .  And I am glad I found an answer .

 

Welcome 2012 !!! ....

 I have been thinking about subjects, but in three months nothing shaped up as a post . The reason being "pershability" of subjects.... ... others were I thought possibly .. ummmm not upto the mark....and the most important I got married in 2011...so past three months kept me 'engaged' (thts new corporate mantra) with work and social life .

The Best thing of 2011 related to blog was someone coming up  to me telling me she is my "fan" . Also , a few more people on Twitter appreciated .Yes ,  I have too joined the bandwagon of  tweeps - people who are on twitter . Its fun out there...random conversations, views and counter views .I intended to write a userguide to twitter , but realised most bloggers have already urged internet audience to join twitter. The most basic advantage of twitter as an individual is the no. of opinions available on a subject . Since its microblogging ....there are many views available and gives a different perspective :) .... twitter does have its own mob.... But I guess its everywhere ..... the best thing about twitter is "you limit nonsense to 140 characters."

 2011 had its own shares of ups and down....friends getting engaged and married . According to me ,the most funniest thing of 2011 was Sagarika Ghosh recorded interview of Sri Sri Ravishankar and used it in debate . The height was when people were outraged she unapologetically  named some technology used in west !!! It was like justifying "Glass traced" drawing sheets  of engineering . Yeah we did that , but for assignments, not exams .  The other funny thing of 2011 was Ramdev baba's "punjabi dress" act . With all due respect , who does that !!!! And then "Gandhi" was marketed again . So like item songs , Gandhi  gets sold too. Oh wait , We won the world cup too. Yeah !!! the cricket world cup . And we  lost 4-0 to England ( Ouch !!! it hurts !) . Rupee also had a great fall  by end of the year!!!

Diggi was perhaps the only guy who perhaps Mourned on Osama's death . Politically this is landmark year . The world's largest democracy has failed . Oh !!! also there was metallica Concert in Delhi .... no wait mob even ruled there .

There are things/events that should have happened in 2011 .  Hanging Kasab and Afjal Guru !!!

There is something I learnt by end of the year , its often not required to fight yourself through a phase of life . If you feel torned between two thoughts of your right and left brain, just sit and relax , sometimes its best to allow a cycle time to complete .

With  this thought .... Welcome 2012 :)

Mussadi meets Gandhi

Thirty-one year old Mussadi was staring at the Income Tax notice in front of him. It was the tenth time in past two days he had read the notice . The notice said he owes income tax around  five lakh rupees for filing false returns for past nine years . 

Mussadi was sitting at his office desk, it was five to ten in the night , he was the only guy sitting on his floor . He folded the letter, shoved it in his laptop bag . He also folded the laptop without waiting for it to shut down. As he was moving out of his cubicle , he saw the "I am Anna" cap on the desk which he had purchased a month back from Ramlila ground where he had gone to register his protest against corruption .  He was so proud to be Indian then . People who were farmers, common folks , and young people like him had come there . 

When Kejriwal was taking oath , along with thousands of people he also took the oath of neither paying nor accepting the bribe. Though in his case he never paid any  bribes, except on a few occasion like when he used to make a 'jugaad' of sleeper coach ticket while boarding the train with general class ticket  and  the ticket checker used to managed it for few hundred bucks  and never accepted any kind of favours from his clients (which was indeed a difficult job in his profile of marketing). Only  Diwali /Dusshera gifts in line with festive occasion was acceptable.

 

The day Mussadi  took the oath , he decided do away with these small favours/jugaad too with considering  consequences. 

"May be truth was only for Gandhi " thought Mussadi. He took the cap , and was about to  drop it in the bin, someone called his name  from behind,  he turned . 

There stood a figure of the famous short man

from the history of the world and India, Gandhi. The Mahatma wasn't dressed in his usual dhoti, his attire consisted of Pagdi and his Suit which he wore when he practiced law professionally,  As if to protest against the mockery which was being made of  his principals and him.

 Gandhi walked towards him. He took the cap from Mussadi and asked , "you are giving up truth ,may I know why?"  

Mussadi looked at Gandhi confused, he was not drunk for sure.

Gandhi said again, "sit down, Mussadi." placing his hand on shoulder and gestured him to sit .

Mussadi finally spoke in past  two days ," Life was much easier prior to that day. " Gandhi said "the day you took the oath ?" Mussadi said "yes , much easier , happier and financially better. " Gandhi asked ,"How your life worsened after you  took the oath ?" Mussadi begun ," The day I took oath , I decided not to use any types of 'jugaad' . First my dad fixed my sisters marriage on a short notice , fllight was too expensive to travel . I didnt get tickets for train , and I had to travel in general class like a cattle. " Gandhi almost smiled , puzzled Mussadi asked , " why are you smiling ?" Gandhi said ,"Isn't Shashi Tharoor was backlashed  for using "cattle class" for  economy in flights." Mussadi replied in tired tone,"Yeah , but thts how they bring people in general compartment of train and thats not the only thing . The contractor for wedding told us that if we paid 15 % in cash , we will save some money . I told him we want a whole invoice , he agreed and we ended up paying a lakh more . Dad cursed himself for calling me for wedding arrangements . He said , they  ended up spending more for everything . And the major blunder has been income tax. My consultant repeatedly told me not to pay more taxes , I told him its what I owe to government this year. I paid  more than double tax  compared to previous year . Infact every year I get returns to the tune of 12000. And what  the department does to my goodwill of high income tax payment , slam me a notice of 5 lakhs. I dont even have that kind of a cash and Dad has refused to help . My tax consultant told me to shell out 50k to burry the matter . " Mussadi  conitinued " You know what , I am done with this corruption thing , patriotism and truth. All I want is a normal life ."

 Gandhi who was sitting on Mussadi's desk , stood up and walked around. Then he took Mussadi by arm and took him to the balcony , he looked at Mussadi and then at the populated dense city view from balcony , " Normal life means a house , car , a wife and kids." Mussadi noded slowly in agreement. After a pause Gandhi asked " Do you regret that you also refused a wrist watch , I mean a "Swatch"  from one of the clients last week ? " Mussadi replied immediately "No , absolutely not , infact , I closed an order at my price.  The feeling was ecstatic.  Why are you asking. ? " Gandhi ignored  the question ,  " You also strictly followed the 10 o'clock deadline on your sister's wedding  for sound and banned noise making firecrackers. Do you regret ?" Mussadi  " No...err where are you leading me, Sir. " Gandhi replied  ," I am  indicating  at things which money doesn't buy. " Mussadi still  looked confused . Gandhi continued ," 5 lakh is a life changing amount for a youth like you . So , I leave it to you , how you tackle the notice in today's time . We live in changed times and money is important .Living by law might be difficult especially when you know they are made by other human beings , but whatever you do please once think about that one person who lives in much worse conditions . How your decision affects him ? " and Gandhi left from the door . Mussadi who was standing at balcony was stunned. Only a few seconds later he ran to the otherside to find noone .
Mussadi returned to the desk , a security guard was standing there . Mussadi in anticipation replied " I am leaving now, you can lock ." He looked around , no one was there.  By the time he took the elevator to ground floor , he understood what he wants to do with the notice.
At home , he opened his laptop and drafted a reply to income tax .