The Saga of a Shuttler!

In 2001, a story got unfolded. A little known shuttler rose from the ashes, to win the Wimbledon of Badminton! In a country that is so much obsessed with cricket, it was rather not a significant achievement. The All-England Championship was won by an Indian for the second time after two long decades. Neither there were prayers, nor celebrations. It was after all a championship for we, the Indians.

If you have followed Saina Nehwal's campaign this Olympics, you would have seen a 6'2'' tall, calm, expression-less gentleman with a 'diary'(not the extravagant laptops or tablets) talking to Saina in the breaks.

The person I am referring to, in the above two paragraphs is one. You can call him Sachin Tendulkar or a Dhyan Chand or a Vishwanathan Anand of Indian Badminton for his achievements and contributions made to the country. Being simple, down to earth, humble and 'away from hogging the limelight' nature makes him the most underrated sportsman in the country. He is Pullela Gopichand!

'An Olympic bronze in Badminton'! It is no small thing what this young lady has achieved on 4th Aug., 2012. It is just the second time that a woman has won an Olympic medal for the country. That itself is a major accomplishment; to live up to the expectations of the people. There has been lots of hard work, dedication and determination behind this achievement. And more than all this, there is this guy called, Gopichand.

For a guy aged 20, who until then thought that badminton was everything for him; a major knee-shattering injury put brakes on his career. A year on wheelchair with no exercise or training was a hell for this lad. All his critics wrote him off saying that his career has finished. There rose the phoenix, from the ashes. In the same year, he won the national singles championship. Many others followed, and finally the much coveted All-England Badminton championship.

He did not want to end it there. He knew the problems faced by the young aspirants in undergoing training programs. He opened the now famous Gopichand Badminton Academy. All these Sainas, Kashyaps, Jwalas and Ashwinis are the products of HIM. A ray of hope has been produced from nowhere by this selfless gentleman. No one ever thought that an Olympic medal would be achieved in the Badminton discipline. Now, the day has arrived. This is the day to acknowledge, thank and congratulate this hero who remained in the backdrop, with that 'diary'.

I feel it!

I feel it, whenever I move into a movie theater and sing aloud Jana Gana Mana with my head up.

I feel it, whenever my fellow countrymen stand on the podium and bring laurels to India.

I feel it, whenever I hear the evergreen Mile Sur Mera Tumhara.

I feel it, whenever I see my tricolor flutters high up in the sky.

I feel it, whenever India stands tall amidst ruins in any part of the world.

Such palpable reactions very rarely occur and whenever I feel them, give immense pride that I am Mother India's son.

It's integrity can never be lost even after so many blasts. It's just to show that we are one and will be one!

Hope this Independence day, in-dependence will reduce and India will conquer many more Everests!

Jai Hind!

The Lok Pals and the Lok Pulse!

If you think the politicians will mend their ways after the introduction of the Lokpal bill, its innocence.

If you think people cannot do anything except fasts and hunger strikes, its ignorance.

When rich becomes richer and poor becomes poorer, it’s INDIA.

The above said statements rightly capture the present situation of the country.

Two men, one publicized as Gandhi’s heir and the other, a yoga saint, are fighting against odds to save the nation for a better tomorrow. But the path they have chosen is more a tricky one than a solution finder. Gandhi never did any hunger strikes for the independence. Rather he did what people wanted. 

When you compare the two scenarios, there is no much difference. In both of them, it’s the public voice that is being heard. But in the former, the involvement of public is far too less. Gandhi could mobilize people but now, everyone is busy in their selfish activities. I do agree that people are very much eager to eradicate corruption but the zeal is not visible. Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev have to do exactly the same. Go to the public, say what are the benefits for the future, and then you have Duniya Muththi mein.

A politician was saying recently in a debate, “Introduce the Lokpal Bill in the Parliament and if it is passed, it will become an act.” What a hypothetical statement is this! I am sure whole of India is backing the bill except the politicians. After all, why do they want to dig their own grave?

Our constitution says an MP is a representative of his constituency, of his people, of their hopes and beliefs. He should be a Lok pal(friend). How many MPs are echoing their people’s concerns in the Parliament? Even if the people of their constituency are willing for the Lokpal bill, will the elected MPs really vote for the bill? Or, will he be under the pressure of his party’s whip? If he cannot voice his people’s opinion, will he be called an MP?

An example of how an MP acts according to the party. In 2001, the Chairman of the Lokpal Bill Drafting Committee , Mr. Pranab Mukherjee pressurized the then govt. to include PM under the purview  of the Lokpal bill. Just because BJP was ruling at that time. Now the same MP does not want the PM to be included. Two sides of the same coin and in a duration of ten years, you can see a sea change.

Hence depending on these pseudo MPs is rather a waste of time. No politician thinks people as their ultimate idols. Everyone wants to be in the good books of the Gandhis, the Advanis, the Pawars, the Didis, the Behens and what not!

Take the people from all parts and show the strength rather than doing fasts and strikes. We want many more Hazares but not hazardous hunger strikes. Echo the lok pulse, shake the governments and achieve the goal.

Let us win, win for the country, for the people and for the generations to come.

Jai Hind!

Very very sound, sober and always special...!

I have read numerous articles about VVS Laxman's classic at Mohali. From greats like Viv Richards to Sunny Gavaskar; columnists like Peter Roebuck to Sambit Bal; from commentators like Harsha Bhogle to Sanjay Manjrekar. The number almost amounted to 40; I kept patiently reading them, sharing them and enjoying the happiness about the player.


At the stroke of 1:37 p.m. on 5th October, 2010; the most uncertain thing certainly happened much to the woes of Punter. Tears kept rolling down (as if I was bearing the pain), office cafeteria became ecstatic, so was I. Such was the impact that the victory made.


There is a reason why I used the word 'sober' in the title. He seems unperturbed by his physical conditions or the situations in the match. And that is what he says, "I enjoy batting under those circumstances". From the land of extremes (I mean it) where he has no backing like Dada has in Kolkata or Sachin has in whole India; he held his head high, he let his bat do the talking and more importantly he backed himself. You can imagine the plight when your own family members overlook your talent.

As a fellow Hyderabadi or an Andhraite, I would like to throw light on a few points about this player which I guess no one has touched upon.


1. Andhra Pradesh rose as an IT hub, thanks mightily to Mr. Ramalinga Raju of Satyam. And thanks to the same person, he put whole of Andhra to a shame.

2. Andhra Pradesh produced Mohd. Azharuddin. It felt proud when he was the most successful captain at his helm. And thanks to the same Ajju Bhai, the pride became a shame.


3. Hyderabad is called a cosmopolitan city. And thanks to the Telangana movement. everyone is saying bye bye to this wonderful jewel in India's crown.


4. Andhra Pradesh was ruled by Chief Ministers who rallied on Telugu's self esteem and also, those who find themselves at the knees of some big guns at Delhi.


I feel ashamed when I think of these things and when the whole world points you with these. And yes, this Very Very Special is also from the same state. Ironically, he also happens to share his birthday with A.P., the state which has seen both the extremes. And this state has never given him back what he has given us. This stands out to show the nature of VVS.If he would have committed one mistake in his life, he would have been blamed, his effigy would have been burnt and what not. And still, he, with the same smile that he gives after conquering Everests, obliges every Indian with his bat, wrists, that back which does not back him when required. And the same state did not pay him back, will never pay him back.


As Harsha Bhogle rightly tweeted, 

Laxman is a solid back page achiever. Not everyone can recognize a diamond.

 And even, my state has not recognized. 

Lets move on;  hope he scores more runs, saves more tests and wins many matches (not awards).


A salute to the true soldier who never expects anything in return. This one is for you VVS!

Mahabaleshwar

Impressions from the Temple!!!

A 3 yr old, Ashish comes to you running and says "Mujhe naya kapda mila, bataaun kya?" The shine in his eyes, makes our eyes, glitter with the same spark.

A 4 yr old Sumit, just wakes up and asks you "Bhook lagri hai, kuch hai kya khane?". Heart melting words from the tiny tot isn't it???

A 4th class kid, Chetan says "Aap mujhe aur sikhayiye, main seekh lunga". Expresses his desire to learn the political map of India.

A 6th class lad, Suraj practices football (a torn, punctured one). Showing the desire to be on top of the world with his foot.

Some 40-odd children laugh their heart out, holding their stomachs watching 'Tom n Jerry'. Reflecting their innocence through lovely smiles.

These were some of the impressions, when I visited an Orphanage in Pune (I do not want to call it an orphanage anymore). It's a temple of healing, temple of learning... temple of feeling, temple of earning.

I call it a temple of learning, as these kids learn everything here, be it a moral one or a curriculum one. I call it a temple of earning, as the kids here earn their 'relationships'. They earn their real 'close ones'.

You hear, read and see stories of many people donating money, lending financial support to the under privileged. When I visited this temple, I came to know that these kids are least concerned about the finances. They need a hug, they need that warmth, they need the care, they need that affection which you show. The smiles that blossom, the happiness that they get is indescribable. It should be seen with the naked eye. I felt, on that day, donating 2 hrs of your precious time is far far better than donating lump sums.  You will definitely feel the sense of satisfaction that you have helped someone in need.

When you hear the stories of each one of them, your heart is bound to be melted. You will rather pull them to your side and start speaking some sweet n cute words, that you never thought of.

Coming to the activities that we do with the kids. We just involve them in some kind of events which give them enormous joy, which help in their learning like Story telling, song recitation, puzzles, memory games, drawings and paintings etc.

The main motto of our mission is to find that 'hidden' talent in each and everyone, and help them in that direction. There are about 100 kids who have come with a ray of hope. Some sing well, some play well, some have unbelievable memory power, some have superb creativity. Picking the talent is one thing and grooming and moulding them into a professional is another one. In this process, we want to show the right path for their future, bright path with the right culture.

So far, it's been very interesting with them. I am very excited working, playing, sharing and in the process learning 'what is life' with these kids.

Here, I am calling for some creative ideas to help us in moving forward with the goal. Any ideas that come up in your mind, might pave for a illuminated future of these young ones.

PS : Spl thanks to Mr. Sekhar uncle, my friends Sairam and Balaji for letting me know about this temple.

Music and Me..!

Music has always been my companion. This blog describes about my journey with it and my passion towards it.

Who doesn't get amused by Music? The God's gift which has stupendous power to soothe the minds, calm the hearts and rejuvenate the spirits.

I am an absolute no one to talk about the greatness of it but would like to share my feelings.

Fortunately, I was brought up in the traditional town of Tirupathi where, something always used to happen with regard to the classical music.

With Annamacharya Kala Mandir and Thyagaraja Mandapam well within the proximity, many times I used to go with my uncle to listen to the Kacheris(concerts) by stalwarts. Though I used to understand only bits and pieces, there was nothing which used to attract me more than cricket and Sachin. My sisters were learning the Carnatic classical music but I could do nothing more than humming along with them in a pathetic voice. 

Days passed, years rolled.. Now the time had come for the real taste of mine.  I started singing Sathya Sai bhajans, initially in my home and then everywhere. It changed me a lot. It induced in me the passion for Raagam, Bhaavam and Thaalam. The high pitches, low pitches, variations, all were fascinating me. And till date, I am singing. This was rather the turning point for my fascination towards the art of music. 

But the purpose of writing this blog was something else. I watched a movie called 'Morning Raga' and was mesmerized with the things dealt in it including the music.

Music is divine and universal. There may be different types and styles of music. The music is same but the presentation is what that differs. We had movies like Sri K Viswanath's Shankara Bharanam which enthralled people all around the world with Sri K V Mahadevan's memorable music and Sri S P Balu's resonant and overwhelmingly receptive rendition. We have also had movies like Rock On! which rocked all the urban people. But the thought of fusing these types of music and bringing it as one entity is really worth applauding. The fair point of this movie is that, it does not disappoint the expectations of the audience. It involves you to that extent that some may get tears rolling down their cheeks. 

The caption 'Meeting of the worlds' is very apt as it 'fuses' both the western and the classical music, keeping the vortex as the 'music' itself. The eccentric part of the film is fusion. You can call it an attempt to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, village and the city, western and classical music and the young and the old. Let us see what impressed me so much.

The Morning Raga starts beautifully with the picturesque Godavari backdrop and two women performing  'Mathey Malaya' , one vocal and the other accompanying her with the violin. So, soothing start to the movie, you will get involved right from the beginning. The story grips soon after that.Both of them leave the village to perform a concert in the city and the bus meets with an accident and falls in the river in which the violinist and the vocalist's son die. From there on, the other lady (Swarnalatha) decides not to perform in a city.

Accidentally, the son of the violonist is a musician himself and his goal is to set up a western musical band. He meets Pinky, a western singer and they slowly crawl towards their goal . But, soon they realize that they are lacking something in them. Abhinay happens to meet Swarnalatha when she sings the soul stirring  'Pibare Raama Rasam' and he gets mesmerized by the way of her singing. He thinks that, this is the one which he was lacking and he becomes very stubborn that she should sing for his band. Swarnalatha always refused for this but offers to teach classical music to Pinky . The songs selection is worth a mention here. As always, they start with  'Lambodara Lakumikara', continue with the sweet  'Samaja Varagamana' and end with the song perfect for the situation  'Marugelara O Raghava'. This song comes when Pinky sees the photo of the dead Swarnalatha's son. The western beats in between these songs are awesome and amusing.  

Another twist in the movie is, Pinky happens to be the daughter of the drunk driver who causes the accident. Isn't it really the Meeting of the Worlds? Somehow, Pinky manages to remove the bridge phobia of Swarnalatha and the latter comes to perform for her 'new' son.

And, the situational perfection goes to the peak when the old woman from the village renders  'Thaye Yashoda' in front of the city crowd. She dedicates the song to her 'son' and it takes you to the world of Mahabharata and reminds us of Yashoda Krishna. Sudha Ranganathan's rendition, the violin's symphonies and Mani Sharma's music are really hair-rising and will make your body vibrate. It is a masterpiece. Always felt, Mani has the talent to give such tunes but this was really awesome. The director tried 5 music directors for this song and none could match with the present one.  It is a song which redefines music, the fusion music.

Three people from different age groups, different backgrounds, different tastes converge because of the great power, Music. And the same music made me forget the world and increased the passion in me.

I always had the respect for the arts but Morning Raga increased it exponentially. Thanks to the director, Mahesh Dattani, producer Raghavendra Rao and the music directors Mani Sharma and Amit Heri. 

I am yet to come out of the Morning Raga hangover. 

PS : A special thanks to my friend Subbu, who himself is a musician, for making all the attempts in getting the DVD of the movie.