Looking for the glory that is not too far away

Some moments come but come rarely.Years ago, in 1983, we witnessed one such moment when a young and audacious but defiant Kapil’s squad broke the myth that Indians can’t be the world champions in cricket. I was too young (infant) to witness that glorious moment but I can still imagine the pride that we Indians would have felt, when the great Kapil Dev lifted the cup at the historical Lords ground. I have heard many times about that moment from my uncle, Equebal, who had to travel 23 kilometres from his hostel to watch the final at a friend’s place.

We were very close to repeating history in 2003, under the belligerent leadership of one of Indian cricket's greatest captains, Saurav dada. Though, destiny had some other plans, our dreams were swept away by the wrath of Hurricane Ponting...

We have waited enough; our quiescent dream has graduated into an intense yearning, an unquenchable thirst that can only be quenched with the victory.

Oh my men in blue, please let us experience the same thrill and joy that we all felt in 1983. That one moment changed the course of our sporting history and brought about a renaissance in the Indian sporting arena.

Let’s make an excursion to the past to bring back our lost glory. I extend my best wishes to the God of Cricket, Sachin, who actually doesn’t need my blessings. I have firm faith in my sagacious and calculating captain cool, Dhoni.

Oh my team India, I am rooting for you, and praying for you, day and night. I am sure you will win, because you deserve it more than any one else. Give us that moment of victory when I can proudly sing my national anthem while you clinch the trophy.

All the Best My Team!

Egyptian revolution: A misconstrued mutiny

It seems the Egyptian revolution is a civilian uprising against a corrupt, tyrannical, and insensitive rule. Initially, I had my share of apprehensions that Egypt might fall into wrong hands and this unrest might end up in perpetual chaos and anarchy which is prevalent in Afghanistan and Iraq. But I noticed one picture that showed Christians forming a human-chain at Tahrir Square to protect their Muslim brethren, and it cleared all my doubts about the uprising. What a great example of brotherhood amidst followers of two different religions! It reminded me of our own freedom struggle when Hindus and Muslims walked hand in hand, and fought against the colonial rule, to provide generations an unfettered air of freedom and sovereignty.

I am pleasantly surprised to see the Indian media expressing their solidarity with the common masses of Egypt in their moments of peril, whereas the West shunned it as Islamist conspiracy. I firmly believe that this revolution is devoid of any fanatical inspiration/aspiration. (I am a Muslim and I confirm it to all my friends of other religions that there is no place for fundamentalism, extremism, or fanaticism in
Islam. Muhammad (PBUH) was a messenger of peace, tolerance, brotherhood, justice, and love to mankind. )

People, I noticed common Egyptian men and women across ranks and classes on the streets of Cairo, reiterating the same grievance: food, employment, justice, equity, and dignity. Where’s the alleged Islamist agenda in the grievance? That’s sheer hogwash coming from the West media organizations, playing in the hands of people who have vested interest in keeping Mubarak at the helm of affairs.

Hats off to Barkha Dutt! Her incredible story on Egyptian journo, who walked out of her channel to protest against the repressive regime, is an eloquent example of a journalist’s commitment to truth. I wish India witnesses many more Barkhas in the news arena. Also, I am in awe of the lady who instilled the spirit of courage and resilience among Egyptians through You-Tube. To me, she is Rosa Parks of Egyptian revolution. I am sure great Martin Luther King Junior would have seconded her call, had he been alive.

The revolution is also an alarm-bell to all unjust and despotic rulers across the globe. The uprising has strengthened my commitment to democracy. Only true democracy can provide just and equitable government. In India, democracy has been a great success story. Let’s make a solemn pledge to take this forward and ensure that our democracy is further strengthened.

I wish people’s voices are heard and their legitimate grievances are fulfilled in some of our troubled states. I am proud of the fact that I am living in a free country, India, where I enjoy equal rights and freedom. I am a firm believer in our shared dream of a strong and just Indian democracy.