Games that life plays

I must have read the following a few hundred times in last few years. Yet, everytime I read it, I curse life for the kind of tricks it plays. At the same time, it also increases the respect for soldiers....

In 2001, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal (father of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, PVC) felt a strong desire to visit his birthplace at Sargodha, now in Pakistan. At Lahore airport, Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was met by Brigadier Khawja Mohammad Naser, who took it upon himself to be Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal host and guide. Brigadier Naser really went out of way to ensure that Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal had a satisfying and nostalgic visit to his old house in Sargodha. Upon his return to Lahore he was once again the guest of Brigadier Naser for three days.

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was overwhelmed by the extreme kindness, deference, courtesy and respect bestowed upon him by Brigadier Naser and by all the members of his family and his many servants. However Brigadier Khetarpal felt that something was amiss but could not make out what it was. Was it the long silences that punctuated their animated conversation or was it the look of compassion in the eyes of the women in the family? He could not make out but was sure he was being treated as someone very special.

Finally, on the last night before Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal's departure, Brigadier Naser said 'Sir, there is something that I wanted to tell you for many years but I did not know how to get through to you. Finally, fate has intervened and sent you to me as an honoured guest. The last few days we have become close to one another and that has made my task even more difficult. It is regarding your son who is, of course, a national hero in India. However on that fateful day, your son and I were soldiers, unknown to one another, fighting for the respect and safety of our respective countries. I regret to tell you that your son died in my hands. Arun's courage was exemplary and he moved his tank with fearless courage and daring, totally unconcerned about his safety. Tank casualties were very high till finally there were just two of us left facing one another. We both fired simultaneously. It was destined that I was to live and he was to die.

It was only later that I got to know how young he was and who he was.I had all along thought that I would ask your forgiveness, but in telling the story I realize that there is nothing to forgive. Instead I salute your son for what he did at such a young age and I salute you too, because I know how he grew into such a young man. In the end it is character and values that matter."

Brigadier M.L. Khetarpal was silent as he did not know how to react.To be enjoying the hospitality of the person who had killed his son was a confusing feeling. However being a soldier himself he genuinely admired the chivalry of an officer whose complete squadron was decimated by his son.

I salute Arun Khetarpal...and all the soldiers.

Games Period - II

@ Port Dickson

India needs a change

It is disheartening to read about what is happening in India..... Prices (especially fuel) are rising and going beyond the reach of millions, rupee is falling, economy looks to be on its way down, government has become a joke, rising discontent among the general public regarding the government and leaders, Delhi and Kolkata are become increasingly unsafe towards women, fire is breaking at all the places where important and confidential.......Its shameful and quite worrying.

India needs a change in government. Right now there are no options. People are unhappy with Congress but I do not think many are happy with BJP either. Another party can also come in power but not without the backing of either Congress or BJP. What use would that be?

India needs another party at the national level. India needs a change.

Super Sunday!!!

Yesterday, after a long time, we could enjoy shopping. I know that most men do not like shopping or at least claim so. I am not one of them. I love to shop but I have my likings. I do not of course like grocery shopping. I like to shop for electronics, sports and camping equipments and ahmm...kitchenware.

Yesterday, we got a chance to do all that after a long time. It was all thanks to the cooperation of Princess Ananya as she did not get bored or cranky.

We bought a lot of stuff...electronics, kitchenware, sports equipments as well as apparel. We also had breakfast as well as lunch outside!!! I cannot remember when was the last time we had done that!!!

I really loved our Sunday outing. Though there was nothing extremely special but all new parents would be able to identify with and understand this joy.   

Now Ananya madam, can we go to watch a movie....or will that be pushing our luck too far?

WTF

I have changed my mind.....with the latest developments regarding the selection of the teams to represent India in the tennis doubles event in Olympics, I believe that Leander Paes should definitely withdraw his name. And, unlike stated earlier, I will not be supporting 'Bhupathi-Bopanna'. This deal is really unfair and humiliating for Paes and I will no longer be supporting India's tennis campaign (unless Paes decides to play).

Foreign Minister, AITA member and most importantly, Bangalorean SM Krishna had a role to play in this selection in which the Bangaloreans had their way. :(

Fine Australian White Wine

Cant Stop W(h)ining!!!

Question: What happens when you cut the entire seal of a wine bottle thinking that it has a cork when it has a screw cap? And what happens when after this mishap, you figure that the wine bottle stopper that you have, does not fit in the wine bottle you just opened!!!

Answer: You do not have a choice but to finish all the wine in the bottle. And you have a good time :)

Unfair

I know you liked the work. You have said that to another person and I know about it. 

I know you have used the work. 

I know you have also mentioned that you would use it in other forums as well.

I know that you have been giving credit to another person for all the work. The other person did half the work but so did I. I deserve half the credit.

You should realize that the work was much more difficult for me as I did not have much background. Hence, I had to work 2-3 times more in order to put together something that will make you look good. I did not have any bandwidth yet I did the work. I am still trying to overcome the backlog it has caused.

And when I asked you whether you liked the work, you sound aloof and say that it was 'okay' and you were not particularly satisfied but decided to use it since the audience did not have much idea anyways. This when you have already mentioned that the work was also used in another forum and it was appreciated.

I worked through the night to get this work done for you and you do not have anything to say? 

Just in case....

Background Information 1: There is a taxi stand in front of my office. Cab drivers keep sitting over there and there are some 'regular faces' as well.

Background Information 2: I seldom take a cab from the taxi stand. My place is pretty close to my office and in a cab, I can reach my place in minimum fare (3 MYR). However, the cab drivers standing in the stand and passing time, typically ask for more. They say that they will not use the meter and typically ask for double the amount. Hence, I do not take cab from the stand. I just wait for a cab to drop someone in the office complex and then approach the driver.

Background Information 3: It seems that the 'regular faces' in the taxi stand have noticed that I do not come to them and they do not like it. One particular cab driver, a Malay guy, passes comments whenever I cross him. I usually walk to my place so I cross the taxi stand everyday. And more often than not, I find him there and he says something or makes gestures to indicate that he does not like me. I have never heard/understood what he says as I generally listen to music when I walk and I do not understand Malay. Though I do not like it and many  a times I have thought about stopping and asking the guy what is his problem but I have always finally decided to ignore him.

Background Information 4: Once I did approach the guy to drive me to my place. It had been a hectic day and I was also not feeling well. I was prepared to pay extra as long as I reached home as early as possible. And his was the only cab available in the stand at the moment. He refused and asked me to look for a 'metered cab' but he said that in an extremely rude manner. Normally, I would react to such things but I again chose not to react. This is an alien country and I have always been warned by the people (Indians as well as locals) to stay away from any kind of conflict with the cab drivers. This is the only time we have talked.

Yesterday's Incident: Yesterday, when I was walking to my office, the guy twice tried to hit me with his cab!!! I was crossing the approach road to Mont Kiara Pines Condo to go towards Plaza Mont Kiara, when I noticed a cab speeding towards me. I had to back a few steps to escape the speeding vehicle. Though I found this annoying and it was dangerous, I did not find it very serious (after all I am an Indian and you do come across such crazy drivers quite often). I just thought that someone is in maddening rush and is driving rashly. Then the guy took a U-turn. This time around I noticed that it is the same Malay cab driver. He again came towards me in high speed and I had to run and jump on the sidewalk to save myself!!! He stopped and gave me a stare. I went to him. He pulled down the window. I asked him, "What is wrong with you?" He said, "nothing is wrong". I asked, "then why did you try to hit me?". He replied, "I did not hit you". I said, " I know you did not hit me but you tried doing that twice". Then he started saying things to me in Malay. And I said a few things to him in Hindi.

I really do not know what have I done to piss the guy enough to try and run me down. We have never had any arguments. I just do not hire cab from him. That is because he and his friends ask for more money. So if you want to hit me with your car just because I do not want to be cheated by you, that is insane!!! Some people believe that he is crazy. Some think that it is a case of racism. Whatever it is, it is pretty strange!!!

So far, I have been ignoring all his provocations. However, now since this guy is being violent in this manner, I thought I would keep a record of this. So guys, if something happens to me in Malaysia (I go missing/ I am killed/ suffer injuries), the cab driver of the green cab (registration number HWD 7488) is to be blamed!!! He has tried to hit me with his car twice and he may try again.  

Next time this happens, I would go to the cops. 

Match-Maker

Let me start by saying that I do not like Mahesh Bhupathi. I do not watch any of his matches and I do not support him even if he is playing in Grand Slam finals (doubles and mixed doubles (especially if it is with Mrs Pakistan)). Though it may be an exaggeration but I do believe that Mahesh Bhupathi would have been like "Bhu...Who??!!" if Leander Paes had not started playing doubles with him. Anyways, both of them played together, played well and made all of us proud. 

Now, they do not see eye-to-eye and do not play together. Makes sense. After all, doubles and mixed doubles events are 'team sports' and compatibility with the partner is extremely important. I am surprised how these two reached all 4 Grand Slam event finals and won two of them in 1999, when issues between them had cropped before that!!!

The issue staring at us is that India needs to send a team to Olympics. Bhupathi has made it clear that he does not want to team up with and wants to play with Bopanna. Paes wants to team up with Bopanna but is okay with any decision. Bopanna wants to play with Bhupathi but I do not think any one cares about his wishes/opinions. In any case, Mr. Bopanna is known for teaming up with just anyone. He can even team up even with a 'nasty, stupid, unfaithful neighbor', as long as he gets some news space. On a serious note, all of  them are good doubles players (with Bopanna bringing down the average; else I would have said 'great doubles players') and have tasted moderate (Mr. Bopanna caused this as well) to high level of successes. 

Though All India Tennis Association (AITA) wants to definitely include Paes (afterall, Paes is the highest ranked tennis player in the country), I believe it would make sense to send a Bhupathi-Bopanna team as they are good and more importantly, they share a good rapport and understanding. They should have a better chance than "Paes-Bhupathi" or "Paes-Bopanna". 

Other issue is related to Mixed Doubles. Here, Bhupathi-Sania is the best team that India can field. However if India decides to send only one doubles team and suppose that is 'Paes-Bopanna' then, if I am not mistaken, they cannot have a 'Bhupathi-Sania' combination in mixed doubles. All the more reason that Bhupathi should be part of the campaign. 

In my opinion, following are some possible solutions;

1. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team, they should definitely include Bhupathi so that he can also team up with Sania for mixed doubles
2. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team, Paes and Bhupathi should try to overcome their differences in case they feel that they can recreate the magic of 1999
3. In case AITA decides to send only one doubles team and Paes and Bhupathi cannot overcome their differences, it should be Bhupathi and Bopanna. If this happens, I would be behind this team as they would be 'Team India' 
4. If I am not mistaken, AITA does have the option of sending two teams. If that is correct, lets send 'Bhupathi-Bopanna' and 'Paes-Somdev' (even if Somdev is 75-80% fit). And there are no points for guessing which team I would be supporting in such a case)

Guys, this is not a Grand Slam event. You already have so many of them between all of you. It is Olympics and you would be representing the country. Lets try to put the best foot forward.

National Geographic : Latest Awesome Video

Happy Father's Day to Me!!!!

I Love Crawlies

 

My daughter keeps crawling in the entire house. Pretty Cute!!!

My wife keeps crawling behind my daughter to prevent her from banging her head. Damn funny!!! 

I love weekends!!!

Hazy weekend

Haze has engulfed Kuala Lumpur. Weekend would be spent at home

Kaun Banega Rashtrapati?

Now it is almost clear that Pranab Mukherjee would become the 13th President of India. What a disappointment this is. Not that much is expected out of the ceremonial head. Yet, there were several much better choices. APJ Abdul Kalam was my choice. Though it is out of question but I would love to see Gen VK Singh as President. He would have definitely taught this thugs a lesson or two. It would have been fun. 

And it is saddening how Congress is able to have a final say.  

Heard some strange and spooky voices in the office and 'माता का जगराता' in the office ended!!! Now continuing the 'जागरण' from home :)

Branded vs Generic

(Pic Courtesy: cp-frijolita.blogspot.com) 

After the episode on 'Healthcare in India' in 'Satyameva Jayate', I noticed that a lot of people have been showing interest towards opening a generic medicine store. If the initial zealousness does not fade away and some of these people actually open a store, it would be great.

However, with my limited understanding of the healthcare sector, I feel that branded drugs should not be totally 'penalized'. Branded drugs are the 'original' drugs. When I say original, I do not mean to suggest that others are fake. I mean branded drugs are the ones that were 'discovered'. 

Any new drug goes through a lengthy life cycle before it is considered a success/failure. Companies spend millions on drug discovery. Most experiments fail and some manage to pass through all the phases, including clinical trials and are then launched in the market. These drugs initially enjoy a patent, which essentially mean that no one is allowed to 'copy the formula' and launch the product. Companies try to get as much return as possible during this phase of 'monopoly'.

Then the patent expires and the dream run ends. As soon as the patent expires, several companies launch their own version and these are the 'generic' drugs. Now, these new drugs do not involve any expenditure on research and development, clinical trials, possible law suits etc. In fact, they do not have to do a lot of advertising and promotion as well since people already know about the molecule. Hence, their costs are low and they are able to quote a lower price. Something that a branded drug cannot do as they need to get the returns for their investment.

Generic or the low cost drugs are definitely good, especially in a country like mine where affordability becomes a huge concern. However, branded drugs should not be totally discouraged as it would hamper the chances of new drug discovery. I feel what needs to be done is to ensure that companies do not charge insane money for their drugs. Generics should be promoted but it should also be ensured that the drug discoverer is able to get adequate returns on investment. After all, that is the reward. 

माता का जगराता

Aaj office mein 'माता का जगराता' hai, aap sab bhi padhaarein!!! :( 

Quite Irritating

In today's world, people do not have time and they look for shortcuts. While writing, people try to reduce the number of characters. Quite understandable. So, 'That' become 'Dat', 'Sometime' becomes 'Smtime' or 'Smtym', 'Awesome' becomes 'Osum', 'Love' becomes 'Luv', 'Come' becomes 'Cm'. Thats okay.

But why the **** do some people turn "Cool" into "Kewl" and "My" into "Mah"!!! It does not make sense and it is pretty irritating. If a teenager from a small village and who is new to internet does it to impress his other novice friends, it would be understandable.....but still irritating. Same goes for a 'hip-hop' dude.

But when an educated, 'full-blown' adult does it, I feel like slapping the idiot. And some of these people like to write in all caps!!!

Current State of Mind

As Raju Srivastava would put it, "Ekdum Bhare Baithe Hain"!!!

Discreetly Yours

Heard something extremely stupid today!!! I will not quote the person but he/'she' seems to suggest that those who criticize Rahul Gandhi's mother, Tejaswi Yadav's father, Abdullah Bin Laden's father....should understand that someone can do that (disrespect) to their parents as well!!! What logic!!!

I have a question for this person. Whenever anyone has troubled you, said nasty things to you or people who matter to you, did you react or did you put a Gautam Buddha like divine smile on your face? 

And if you did react, please realize that the other person would also have been a son/daughter, father/mother, brother/sister? 

Going by your logic, you should not have  reacted thinking what if someone does the same to your son/daughter, father/mother, brother/sister. 

Tab gyaan kahaan chala jaata hai???

Bring it on....Please!!!

Several people remind me of a professor as well as the character "Chatur" in the movie, "3 Idiots"!!!

Like Chatur, they say things in a complicated manner. Even when they are criticizing someone, they say it in a very discreet and extremely complicated way. And when someone speaks like "Rancho"....simple and straight from the heart, they suddenly behave like the professor. They do not like it!!!

Will not deny that in the past, I have also been there. I have always done that to avoid any unnecessary arguments (stupid but true). However, I have always made it 'sufficiently clear' whom I am talking about. Some people do not do that as they want to have a Plan B to later completely deny that they targetted you. With such people, you do not have a choice but to be discreet and 'mysterious' yourself...like I am being now!!!

In fact, I will also not deny that many a times I have written stuff on my blog about people without doing enough 'research' and have regretted it later. Sometimes I have been stupid enough to hear only one-side of the story. My opinion may or may not have changed but at least I should have tried to understand both perspectives. Or even better...I should have avoided writing anything at all as it was none of my business.

I am learning from such mistakes and now I try to avoid such stupidity. I try to mind my own business. However, I would still not tolerate an attack on myself (given I am right or at least have a point) or people who matter to me (given they are right or at least have a point).

I would urge you to speak/write to me or about me directly. Infact I would respect that.

विचित्र दुनिया के विचित्र लोग और उनकी विचित्र मानसिकता

ज़िन्दगी भर चुप रहे,

और बहुत किया सम्मान,

पर अब सोचा की,

अगर अब भी चुप रहे,

वोह अपने जिन्होनें सारी ज़िन्दगी  सहा है,

उनके लिए खड़े भी ना हुए,

तो फिर किस बात के इंसान?

और वो लोग जिन्हें बुरा लग रहा है, पहले अन्दर झाँके. अपनी दुनिया  वोह अपने तरीके से चलाना चाहते हैं, तो चलाइए.... किसने  रोका है....और किसको परवाह है ? 

लेकिन दुसरे भी आपके मुताबिक़ चलें, ऐसा तो नहीं होगा.

दूर बैठ कर भाषण देना बहुत आसान होता है. खुद को कोई दुःख दे तो उससे सारे नाते तोड़ लो और हमको किसी से दुःख मिले तो हम एक शब्द भी ना कहें??!!!

जो सही है वोह तो भाई हम अब कहेंगे. आपके रंग तो हम वैसे भी खूब देख चुके हैं। 

Emptying the Pot

In my childhood, I read this fable about a man who prays to god, manages to impress the god with his devotion and gets 7 pots of gold. He becomes jubilant but on closer look, the man notices that the seventh pot was only half full. He becomes dissatisfied and depressed and then decides to fill the seventh pot himself. He spends all his money, sells all his property and everything he owns to buy the gold and fill the seventh pot but the pot does not fill. The moral of the story is that you have to be satisfied with whatever you get or something like that.

I am not writing this blog to tell a story or teach a lesson. It is just that, at the end of each day, when I look at the 'To-Do' list for this week, I am reminded of this story. The only difference is that I am not trying to fill the pot but to empty it. However, no matter what I do, the 'To-Do' List does not seem to get empty!!!

(Pic Courtesy: ajuever.blogspot.com)

Fat Boy Swim

Started swimming a couple of weeks back. Did 3.5 laps including several breaks. Now, I regularly do 12 laps...sometimes 14 and once 22!!!

The mermaid in me has woken up....again!!! 

Rafa wins Roland Garros for the 7th time!!!

As Commodus said in the movie, Gladiator, " Your fame is well deserved, Spaniard. I don't think there has ever been a gladiator to match you!!!" 

Vamos Rafa!!!

Project Management Tricks - III

When your boss approaches you and starts the conversations with "How are you placed?" or "Do you have any bandwidth?", be assured that your response would have little relevance/impact on the conversation to follow!!! :) These are just casual questions like "How are you?" and "How are things?".

Bosses are "Kaam Dev"....Kaam to denge hi!!!

Happy Birthday Laina!!!

Today is my lil sister's birthday and I am missing her. Want to do something special for her but do not know how. She is travelling so cannot even arrange a gift for her. May be in August, when I travel to India.

Hats Off!!!

Hats off to two of the most important women in my life;

1. Firstly, My mother because today she actually cried for my grandmother (Amma), who has almost never been nice to my mom. Amma is ill, physically as well as mentally. My mother has always taken care of Amma however Amma has always complained about my mother to everyone. I believe, this is her way of gaining sympathy and to ensure love and support from  from everyone. Now, when Amma is almost bed-ridden and everyone else has their priorities, my mother is taking care of her. My mother even accompanies Amma to the loo!! Still, Amma scolds and curses my mom with or without reasons. I feel bad for my parents. However, today when I spoke to my mother, she cried because of Amma's helplessness!!! Amma has always been nice to me but I still hold a grudge against her for being mean towards my mom and sister. But my mom, who could not even raise her children in the way she wanted to because of all the interferences, is feeling bad for Amma!!! She is unbelievable and truly great. I salute her for this.
2. In my generation, I do not think I know any woman who has managed to take care of an infant all by herself. Everyone has the support of mother, mother-in-law or at least a maid. My wife has none of that. She takes complete care of my daughter, home as well as me and she does a bloody good job!!! I do whatever I can but it is not even 1%. Hats off to her. 

Favorite Snack

This is what I feel like eating right now.....and this is my favorite snack to go with drinks. It is healthy as well; only a trillion calories.

My Bucket List

'Kick the Bucket' means to die and 'Bucket List' refers to the things that one wants to do before he/she dies. Following is my bucket list;

1. Go to Egypt with my family, especially my father
2. Travel to Leh/Ladakh on bike
3. One month backpacking holiday across India
4. See the Grand Canyon
5. Own a Royal Enfield (and probably...wear a dunce cap till I own one)
6. Gift a car to my father
7. Visit Masai Mara National Reserve or Kruger National Park
8. Palace on Wheels ride with my family
9. Visit New Zealand with my wife (as it was her impromptu response when asked what would she like to do if she comes to know that she will die pretty soon. She must really like the place!!!)
10. Cover the bucket list of my parents

I am sure this list would keep changing but for now, this is what it is....

(Pic Courtesy: thehappymd.com)

Gulp and Burrp in Kuala Lumpur

So far, I have had limited chances to test the food scene in Kuala Lumpur. I have tried restaurants/eateries in and around my office complex only. However, with my limited experience, following is the list of dishes and restaurants that I have liked so far;

1. Lamb Burger of Las Vacas. Believe me, it is heavenly...and quite filling
2. Butter Chicken Rice of Dgend (note: it is very different from Indian butter chicken)
3. Roti Telur of Banana Leaf
4. Chola Bhatura of Khaana Peena
5. Indonesian Fried Rice with Chicken of Hainan
6. Chicken Biryani with Lahori Puri, Raita and Ice Tea of BBQ Nights
7. Pepper Chicken and Rice of Secret Recipe
8. Chilly Chicken of Mr Singh Dhaba
9. Most of the dishes of Anjappar

More than anything, this list shows that I have hardly tried anything outside Mont Kiara and Little India areas. I will start exploring pretty soon....I promise. Aur ek baar jo maine commitment kar di to main apne aap ki bhi nahi sunta!!!

Various Moods of Ananya Ajay

Smile to die for :)

My Princess Ananya

I think my parents were dacoits or mass-murderers in their previous birth!!!

Over 7 months in Kuala Lumpur now or as a local would have said, "Completed 7 months here, la"!!!

I miss those days.......

I spend a lot of free time on my tablet, watching random videos. More often than not, I watch advertisements, documentaries, short films and cricket videos. In the last few days, I have watched several videos of various test matches played in India during late 90s and early 2000s. I miss the electric atmosphere (even for test matches) that we used to have in the stadiums in those days. 

Among all forms of cricket, I enjoy test matches the most. However, I feel that in recent times, the quality of test matches have gone down. Probably it is because of the dearth of truly 'exceptional' talent. We still have Tendulkar, Kallis, Ponting, Chanderpaul, Laxman but overall, the contests lack the quality of earlier days. I do miss batsman like Lara, Gary Kirsten, Andy Flower, Saeed Anwar, Arvinda De Silva, Steve Waugh. I will not add Rahul Dravid in the last as India is yet to play a test match post his retirement but his absence would be truly felt. However, it is the bowlers that I really miss. Warne, Mcgrath, Murali, Ambrose, Donald, Walsh, Akram, Waqar Younis....the list is big. 

Among the Indian bowlers, I miss Kumble and Javagal Srinath the most. Additionally, I miss the past brilliance of Harbhajan Singh as well as Irrfan Pathan. These players used to make watching test matches a really exciting experience. Most will agree that with Anil Kumble bowling with a slip, leg slip, silly point, and forward short leg to save a test match, there cannot be a dull moment!!! 

I wish the old days could come back just for once. I would pay anything to watch a test match with the following playing XI (I am not including any player prior to 1990s as I was bitten by the cricket bug only in 1992. Will not include Kapil Dev, though I am a big fan, as he was not at his best in the 1990s)

Lets imagine that all the players are in the best form and have no dirty tricks up their sleeves (especially the batsman at Number 5). So here is my wishlist;

1. Virender Sehwag (Bizarrely, one of the most successful Indian test batsman) 
2. Navjot Singh Sidhu (Because of his strength against the spinners and the entertainment value of his fielding and running between the wickets)
3. Rahul Dravid (India's Steve Waugh)
4. Sachin Tendulkar (As he is the God)
5. Md. Azharuddin (The most stylish batsmen ever; the wrist work used to be unbelievable). And in this team, I would approach him and ask him like Raj Singh Dungarpur, " Miyaan, Captaani Karogey?" 
6. VVS Laxman (For the 281, the best test innings ever)
7. Nayan Mongia (The best Indian 'keeper', at least since 1990s)
8. Anil Kumble (for the 10 wicket in an innings, for making test matches so exciting, for bowling with a broken jaw, for everything)
9. Javagal Srinath (The best fast bowler India has ever produced; for helping Venkatesh Prasad take so many wickets)
10. Zaheer Khan/Ajit Agarkar/Irrfan Pathan (I am a big fan of all three though Agarkar and Pathan were a disappointment in later years)
11. Harbhajan Singh/Rajesh Chauhan (Bhajji used to be awesome; Chauhan Saab, as we did not do justice to him)
12. Vinod Kambli (as if you look at just "raw talent", he was probably better than Sachin)

It is a random list prepared in precisely 3 minutes. I wanted to include several others like Ganguly, Prabhakar, Hirwani, Sunil Joshi, Venkatesh Prasad, Abey Kuruvilla, Nilesh Kulkarni.....there are many more but for now, I will go with this list.  I wish I could watch this team play a test match at fully packed Eden Gardens.

I miss those days...

The Vow: A Great Watch

Yesterday, I watched the movie "The Vow" and really loved it. It is a simple story, which they claim has been inspired by true events.

The story is about a couple who meet an accident. The girl suffers severe memory loss and wakes up without any memory of her husband!!! Then the husband tries to win her back.

You will find it difficult to not feel frustrated along with the husband but at the same time, the wife is not wrong as well!!! It is a great watch and I strongly recommend it.

And this is the second movie of Channing Tatum that I have really loved. The other one is Dear John. Another must watch. The guy is definitely not a great actor but seems to be extremely smart with his movie selection.

Would be difficult and painful

My wife and daughter would be travelling to India in late July. I would join them there in the second half of August and then the three of us would come back together.

I am happy as my wife needs a break from her boring and monotonous schedule. I am happy as my daughter's grandparents (paternal as well as maternal) will get to spend some time with her. I am happy that I would be able to spend some good time with my family. I am happy that I will be going to India. But I am extremely sad as I will have to spend 20 days without my daughter.

Before starting a family and also while my wife was pregnant, I used to wonder what would be life like with the new addition. Honestly speaking, I did think a few times that probably it will be the end of all the careless fun. I have always been fond of children and so I used to think that it would probably be fine. However, I was never sure what life would be like after becoming a father.

Well, life has totally changed. Now our lives completely revolve around our daughter. She is the reason behind all decisions, most of the arguments and all the make-ups. She gives me strength and she makes me vulnerable.

She gets really excited when I return from office. She knows that, even if it is for a brief while, I would pick her up and play with her. Her excitement remains clearly visibile and that is something I look forward to...everyday.

I do not know whether she will miss me or not. Probably she is too young for that. In fact it will be better if she does not. I do not know whether she will get excited when we meet in India. I certainly hope she does. But I would really really REALLY miss her. It will be extremely difficult and painful. 

Inspiring

My boss has been staying in Singapore since last several years. He is eligible for Singapore citizenship but he has not applied for one. One of my colleagues found it surprising and enquired about the reason. My boss simply said that he does not want to. The colleague further enquired by asking what is the reason as it will make it much easier to travel from Singapore to other countries. My boss said, "It is true that it will make travelling much easier but I still do not want it. The main reason is that then I will be called a 'Singaporean'. And I am Indian, I do not want to change that"

I will always respect him for this.   

Jai Hind

Today I tried teaching my daughter how to say 'Jai Hind'. It was of no use since my daughter is too small to say any word. 

But chanting 'Jai Hind' several times made me really emotional. 

I miss India and am really excited about my trip to India in late August.