Inzamam-the Symphony has ended!!

The phenomenon called Inzi has finally walked into the sunset of his career. The 2nd test against South Africa at the Gaddafi stadium, Lahore proved to be his swansong. Inzamam-ul-Haq, one of the prodigies unearthed by the great Imran Khan was not just a wonderful batsman, but a great cricketer on the field and a good human being off it. Whatever be his limitations like the running between the wickets or his physique, there should be no doubt in any body's mind as to what a wonderful batsman he was. With the technique, timing, shot selection, and the hand-eye coordination, he had lifted Pakistan as a great cricket team. The Flick, the Cut and Pull, the Hook, the Slog sweep and the more orthodox sweep shot, Cover drive, Straight Drive, Back-foot Punch and the Square Cut are all the versatile shots in his book.

There can be many innings played by him that can be described as "the best" by the pundits. Whether it be the 60 against the Kiwis in the semi-finals of thr 1992 World Cup, the 184 against India in Bangalore during his 100th Test Match, the hundred against India in Karachi One Dayer in 2004 which India won by 5 runs, the epic 329 against New Zealand in Lahore in 2002 and the crucial half centuries against Australia and South Africa in Karachi in 1994 and 2007 respectively. But I would choose his undefeated innings of 138 against Bangladesh in his home ground at Multan in 2003 as the best I saw from Inzi. That innings-something for which I stayed glued to the television-was played under immense pressure and that too, with a significant contribution from the tail. Having had a disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa, where Pakistan crashed out of the first round and where Inzi himself had a poor campaign, the magic in Multan was due to the calming presence of Inzi. Needing to score around 262 for a win, the home team was tottering at 205 for 8 and the Bangladeshis smelling a rare away victory. Inzamam who had been removed from the team after the World Cup was making a comeback. He along with the last two tail enders ensured that the team was home by one wicket. That kind of shots played by Inzi that day just made things more clearer as to why he along with Tendulkar and Lara were among the best batsmen in cricket. My favourite Inzamam shots on any day would be the pull/hook and the flick. The way in which he used to move forward and back against the faster bowlers for the pull/hook shot was just a treat to watch. No wonder Imran called him 'the best player against fast bowling'. Even the sight of his stepping out of the crease to hit the spinners for towering sixes was a also a visual treat.

However, at times he was susceptible to quality bowling. Anil Kumble got him the most (8 times). But even then, Inzamam always came back well against him. His stint as Captain also had its own highs and lows. His partnership with coach Bob Woolmer proved to be a winning combination too!! But then another disastorous World Cup campaign in the Carribean and the tragic death of Bob Woolmer were some of the darkest days not only for him, but for the entire Pakistani cricket history. With the departure of Inzamam, the last of the legends of 1992 World Cup triumph too have moved on. Despite all the ruckus of the ball tamepring and match forfeiture at the Oval against England, the incident only reflected Inzamam's pride in leading Pakistan. Something similar to Arjuna Ranatunga's defence of Muralitharan against umpire Ross Emerson in Australia in 1999!! Standing by his team through the thick and thin brings out the best in the leader and same was true for Inzamam. 17 out of his 22 Test hundreds proving to be match winning ones also speaks loud of his commitmment to the team cause. The reply given by him in his last press conference as a test cricketer, Inzamam had pointed out that he badly wanted to win the match for Pakistan and which he felt could be achieved through aggressive batting; but then the sort of the dismissal (stumped by Boucher in the bowling of Harris) as he said, could on any other day have been a ball that might have fallen into the stands. Inzamam was truly a phenomenon and without him, the soothing effect one feels while watching the Pakistani batting, is no more going to be there. Thus, he just slipped away from Pakistan cricket.

Hero in a New Avatar

Watching Anil Kumble getting to his maiden test hundred at the Oval wherein he was undefeated on 110, was something that brought out the unexpressed batsmanship in him. The way he deifed the English was something that reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the cause. As India were dismissed for a mammoth 664 and thereby dreams of a Test series win in England since 1986 seeming to be headed towards materialization, Kumble the champion emerged holding his head high. A person who had every now and then been put outside the 'orthodox' bracket due to the sheer fact that he couldn't turn the ball. The Jumbo has always answered the sceptics with his wizardry over the ball. The never-say-die attitude of Kumble makes him a very potent force wherein he keeps on maintaining the pressure and thereby always comes at the opposition batsman. This hundred is compounded with the numerous half centuries he has made like the 88 against the likes of Donald and Co. in Eden Gardens, Kolkata in 1996.

The Master has reworked his magic; the willow replacing the ball this time around. Salutations to you, sire!! The series win against the English which very much is now on the horizon will also be a fitting tribute for the Bangalorean where he made his debut in 1990-91-Allan Lamb was his first victim-and where his swansong would also be the loudest.

One More Round Without Food

Another agitation has just ended in JNU in the form of yet another of Indefinite Hunger Strike and yours truly was also part of it for 8 days. Though it was 12 days for the other strikers, I joined late. So, one more round of appaluse, the usual enquiries about health. This was the second such effort within the past 10 months. Seems the practice of staying without food is working well!!Some people are even terming me as a Veteran in this front!!Hmm...........Life Moves On........

On World Anti-Tobacco Day

31st May is a good day to write something in the blog, for that would end the long summer drought of 'no posts' in the entire month. As I racked the brains and did a lot of hair splitting, found one topic of interest. For this, I thank Pallavi Aiyar for her article in The Hindu on the rising use of Tobacco in China. Yes, May 31st is World Anti-Tobacco Day.

Statistics point out that tobacco is one of the biggest cause of human deaths, though not an immediate basis. Still it has a long term effect, not only the life of the smokers, but also those who could be termed as passive smokers. Cigarrettes and Beedis form the major chunk of tobacco consumption. Under the WHO norms whcih many nations have signed and ratified, including India and China clearly states some measures to be undertaken t0 restrict their consumption. Under this comes, the ban of smoking in public places as well as puttting up pictures of people affected by smoking on the cigarette labels. In India, the Health ministry has already started working on these lines, with the the statutory warning of "Smoking Being injurious to Health" being showcased widely. Already the movies and tele series have been asked to ban smoking scenes within them and for those which have already come to the fore, warnings have asked to be displayed before their screenings. Also hefty charges and fines have been levied on the people who smoke in the public places. Various public awareness drives and campaigns have also been carried out by the Government and various other agencies as well as non-governmental groups to highlight the negative effects on human health due to tobacco consumption.

However, the ultimate question that Pallavi points out is regarding the Government's revenue from taxes on the cigarette companies vis-a-vis the health factor of the people. However, on a personal note, neither do I smoke nor do I endorse anyone else doing the same. At times I even go to the extent of asking the smokers to not do so, when I am in their midst and feel uncomfortable. However, I feel that imposing moral codes on people to make them quit smoking is to go the other extent. Though smoking has to be discouraged for people in their teens, I do feel that others are more mature and do know the consequences of tobacco consumption. Hence, there is no need impose sanctions on them as they can very well understand the gravity of the things. Also, there is a question of imposing blanket bans, as that would amount to closure of these companies and units in the long term, thereby causing unemployment for those working in them. Thus, the role of the State is critical here, as it needs to maintain a delicate balance. The ideal measure would be for the State to continue with its educational campaigns on this matter and allow the citizens to make the proper choice. On an individual level, the non-smokers could continue their efforts to make the smokers realize the ill-effects of smoking, thereby having a cascading effect on them and making them quit smoking altogether.

Aussies Rule Again

Didn't feel any particular need to write something in the blog, after having a post just couple of days back. Then saw the Aussies triumph for the third successive time at the World Cup finals, this time against the Lankans. McGrath had a fitting farewell as he was declared the Player of the Tournament. Just do not know whether any other team can rise in the near future to challenge the Kangaroos. Seems as if the real battle is among the rest of the teams to decide the Second Best; for the title is reserved for the Aussies. Deservingly they have made winning a habit.

Well, speaking of the rest of the teams, just read this article by Rohit Brijnath in the latest edition of the Sportstar, titled "The Problem with the Australian Cricket". A nice refreshment for the heart and soul!! Really at least on one front, the Aussies need to learn from the Indians!!

Through the Rain of Tears

The day had been particularly very mundane until he saw 'her'. Was she the same person whom he had known since his Master's and Research days? Hard to believe!! He tried to pinch himself, to try to not remain in reverie. It was real; a chance encounter. As he approached her, he feared whether she could still recognize him after all these long years. She did. He silently thanked the seminar organizers for having chosen this city for him to present a paper. After all, his bachelorhood was still continuing with all such engagements other than the primary task of teaching in the very university, where he acquired his Ph.D. With lunch being already done, the chance was only for a small refreshment. However, he chose a dinner date-after all these years!!- and she agreed. One of those small beach-side restaurants was going to prove to be the dating point.

As he got ready for the occasion, a wave of memories hit him. The day they had first met as newcomers to that great university, and how their friendship had blossomed. How they had cursed and reprimanded the professors together, that too at times when he himself did not have any problems with them; How much he enjoyed accompanying her to the station to see her off for home; then the longing at heart, the yearning that she 'returns' soon; the wait for sweet-meats from her home; How eagerly he wanted to help her in everything that she wanted; How much he longed to spend every minute of his life in the campus with her!! How those long hours of chai at the dhaba in the campus had proved to be a jelling factor for them; how much he longed to have a bike, just to make her sit behind him placing her lovely hands on his shoulder and zoom off!! And how really he got one, on which she did sit. But not as he wanted. Those days were full of colour and fragrance. Life seemed to have an entirely different meaning; a different purpose altogether; something better to live for. Those Days...................

And now here he was by the sea-side before her on a table specially arranged both of them. It seemed only yesterday that she had left him.............the vagaries of life which was so deceiving!! He watched her face from the glow of the candle on the table.........Though the age was beginning to play the usual tricks, the old tenderness still remained, something that had captivated him in the past and made him fall for her........Those lovely hands and tender fingers......how much he longed to touch them......!! He couldn't, neither then nor now. What stopped him??........Was it the ever-arising fear of losing her??............ Dinner came; "some nice fish varieties, fresh from the evening catch, sir", the waiter was repeatedly trying to please them...... The waiter doesn't have to understand his feelings, for he was not paid for that. All through she spoke very little.........Occasionally she smiled, but her innocent laughter which he hoped to treasure some day as his sole possession, was certainly missing. The talk generally moved around the usual enquiries regarding the mutual friends and as how their lives were moving along. The aroma of prawns and pomfrets wafted through the air accompanied by the cool sea breeze............It had been two years since her marriage!! Was he shaken?? He did not show it, though. A sudden loss of words and he 'cooked up' his heartfelt wishes. But settling into the family life did not seem to produce the happiness in her. Was it her disappointment that she could not chose her life with him; was it because she expected him to take the initiative and seek her hand; or was this all part of his fantasies, thereby making him realize that she was indeed contended with her marital life.........

The night was advancing. The next day, he had to take a flight to get back to his daily slog, to the world of books, students, lectures and seminars; and she had to return back to her home, to her own world. The question still rankling him was whether she ever had any reciprocity to his feelings for her. In their long night walks in the campus when she would have really wanted him to hold her hands, kissing her little fingers, or wrap his arms around her.................. When she wanted to lean unto his shoulders for comfort............He would perhaps never know............His timidity was always getting the better of him and thus preventing him from asking her about that. Perhaps even her heart was going through similar turbulations right now........Her mind fighting several battles on such questions......He was increasingly getting that gut feeling..........He hoped and prayed at least for once that the walls of silence surrounding them to be shattered, allowing both of them to open up. That would never happen for he knew their destinies were never linked........If they did, then their lives would have been so different today. Call it fate, ill-luck or whatever..............!! Was life beckoning to move on??........but move on where? Tomorrow, they would go in different ways; perhaps there could be a phone call or an email once......Even that would disappear in the course of time. Far in the sea, the lights of fishing boats and trawlers were flickering.........the sea was calm today. It was a clear night, with all the stars twinkling above them..........The sands beneath their feet was trying to provide a cushion.............The coffee tasted well. With the bill being paid, they began the long walk back to their hotels.

Over their heads, the sky was getting heavier now. Flashes of Lightening were streaking across. The Clouds were gathering. A light breeze was flowing, which was gathering pace rapidly and which carried the message of the imminent rains. Her long, curly hair was ruffled in the breeze, and it covered her face. She adjusted it with her lovely hands, which again made him look into her eyes with the same unbridled love. They wanted to speak........But the words never came out!! Her hotel was first in the route......Leaving her at the gate, he blabbered something.......she promised to call soon.......Was her voice breaking........was there a tinge of sadness lurking in that voice??............His throat had gone dry.......tears were welling up in his eyes........He controlled them and prayed that they didn't break out before her. He could see from a corner of his eyes that she too tried hard to control her emotions with her eyes becoming moist.......Seeking to end this agony, he bade her farewell and wished her good night. Above in the sky, clouds were beginning to grow heavier and a light thunder was rolling down. Gradually rain began to fall. "Off-season Showers", someone remarked!! Slowly, she alighted the steps and moved into the hotel lobby, from where she silently disappeared into the lift......In that short journey, she had turned back several times, hoping that he would call her back and warmly embrace her, holding her close to his heart!! He only kept waving his hands...........Standing there, he watched her go, the same way as he had watched her leave years back in the campus...............As she disappeared from the scene, he placed his hands in the pocket of his trousers and walked back to his hotel. Tears rolled down his cheeks as the reservoir of emotions had finally been breached. The night was growing darker and the rain was coming down heavily now. His sorrows were soon submerged in the showers, as he quickened his walk through the Rain of Tears.....................................

Re-Living History: People's Power through the Ballot

April 5, 2007-This landmark day marks the 50th anniversary of the first Communist Government to come to power anywhere in the world through ballot. The State of Kerala elected the Communist Party under the leadership of Comrade E.M.S. Namboodiripad as the Chief Minister This Golden Jubilee-celebrations will be carried on throughout the State by the LDF government led by the CPI (M) -is a time for memories and reminiscences. Typically an occasion to re-live the Past and re-visit History. (In the pic. is the front page of the Deshabhimani on April 5, 1957 describing the coming to the power of the E.M.S government).

The State Government's progressive policies were mainly of the Agrarian Reforms and the Democratization of the Education System-the then Education Minister being Prof. Joseph Mundassery. The government was unceremoniously dismissed from office after only 28 months, with active collaboration of the Centre, then under the rule of the Congress(I) in connivance and funding from the CIA. The dismissal was also effected by the large-scale gang-up of the reactionary forces of the Church and the Nair Service Society, combining with the Opposition parties, in what was infamously called the Vimochana Samaram. This clearly exposed the bourgeoisie-Landlord nexus, against the pro-people government.

As Comrade Karat puts it in his article in the People's Democracy, this was, perhaps, the first time in the history of the world Communist movement that the Communist Party had agreed to form a ministry under capitalism – with a bourgeois-landlord government controlling the centre and with effective economic power in the hands of a handful few. How was it possible? It was possible because it was the desire of the Kerala masses and masses elsewhere. It was possible because the immediate issue before the people was not the introduction of socialism – social transformation – but urgent social and economic reforms – including land reforms, honest administration and implementation of the rights given under the Constitution. The policies on which first Communist Government of Kerala had embarked continue to have an impact on the country as a whole, even today. Perhaps, that's the biggest tribute we could pay to the Comrade E.M.S-led government of 1957 which is well enshrined in the slogan "People's Unity Long Live"!!

When Idols are Crushed and Heroes are Hounded..............

The twin faces of sport are extremely complex. Sometimes it takes you to great heights and at times, it brings you down to earth with the same force. Thats why Sport is a great leveller!!

Cricket falls in the same category. It takes you to the commanding heights as well as to the amazing lows. In fact, thats the beauty of the game, "the good old game". It is often taken a cruel form when the taste of defeat is always bitter. That has also made the followers of the game take it to their hearts. Then their reactions spiral out of control and dons a fanatical role. Hence, when Sachin or Inzamam fail with their willows-which on any given day would pack a very powerful punch-there are uproars for their blood. In this fanatical following, where the rational minds are thrown out of the window and hearts rule the roost, the biggest casualty are the mortals or to be more precise, the players. Therefore, when the fans who root for their stars to shine brightly by shaving their heads, colouring their faces, placing large bets, and sit for hours before the television sets to catch late night action in the Carribean, go overboard with their reactions, its not the way to follow a sport. To put things in the right perspective, an innovative coach losing his life while being in the process of taking a great but unpredictable team to ultimate glory is certainly not cricket. The amount of stress, both physical and mental, carried on the shoulders of the players and the coaches is something that is highly alarming.

It serves to drive home only one point that the people whom we raise to the pedestal of glory are in a way, only mere mortals, always prone to errors. Sometimes getting to bask in the sunshine, and at times receiving nothing but the sack as well as flak. However, this is not to play down the level of commitment that the players have to put in every game, that is in its each and every aspect. The angst of the fans are also moulded by the role of the media. The inconsistent and irresponsible role of the media in bringing out the right picture is to be blamed. It is the media, that takes the players to greater 'summits'. Thus, the fans are forced to go through a great deal of emotional travails, thereby bringing in both dreams and nightmares with equal force. Thats where sport loses its magic, its charm, its unpredictability.................!!!! It turns morbid, and redundant while pushing the entire game into the background and bringing into the forefront needless and mindless discussions which are not only time consuming, but also not in keeping with the positive spirit of the game.

The World Cup-to decide the champions of cricket-happens once in four years and losing out in the process is a serious issue. However, it is not a case of life and death!! India and Pakistan may have made an early exit, but the game has to go on. Both the teams would need to start afresh with the goal being aimed at the next World Cup. There have been new teams showcasing their skills and they had a better day in the field. The need is to encourage their performances and give credit where it is due. The true winner is only the game, at the end of the day. Cricket's magic has to return and for that to happen, the fans need to be more understandable. As the people in West Indies tell you, "its afterall only a game maan"!! Only if they gave a helpful ear to the now-famous words of a great tennis icon at Wimbledon sometime back: when Boris Becker broke the silence at the press meet in 1985 after losing out to the little known Peter Doohan, "Nobody died, I just lost a tennis match!!" That is why no sensible fan should entertain the thoughts of drastic steps and in fact should direct their reactions/interventions towards issues which concern our daily life, of bread and butter than just a game of cricket.......................... This is the precise reason why yours truly will not jump into the Indian Ocean for the humiliating exit of Team India from its World Cup campaign even very-well knowing that they were the finalists during the last edition............................!!!!

P.S: While writing this, the death of Woolmer is growing murkier with each passing day. Even the can of bookie worms is being re-opened!! This is a script whose climax may never be known!!!!......................

On a Long Drive.......

As the clouds gathered and shrouded over the Sunday morning, sleep never withdrew from my eyes and mind......... Pulling my rajaai the body once again, I tried to forget the world outside.......every bit of it, including the impending Chinese language exam, which was hanging like the sword of Damocles.......... The cellphone suddenly bursts out with the Malgudi Days ringtone. No peace of mind, even on a dull and chill weekend........

But the news is interesting.........offer of a long drive to a wedding in Haryana, about 100 kms from Delhi. After initial reluctance to get out of the comfort zone, I decided to have a quick bath and tuck in some light brunch-for the regular breakfast time had already passed due to my over-sleep. Since living away from home for sometime now, the skill of automobile driving-that too a four-wheeler-seems to have got a bit rusty!! The vehicle for travel was an Alto, of Maruti. Not too complicated to drive around!! Getting onto the wheel accompanied by four others, the journey had started well. The car had just one deficit, which being the absence of a music stereo. Long route; sometimes plain highway and at times some bottlenecks in traffic. Moving away from the highway into the interiors!! The metalled roads giving way to cattle-tracks. Plus, the overnight rains bringing in slush and mud into the road!! driving at around 80 kms is no doubt a challenge. Stopping for chai and light refreshments at two three places, keep on asking people the correct location, and re-filling gas, the journey was memorable.

Reaching the destination just in time to see the ceremony, and being part of the grand feast was something more joyful. As soon as the things were done there, the return. Now through the state highway, watching the rain coming from a distance; through the midst of mustard fields, blowing the horns loud and clear; clearing the way for the car to race ahead at a speed of 80-100 km/hr..............another kodak moment!! The absence of music system was forgotten as each of the passengers sang their hearts out!!!! As the sticky rain continued with the car splashing through the puddles on the roadside, hits of Kishore-Amitabh flowed delicately......... As the dusk finally settled around, pal pal dil ke paas was the reverberating tune...........Finally after the day long journey ended with the vehicle entering the campus and the keys being handed back to the rightful owner, its time to end the role of the chauffeur. Some accolades from the fellow passengers, with pats on the back and praising words for being an expert driver, there are even promises of dinners!! As I walk back through the wintry night to get quickly under the quilt, there is a tune on my lips. May be the next marriage should ideally be in Agra.......!!!! Long Drive, another vehicle perhaps and another occasion to feast upon.......Hmmmmm, its really mouth-watering!! By the way, have the showers again started??

Watching Traffic Signal.............

Watching the movie Traffic Signal by Madhur Bhandarkar last week, has my mind more lighter. In the sense that, unlike his first two editions in the Mumbai trilogy, Page 3 and Corporate, Traffic Signal does state the obvious; however, it doesn't go beyond that. In the sense that, the film doesn't go on to say something new. The life at the signals in the metros of our country is well and truly reflected in the film. In fact, my take would be that under the given circumstances, this could only be the right way to produce it on the screen. However, it still is silent on the aspect that the character of Silsila-played by Kunal Khemu-can also be exploitative, wherein he opresses those under him. Here, he is generally portrayed as a messiah or as in the end, a kind of redeemer or kind of saviour. The movie's end is also one on predictable lines-going on to "wash off his sins"!! The other critiques of the film also stand-like no proper organziation of the characters, no soul-filling music unlike his earlier films in the trilogy nor any hard-hitting statements against the system or the way of things.

Hence, this film cannot in any terms be compared with his other two ventures. Page 3 and Corporate were strong statements on the times we were living in, particularly on the cosmopolitan life we generally feel cozy about. The hollowness of the life at the Page 3 parties as well as the rush to sell off public assets for a song do not necessarily match the life led by a big group of people at the numerous signals in the metropolitan cities. However, the most remarkable thing which the director has been able to expose the hierarchy exisiting within the system. The hafta taken from the people at the signals is taken over by guys like Silsila, who in turn are led by another perosn, who essentially acts as the middleman and takes the collection to the lord above. This lord is on the other hand controlled by the hawala transactions from outside the country's borders. This whole racket or ring is a huge one, which is thereby linked through a long chain. This chain link is effectively something 'cast in stone'!!!!

Overall the movie has a typical signature by Bhandarkar; but that signature is not on the same lines like in the past. It, on the whole is more lighter and much more 'out of the emotional bracket'.