DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

Nothing pervades the Indian mindset more than the platitude of being omnipotent, without ever making a logical evaluation of inherent weaknesses. It permeates the attitude and spirit as much as the spiritual perception of faith does vis-à-vis logic.

Perhaps, nothing demonstrates it more vividly than a ODI match, when everyone, root for a victory. A victory is celebrated passionately, bordering on mass frenzy, as though, a cherished goal in life is realized. But a very few are closely connected with the game as it is played. The celebration of the event is as effervescent as the anguish of a loss in similar contest. Indian-anglo writer Late Nirad C Choudhury described it almost very accurately, when he wrote, `fear in heart and desire (changed) in mind’.The most disturbing part of this attitude is deep faith in success, even under huge uncertainties -just like the game of cricket, which is avidly followed in the country like a religion.

The ` chalta hai ’ attitude epitomizes a perception of overconfidence, which connotes the typical approach to things, reflected in every aspect of day to day living.  Be it governance in policy implementation, reorganization of states, law and order, scams and corruption, opportunistic attitude of politicians, inflation, fiscal deficit, drain in foreign exchange, shrinking of rupee, boom in investment in gold, thriving free circulation of black money, social and economic plight of `aam admi’ , constructions compromising nature to vent its fury and last  but not the least, undertaking odious pilgrimage to perilous places against advice of impending devastation, betray a lack of seriousness in approach, contingent  planning, overemphasis on fatalistic outcome. It is the nemesis of our ambitions, which are also equally ad hoc and transient.

The fall out is apparent `national emergency’. Everyone tend to quarrel over the consequential aftermath, with a quasi-philosophical posture, without ruminating on the causes of perpetration. Why should we worry, if China gives us a frantic run for our money and we lag behind by a chasm! Do we need to ponder over seriously and come out to the streets like in Brazil for a much bigger cause than the triviality of a win in a ODI match, which might yet again cover up the scam and corruption that has eroded the credibility of the `gentleman’ game. And more worrisomely, each time such a match winning happens, it diverts attention from more serious and important issues that plague the nation and the nation drowns in the inebriating euphoria to forget the gnawing ignominy that hunger, privation and destitution could impact.

Wishing all the best for Indian Team in CT 2013 Final, as a true Indian.

Clueless Aussies vis a vis brawny Dhoni

The meek disintegretion of haughty Australian cricketers at Hyderabad made a very pathetic sight.Their urgent reverting to practice on a turning pitch on the residual time of fourth day and part of the fifth day,was metaphorically, like locking the stable after the horse had bolted.Anyway two Test matches are still to be played and the Aussies would certainly be very keen to restore some pride.

Indian cricketers are rollicking at the moment of glory and deservedly,so. But given the erratic record of oscillations between resounding victory and ignominious defeats,there has to be a word of caution always. These victories are convincing and glimpses of an emerging new resurgent team India is noticeable,which augurs well for the future.But the victory should not make the cricketers too relaxed and complacent to forget that every other day in the field against a strong opponent is another fresh day of trial and tribulations and there is nothing like resting in peace ever after a win in international sports as it is fiercely competitive.

There has to be necessarily a review of the physical fitness of every member of the team, to imbibe the standard like that of the fighting fit Tendulkar, even in the twilight years of his remarkable career.Fielding and running between the wickets have scope for improvement.Saving runs by alert and dedicated applications and stealing runs under the nose of opponent fielders is an art,provided the fitness level is superb.In a highly competitive sport every trick in the trade and improvisations are important to flummox the opposition.It was not a pleasant sight to find fielders in the silly point and short leg position,stretching themselves or looking the other way even before the ball came, instead of diving instinctively to grab sharp half chance of a catch.Since our attack is spin based,this extraordinary art is essential for effective grip on matches.The ilks of Solkar and Johnty Rhodes are rare to find but a level of high competency in, at least one to two fielders in these specialist areas can not be over emphasized.It is a hazardous task but every professional sport has nothing less.

Dhoni,s brawny way of handling the opposition attack has given the Aussies a taste of their own medicine of the physical side.He has also tricked them to believe that field gaps were left unwisely, for batsman's exploitation and manoeuvering,which was indeed a ploy to the lurking nemesis against the tweaks of the turning ball.Bravo,so far, but farther to go a long way to stamp authority. Dhoni must not allow reservations against any player to under utilise  them to the detriment of team and national interest.International cricket pitch is not the best place to settle personal scores.

Star war

The DRDO scientists are understandably very pleased over the successful testing of BMD in simulated and real arena in the exo-atmosphere and endo-atmosphere range respectively. Already nations with ICBM capability have this protection umbrella against perceived attacks. India is the freshest member of the club. Well, in a world where intolerance and dominance is a game of the high and mighty, whose ambition is to subjugate countries and nationals, having national security -offensive and defensive, both is more a necessity than  luxury- as it is immensely cost prohibitive for a developing nation like India. The bitter experience of past 65 years of independence though does not imbibe confidence, as devious neighbors keep on tweaking and twisting things to raise security concerns. It is more out of defense concerns that necessitates a drive for these contrivances.

Some of the scientists described the testing process as an action scene from star war. Given the computer game obsession of the gen next kids, they would happily recreate the simulation exercise. Let us hope that as a very late entrant in to the club, our efforts are comparable to other club members and it is not a computer game stuff.

Stoic RBI

RBI in its latest review of monetary policy,has done nothing more than providing some liquidity and it is in fitness of things.Given the strident clamoring from the industry lobby and government's tacit inclination to facilitate the same, has not derailed the RBI from the economic logic.It is indeed surprising that when the industry lobby has already cornered many of the common wealth of the nation like minerals,natural gas, water,power etc., why there should be so much insistence for downward revision of interest rate.

The benefit of such concession never reaches the common man as there is no additional creation of job or any social impact of the additional profit generated by the corporates. Well,of course,some of our supper rich industrialists retain or enhance their Forbes standing. How does that mater to the teeming million, who are in the look out for a balanced life of something to eat,some shelter to live and keep healthy and happy in the polluted environment created by the clutters of industrial growth.There is no gain saying that lack of growth is bigger pollutant ,unless  growth is  impacting living of the not so well to do,distinct from lifestyle changes among the well to do.Funnily enough a good percentage of the well to do ,do struggle to keep their financial status steady, with the incessant affront of sky rocketing prices,which increase at the drop of a hat by the mandarins in governance.

Some occasional sensibilities do cross the minds of people in governance,though the same is used as a matter of opportunism than sincerity - the repayment credibility of common man availing small loans.How much effort has been made by the government to educate the people at large to strongly build up this healthy loan repayment culture vis a vis debt waiver as part of vote bank politics and to plug the escape routes for the big defaulters? Otherwise the owners of KFA ,DC ,SI etc. would keep on flaunting their ill gotten financial supremacy to mock the hapless lot.If the banks can afford to absorb big defaults ,why not the government think in terms of offering a better pay packet to the bank officers in the middle and higher management,the least paid among PSU/government organisations, with one of the highest professional risk and responsibilties.

The cautious approach of RBI is quite understandable in view of the not so comfortable inflationary pressure and  no palpable will or discipline on the part of government to control expenditure and hence any promise to reduce the fiscal deficit could not be accepted on the face of it.Industries have to globally compete within the existing financial frame work instead of resorting to devious methods to evade tax and stack money in foreign banks for perennial comfort.Let them utilise the same fund for growth ,if they are really concerned.

English Vinglish

Movie: English Vinglish

Starcast: Sridevi, Adil Hussain, Mehdi Nebbou

Director: Gauri Shinde

Vinglish English,  reversible is V for 'veritable' and E for 'entertainment'- a connoisseur's delight, like the much acclaimed 'Laddoos' dished out by 'Shashi', so effortlessly in the movie. It is a classic social comedy  rebutting the popular perception of  "ghar ki murgee - dal barabar".

 The storyline, diction, direction, dialogues, histrionics, and settings in the backdrop of fast paced American life with Indian brakes are perfect to the 'T'. The cast could not have been better.

The easy narration evolves around the travails of an Indian housewife, marginalised by her nearest and dearest, and the butt of more jibes than jokes in the context of multilingual constraints.

The resolve and determination of the lady to correct the perspective, more out of a need  for  personal convenience, turns out to be  societal credential. She neither compromises her culinary passions nor transgresses the social moorings in doing so.

 The lively  portrayal of 'Shashi' by, no less a veteran thespian than the irrepressible Sridevi  is magnificent, almost true to life. The visible streaks of maturity in her face has romanticised the effect. 

The subtle message that a woman with some passion and a lot of determination can redeem her status in the family, in a highly dignified manner and the family members must learn to respect the implicit latent talent of the lady of the house,which can surface at opportune times, is driven home effectively. Kudos to all concerned in making such a nice movie out of a routine, yet ignored chore in the family set up. Recommended for viewing the movie by all in a 'theatre' to enjoy the impacting punch.