Thinking aloud

Till recently, I was quite content to give a slip to all the festivals and celebrations. My life style allowed me to stay aloof on such occasions and at best I would update the blog, send some sms on those days. But now I am in a completely different situation. But now, all the festivals come to me, pushing me to the midst of colors, sounds, smiles and happiness. Yes, it is a joyful experience, one I wish will continue… Happy Holi to all….

For we have waited for decades.. We have been dreaming about this, the ultimate humiliation for the Aussies in the hands of our cricket team. In the second half of 90s, we were enthralled by the GOD, Tendulkar, when he gave night mares to the likes of Warne, McGrath, Gillespie etc. We cherish the times when Dada made the Aussies wait for the Indians in the field, when Dravid, Laxman and Bhajji vanquished them at the Eden Gardens. But every time we were routed down under, a billion hearts bled. Now Dhoni’s team has done the unthinkable by white washing the test series for Border-Gavaskar trophy. Admittedly, this Australian team is the weakest I have ever seen. The pitches were Indian, as you should expect when you come here. The Delhi pitch was a nasty surprise for the batsmen. However, I enjoyed the rare sight of bowlers calling the shots on a cricket pitch, for a change. Dhoni has put in place a good bunch of youngsters, so much so that we didn’t miss the belligerent Viru a...

The defense minister has today informed the Parliament that the attack on an Indian Army patrol in January, in which one soldier was beheaded, was carried out by Special Services Group of Pakistan Army along with terrorists affiliated to LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad. Mr. Antony has also said that such ceasefire violations are approximately retaliated through return of fire/protested through established mechanism of hotlines, flag meetings and Director General of Military Operations Talks etc.I wonder what the country has gained through these ‘retaliations’. In fact, there have been many recurring incidents involving the island neighbor Lanka, which makes one wonder how casual is the Indian government in dealing with grave challenges to the value of Indian citizen’s life. The manner in which the Italian marines and the Italian government have hoodwinked the Indian government reminds me of the other famous Italian fraudster, Quattroci. The Congress party has allowed them to escape...

Dear PM, you should realize that the ordinary Indian does not care about your numbers any more. We know that some thing is amiss when: ·          Nasty surprises have greeted us while we go to the vegetable shop, for the last two years and more. ·          We have to shell out more at the petrol pump and are surprised there also, now on a monthly basis. ·          When rupee and our own miserable lives are the only commodities that have got cheaper in recent times. ·          When every time you announce some grand project or package, we can’t but wonder how many millions are pocketed by your colleagues, middle men and corporate fraudsters. ·          When the smaller countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives and Srilanka are becoming increasingly hostile while your Gover...

I am amazed to see many reports/write-ups/opinions coming out voicing concern over the kind of trial that Afzal Guru received and also on his execution process. Without going into the merits and demerits of the arguments, I would only say that it is a bit late for these tears to flow, now that the terrorist is no more. India’s notoriously slow justice system ensures that the accused has more than enough time to present his case elaborately. In this case, the convict was on death row for such a ridiculously long time. Where were all these wise men till now? Having said that, I would like to see the body of Afzal Guru handed over to his family. When New Delhi can hand over the body of Pakistani soldier with full state honor, why can’t we do it in this case (sans state honor, of course)?

Today has been one of the happiest days of my life. Can you guess why?? You got it wrong!!! It is not about romance or love, this Valentine’s Day. I am over the moon because my best friend has been blessed with a baby boy. It happened yesterday night and I saw the sms this morning. I am eager to see the baby and am planning a Chennai trip next week. Here is, wishing everyone a delightful Valentine’s Day…

The Indian Government has done the right thing by hanging Afzal Guru. This would send out right signal to those who are out to attack us. However, the government has to show more consistency and urgency while dealing with such threats which operate from both within and outside the country. It can not be seen as arbitrary and inert. At the same time, the frequent instances of intolerance from various sections across the country and from the government seeking to control the freedom of expression are a worrying trend. Anyway, Afzal’s hanging was a long pending task. Better late than never…