Cricket: The Religion taught by the English

India is a cradle of religions. Religious diversity makes India a unique nation with umpteen problems surrounding religions. This is because Indians are passionate about the religion they belong. It gives each one his/her own identity. Cricket is a unifying factor for India. Everyone adores cricket. Cricket makes people overlook their religious disparities. The only one thing that can unite Indians is Cricket, because it crosses the boundaries of religion, caste, creed, nationality, and colour.

Origins of Cricket go back to the Dark Ages, after Roman Empire and before the Normans invaded England. Game was played from an old and uncomplicated pastime entertainment by which one player served a wooden piece or a ball and the other player hit with a club. We have no apposite evidence for this. But during the time of the Tudors, cricket evolved far enough from club-ball to be recognisable game as it’s played today and was played in many parts of Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. There are a few smidgens of Cricket being mentioned in Florio’s Italian-English dictionary in 1598. In 1676 British residents in Aleppo, Syria appeared to have played cricket first time abroad. After which cricket became a leisure time sport for the English. Therefore, world owes England for its foundations.

India should be ever indebted to English for introducing cricket through the British Raj. Cricket came to India through the “British East India Company”. The company founded the city of Madras in 1661, an important passage for the British merchants. In 1661, the company acquired Portuguese territory, including Bombay. In 1690 Anglo-Mughal treaty allowed English Merchants to establish business in Calcutta. These above places became major cricket centres and the interest for cricket grew among the native people. Calcutta Cricket and Football club is seemed to have existed since then.

 

English Sailors from the company appeared to have chronicled in 1737 that the First class cricket was played in Cambay, near Baroda in 1721 for the first time. Officially in the year 1893 Indian cricket was given the first class status. In 1889-90, the first ever-foreign team to play in India was the English team led by George Vernon. And in 1892-93, two seasons of first class cricket was played between Europeans Versus Parsees in Bombay. In the same season Lord Hawke led the English team to play four first class matches in Poona.

It is needless to say that the cricket in India has grown leaps and bounds in the last century and India has been added with laurel in the form of World Cup in 1983. More importantly, cricket marries the hearts and minds of Indians, irrespective of their religions. This has impacted colossally on religious tolerance. Ruptured India apparently unites under one religion called “Cricket.” Hence, we Indians are incredibly grateful to the English for leaving the legacy of cricket. Thank you Britain. Let the power of sports unite the minds and heart of people to make this world a better place without any discrimination. 

The Iron Lady: What we think we become

The most awaited movie, "The Iron Lady" is named as the best British movie of the month. It is indeed a great movie with Meryl Streep playing the key role of Baroness Margaret Thatcher. A gargantuan credit to Meryl who is aptly nominated for the Oscars' best actress award. I am immensely elevated at her fabulous and magnificent cast of the Lady Maggie. The script writers have done an incredibly tremendous job in portraying Margaret as an important person in the British political history. This movie will certainly cast a tremendous light into an era marked by male chauvinistic ideologies and way of life. The "Thatcherian" (as I would call) era was on roller coaster right bring the beginning of her career as a young charming lady. Her rise and fall builds the British political history on even stronger note. She rises as a saviour of the people of the time bringing some ruthless reforms in the economic health of the country. As we all very well know, how her modern dictatorship axes the poor and the rich in an egalitarian way through her robust tax reforms, for which she is criticised even to the date. She makes an enormous contribution to the conservative party which was almost in the dungeon by losing the election consecutively. Therefore she becomes an icon in an era marked by political turmoil and political imbroglio. Of course not forget some her worse decisions as Prime Minister of Britain, particularly war to acquire Falkland Islands. This was the only important achievement she has in her cap but most people would say it is evil. The famous words, "this is war which they have begun and we will finish it..." rippled across the world as a fierce and arrogant lady.

Apart from the political life of this great leader of the conservatives that is depicted in the movie, there are other several intricate but illuminating factors that exhibit Baroness Thatcher as humane, loving, ambitious, motherly, caring person in the world. When her father Mr Roberts', a grocer becomes an important figure in his constituency, she learns the trick of the trade from her father. Despite many jeer and mockery from her friends she grows up to be a different than the rest. She prefers not to imitate others in her way of life. When she was selected to go to Oxford she becomes extremely happy for her father was just a grocer. In her early days in the politics, she was mocked by the party members which was dominated by the men. Women most remained in the kitchen with a taboo that women should confine to the four walls. This makes Margaret extremely nerve wrecking and then on she sets out to challenge her own party members. It is at this time she meet her would be husband Dennis. She then on persevered in politics so much she becomes the PM of Britain two times in row. This shows her tremendous ambition to achieve something different. Her famous response to Dennis when he proposes her to marry her, that should thrill and enkindle women today are, "I love you so much, but I cannot remain in my husbands laps and only be romantic to take care of her children, and more importantly I don't want to remain home and wash dishes, and tea cups." I am sure this will fire women who are looking for identity in our world.

Family becomes an enormous support for Margaret Thatcher. When her own party members try to knife her from the back, her ever loving husband back her up and brings charm in her life. In return Margaret loved her husband every inch. She loved children Mark and Carol so much she even at the old age she imagines that her son calls her and talks to her. Her husband was the only inspiration for her in her political career. Actually, when she loses her first party election quite badly her then lover Dennis hugs and gives a assurance which lays foundation to her political career. Sadly her husband died recently and she still cannot come to terms with that fact. I was moved when her daughter says to her when she asks for her husband, "your husband is dead, and you are no more Prime Minister." This shows her family affinity and commitment. I am sure every family in this world should take their example and live for each other despite being different. It was not easy for Dennis to live with a dominant woman Thatcher but he loved to the end.

Margaret Thatcher was a caring person to a large extent. Despite her bad decision to war against Argentina in regards to Falkland Islands in which thousands of young soldiers lay their lives in the battle, she feels sorry for the lives lost, and sheds tears in her office thence she writes letters to every family of the soldiers killed in the war. She expresses her deepest sorrow with a hand written letter. I felt this gesture was very moving, for herself and for the families of the dead soldiers. This shows how caring she was. There are other instances too where she shows her motherly love not only to her children but to the public. At one point addressing the people she says, 'I will surely try to live up to your trust and confidence.'

Lastly, to conclude in her own words, "With all due respect, sir, I have done battle every single day of my life and many men have underestimated me before. This lot seem bound to do the same, but they will rue the day." I am sure life of Margaret Thatcher will inspire many women and men to sail through the rough currents of life and come out with flying colours. Every battle we fight in our lives is a stepping stone to a great success which is far or near. 

Another important quote from her that moved me is, "Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become...habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become. My father always said that, and I think I am fine." Indeed what we think we become. This quote is favourite of mine at all times. Let us rise, its time to put great into not only Great Britain but put Great into Great world. 

Jealousy: A love bed of burning snarl

A teenager approached me to discuss about jealousy. It was an obvious factor of concern in the teenagers. This teenager expressed her uneasiness and disappointment at her friend who apparently was avalanching jealous feelings towards her because this teenager was doing extremely well with due adulations from her teachers and friends. This had worsened their relationship further. They could talk to each other in the same way they used for their friendship had overshadowed with the a concept or state of mind called "jealousy". Both teenagers had some serious problems and this had lead them to fight verbally and eventually physically. It was clear that the the teenager was in need of some sympathy which I poured out to her in abundance. This had made a clear impact on her and her jealous friend. She is still working on her dissipated relationship with her friend. 

I was trying to unravel the mystery behind this "state of mind" as I would call it. Every state of mind is pre-meditated and solely works on the experiences of an individual. Sometimes this state comes in a subtle way where an individual finds difficult to sift the movements of the inner conscience. This is nothing but "a disoriented conscience" as I would call it. Jealousy works in different segments in a subtle way and tries to creep into one's own conscience both with awareness and without awareness. This develops into a process where an individual gradually develops an aversion towards the jealousee, which of course leads to an complete breakdown of relationship. Here two good friends or good couples can become good enemies as it happened in the hitherto case. 

Main question comes to our mind is, why does one feels jealous towards the other? We have to keep in mind there are two persons involved in this process. Both are culpable in the process of jealousy, but I would and you would place weight of culpability on the person who feels jealous. The big problem lies on the person who is jealous and not the person who one is jealous of. There are several reasons why one feels jealous, but let me just mentions some of them.

1. Lack of self confidence: The main cause of the jealousy is that one doubts one's own abilities and skills. One compares with the other in a mere cut throat competitive manner. If one is hundred percent sure of one's own abilities and skills (not good to compare) then why does one has bother with the other. 

2. Poor self image: If one feels that the other is more handsome and more intelligent, more better skilled, it is for sure that one is having a low or poor self image. This can prove to be right all the time because one cannot be best all the time. Hence one has to watch out for this temptation to compare. One has constantly strive to raise one's own self image.

3. Fear: Another important aftermath effect of jealousy that might affect the person is FEAR. Fear of being left alone, fear of being rejected, fear of losing the loved one, etc. 

4. Insecurity: The above mentioned causes, poor self image and lack of self confidence might develop into insecurity. Insecurity comes from one's own negligence of one-self. This is the last thing where one reaches the ultimate sphere of jealousy. 

It is true that we all feel jealousy sometime in our lives. It is very difficult to appreciate when someone does better than me. It is a challenge for some people because they have remained in a superficial level of confidence about oneself. This world is growing in a lights' speed, and people around us also cope with the speed that leads them to live in the context. Thus there will be always someone better than I am. We got to accept this and appreciate with a brotherly or sisterly concern. We have to remember the proverb, every dog has a day, the day might come I will be raised above cloud nine and day will also come I will brought right back to the dungeon. Therefore life is in a roller-coaster and jealousy will be a detrimental factor that disturb the whole process of human growth. We can learn to appreciate our fellow brother and sister irrespective of their intelligence, colour, creed, caste, age, sex, nationality, religion etc. 

Someone once said, "don't waste time in jealousy, sometimes you are ahead, and sometimes you are behind, so get on with life." Let me end with a quote from Robert A. Heinlein; A Competent and self confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity." 

Christmas in a manger in London

In December 1903, after many attempts, the Wright brothers were successful in getting their 'flying machine' off the ground. Thrilled, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: "We have actually flown 120ft. Will be home for Christmas." Katherine hurried to the editor of the local news paper and showed him the message. He glanced it and said, 'How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas.' He totally missed the big news-Man had flown!

It is always a thrilled and awesome experience to walk down the London's most busiest street, Oxford Street. This street illumines with colourful lights with exotic textures. One might wonder why all this pompous looking street. I liked to stroll along this street but when I plenty of time at hand because walking in a straight line is almost impossible for this street is filled with people to the brim. Sometimes I tend to get mad at someone who liked to draw their camera under my nose to capture this scintillating effects of light. One of my favourite time on this street is window shopping, partly to keep myself warm from biting cold outside and the shops are warm with heating on. I know I cannot afford to pay for pair of shoes £150, this would mean that I am simply poor in these shops. Prices are ridiculously high albeit shops bewitch you with colourful tags of 'sale'. Don't be wondering who buys in these stores? I am speaking from an average income country in Asia, but there are many people who are ridiculously rich who don't really know what to do with their money then to doll out in buying these expensive gifts. 

Christmas shopping is a common phenomenon in London. Everyone who I meet asks me whether I did Christmas shopping. I bought a netted jumper to keep myself warm. Now is this a Christmas shopping. In theory yes, but in practice no, because it keeps me warm. I liked to listen to LBC (London's biggest conversation) radio which has some of the interesting presenters like James Wales, James Payne who provoke the callers with mind boggling questions that affect the country as a whole and in particular some of the issues that affect some particular people. Recently there was a discussion on, charities helping homeless people in London to get a decent home, decent food, and decent clothes to keep one warm over the Christmas. Statistics show that one in many charities help nearly 3500 homeless people for about a week in London. London has most sophisticated system for the homeless which is supposed to provide shelter to the homeless and so called refugees. I do admire the noble help rendered by the government. But how come we have thousands of homeless sleeping in the streets and subways even though there is a system that caters to the homeless. I am trying to get my head around it. 

Christmas is the time when many of us exchange gifts, eat exotic food, go on holidays to a warmer country, and look for ways to squander money. This is all needed and its nice but have we forgotten the child Jesus whose birth we are celebrating or its just a reason to get all above mentioned. Are we like the local new paper editor who forgot that man ultimately had flown. Are we too busy building our own ghettos with Christmas trees, turkeys in the over, buying expensive gifts and so on? Are we just showing a blind eye to a person sleeping on the subway when we pass by him with colourful gifts in our bags? Many times we don't have to look for the homeless, we have just open our eyes and hears to look at their pathetic shivering with cold situation and hear their cry for help. It makes sad to see a homeless or needy person in this so called riches city in the world. Let us hear small little voice in our hearts saying something to us when we see the needy during this Christmas. 

Who is greatest in the Kingdom of humans

What makes you great to the world, so much so that you become the ‘greatest’ of your times? Is greatness the title for those who become successful in their respective fields? Or is it that everyone who appears on TV has the chance of attaining greatness? Steve Jobs, who died fighting pancreatic cancer, being showered with so much love and respect raises this question.

While any celebrity has a right to an obituary, posthumous encomiums by way of comparison with other greats should not happen just because of the bankruptcy of a particular age in producing truly great individuals.

What defines Steve Jobs? The fact that he could make people go crazy about his company’s products?

If marketing is what makes you great, then our Indian politicians are the greatest, because they market themselves so well that even after their failures in one term after another, we keep voting them back to power. If making a new product is what makes you great, then there are many new products being invented everywhere in the world. Yes, the claim to launching the first personal computer goes to Jobs, but he was not behind its invention; he was the chief of the company that invented it. Any man heading the company that has a product to sell can do what he did.

To those who think he revolutionised cell phones, the fact is he just re-packaged his products by mixing up what was already out there in the form of already available gadgets/software like Blackberry, Palm, Windows, etc. A man becomes truly great for humankind and his passing away deserves mass mourning only if he has done something to better the lives of his fellow beings, overcoming personal greed and lust for power.

While all of us take our newborn kids to have ‘Do boond zindagi ki’, to save our kids from the life-crippling polio virus, very few would know why those life drops come for free. There are many other diseases, medication for which does not come even at a reasonable cost, forget having it free.

The man who invented the polio vaccine, Jonas Edward Salk, decided not to patent his invention. After seven years of rigorous research, when he had the chance to become a billionaire, much like Jobs did, he refused to do so. When someone asked him ‘Who owns the patent of the vaccine, he replied, ‘Can anyone patent the sun?’ In civilisation’s history of one individual bettering the lives of fellow humans, can Jobs stand anywhere close to Salk?

Jobs did not even eradicate poverty with the immense wealth he accumulated by selling his so-called great products, invented by scientists who worked in his company. Instead, he rather stopped all philanthropist activity by Apple in 1997, saying philanthropy can ‘wait until we are profitable.’ Today, Apple is one of the world’s most valued companies (sitting on $40 billion cash) and ironically, it is perhaps the only one in its category that has no philanthropic contribution worth talking about.

I don’t own any Apple product, and most Apple aficionados would accuse me of commenting on something that I don’t use. I am not commenting on the products he sold; I am commenting on the tears that are being unjustifiably shed on the death of a rich man. I am not taking anything away from Jobs as an entrepreneur, and the fact is that he was an inspiration for his company. But I find it difficult to accept the belittling of the very notion of greatness by bestowing it on those who worked for themselves and promoted the noxious idea that ‘profit motivates humans’, a theory that would have never given us the polio vaccine.

Written by Mr. Neeraj Thakur for Daily News and Analysis http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column_comment-steve-jobs-wasnt-great-he-wasnt-even-close_1596888

Why do WOMEN cry?

A little boy asked his mother, "Why are you crying?" "Because I'm a woman," she told him.

"I don't understand," he said. His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does mother seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason," was all his dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally he put in a call to God. When God got on the phone, he asked, "God, why do women cry so easily?"

God said, "When I made the woman she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world,

yet gentle enough to give comfort.

I gave her an inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times comes from her children.

I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going when everyone else gives up, and take care of her family through sickness and fatigue without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances, even when her child has hurt her very badly.

I gave her strength to carry her husband through his faults and fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

And finally, I gave her a tear to shed. This is hers exclusively to use whenever it is needed."

"You see my son," said God, "the beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart - the place where love resides."
Source: Facebook.

Sizzling Streets of London

"Do you have an extra cigarette", "Lets go for a drink", "How about a weekend", "Are you shy" are some of the expression that might fall into your ears when you try to dodge crowded streets of London. Not very often you hear them but you do hear them. They can really scare you when you hear them from some strangers. Why am I brooding over this without giving my readers a context? What do they signify? Who expresses them? 

One summer evening I was strolling along a busy street in Wimbledon. Street full of people pass through me with various intentions in mind. Illuminating yellow mercury lights and a touch of romance with wonderful smell of fragrance made my life bubbling. People rush to reach their purpose made me aware that this city does not have time to stand and stare at each other. This makes me rush even though I don't have to. When I was pretending to be rushing two beautifully dressed blondes adorned with fragrance and artificial jewellery whispered into my ever sharp ears, "do have a cigarette" which took completely with a scary surprise. First of all I don't smoke and hate when people smoke around me, making me passive smoker, secondly they were absolute strangers. I replied to them with a my intimidating pleasant smile, "I don't smoke." This was an icing on the cake for the girls because they felt I was a good man. As I walked pass them, they decided to follow me and whisper some more pleasant surprising things into my ears, like "are you shy" "where do you live" "you are so handsome" etc. By now I was absolutely sure that they were looking for more than a cigarette but ignorent me never new the language of this world in which I live. They were looking for a night with them. I just ignored them further and walked my way thinking about my own ignorance and lack of knowledge about the young people who go about doing what they like. I assumed that they were either young prostitutes who are desperate for money or some teenagers who just like to experience something from an adult or they could be anything, let me not run my imagination wild. 

London keeps me on my toes every minute, either studies or some extravaganza which is every day business for Londoners. But London streets really scare me because there can be anyone on the street who are like prowler looking to devour you. It seems like London is ever green with several activities that are going on in and around us but we have keep our eyes wide open and do the needful. Most often I think that London is a wonderful city for studies and it is right but it can be quite depressing too if you don't have money, like these two girls who approached me. One of the students I met said that she went for stripping not because she wanted to, but simply because she could not suppost her studies and her ailing mum. I presume that there are more students like this who go for the thing which they don't usually like to do but situation has lead them to do against their own interest and will. 

I think this is not only case of London but most cities around the world where young people try to meet their needs. Rise in college fees and rise in food materials has changed the situation of the young people in the world. Many drop out of college, some decide to take the path where they can get easy money like selling their skin and so on. How are we to respond to this perpetual problem of the youth? Does the government have any answer for this or its just doing what  pleases the politicians? I have not an answer to them but I do agree that there is a problem which will remain a problem until one day youth decide to take to the streets as it happened in August on London roads and as it is happening on Wall Street in America.