A note from my journal dated- June 16, 2006

I was reading the news online, with my cuppa in hand... And lo and behold, a news story catches my eye... Shashi Tharoor being nominated for the top job of the UN. I was grinning like no one can... It took me back to 2001, when I was in the second year of college, and was based in Cochin. My landlord was an ex-navy personnel. He used to subscribe to The Hindu then, just for me. I used to simply ignore the Sunday magazine, except for maybe the cartoons. Until one day in April, he pointed out to this article by Shashi Tharoor. It was such an eye catching article, and the language was definitely The Hindu standards. If I am not mistaken, it was on April 1st and the article had a good reference to the date as well. He also took a dig at the readers of The Hindu. Traditionally a part of South Indian household, the newspaper is held in high regard, and has this population of filter coffee drinking people who thrive only by reading The Hindu!

Coming back to the man of the moment, On that very first article he set straight the expectations people were to have. He talked about India and being an Indian. The heterogeneity thats so much India. And I vaguely remember a mention of an incident concerning Napoleon Bonaparte and a fate line... I was hooked line and sinker. He promised to be back after a fortnight. And even to this date, I wait for the Sunday when his column appears! It is an incredible feeling to read someone this savvy with words. And I thought it was just words on paper...

That was Until... The anniversary of St. Stephan's. That was the same day on which Pakistan was celebrating some event ( a thank you meet for the contributors who helped rebuild the country after an earthquake, If I am not mistaken). I was tuned in to watch what Mussharaf had to say. The man sounded so fake! He couldn't hold my attention for more than 2 minutes. I decided to switch channels and read up his speech the next day. This was until I arrived at the channel that was doing a live telecast of the Stephan's anniversary(centenary). Shashi Tharoor was speaking, reminiscing about good old college days, discussing the adda's (hangouts) and what not. One was a world leader, thanking supporters. Another was yet to be a world leader but had people eating out of his hands. Thats when I truly realized the power of words and the charisma required to be a true leader!

What I am saying is that he has the Charisma, Will, strength and character to lead the world into the future. Highly educated, humble, and capable, I wish to see him do the top job and hope to read more of his articles and listen to those amazing speeches.This is the kind of role model, we need. Heres wishing him good luck! And this is his quote about India and being an Indian:

"When you are in India, you know that it's your home. I have written in my last book, India from Midnight to the Millennium that in certain circumstances you can stand in the sun and feel whole again in your own skin. That's something I miss, whatever it's like, whether it's right or wrong, it's mine, I care about it, I can argue about it, I can try and change it: it's mine, I belong. I belong to India, and India belongs to me. I miss all the specific things that I can mention, but ultimately the thing that is lacking is the sense of belonging that you have when you are on your own soil. "

India What???

No, I am not a Rabid, crazy cricket fan. Yes, I am proud that India won. And this is probably going to be the only world cup victory we Indians are going to see for the next 25 years. Or maybe until another "chak de" is made. Is It?

Victory was supposed to be sweet for me. But alas, it was short lived. All thanks to my niece. Let me explain here. So, no one was watching the game at home, until I walked in and turned on the TV. I started screaming and panicking every time the Paki's hit Sreesanth beyond the stands. I died a million times that day. I swore that my children will not watch cricket if India lost the game. And after umpteen prayers, and NLP practices, India won. And everyone were ecstatic. I call my brother and we were both way too happy!

All until my niece came sat next to me. And my cousin asked " Do you think this was a fixed one?" I grinned and said " HELL no!" So, my niece looks and me and asked the dreadful " What is a 'fixed' match?" I winced and explained it to her. She was thoughtful for a while. And she asked " Like Chak De?" I grinned and said "yea!" And I mentioned something about "traitor". She went " Who is a traitor?" I explained. She then asked " were Indian players involved in match fixing?" I thought and said "Yeah." She asked "who" and I said " You know, Mohammed Azharuddin!" She looked at me like I had 3 heads or something. She asked " WHO?" I was in disbelief. I mean, whats with these kids! They don't know him?? There were a million thoughts in my head about kids, Current affairs, news and everything allied. She suddenly smiled. And I was relieved. Then she got up, and as a parting shot " He was a player from YOUR generation, right?" My jaws hit the floor. So, this is what it feels like to be old. I was in pain for some time and thought of my brother and how many times I have hurled it at him... Man, I din know that it felt like a punch in your stomach.

I Feel equally clueless about the new players. I grew up when Sachin was a rookie, Kapil Dev was playing, Shastri was still groovy, Boon was on, Crowe was heading NZ, Akram and Imran Khan were swinging the Paki's ahead... I mean, who would have thought that silly boys like Ajit Agarkar will play? Times have changed... Cricketing times... I hate to admit that my brother was right all along... No matter what, Azhar is the most stylish batsman.