Kapil Dev: The Forgotten Hero of Indian Cricket in World Cup 23

In the world of cricket, legends are born, records are shattered, and memories are etched in the hearts of fans. But what happens when the glitter and glamour of showbiz and politics overshadow the true heroes of the game? Well, it seems like we got a taste of just that during the World Cup 23' as Kapil Dev, the man who led India to its first-ever World Cup victory in 1983, was conspicuously absent from the VIP box. Instead, it was a star-studded affair, with film stars showing off their antics and politicians occupying prime seats.

As the World Cup unfolded, it felt like a Bollywood awards show meets a political rally, with the VIP box resembling a chaotic circus. The likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh (the reel hero who represented him on screen) were seen waving, blowing kisses, and even attempting a few signature dance moves. Meanwhile, politicians jostled for the spotlight and basked in the occassional limelight projected on screen boards. The whole spectacle made us wonder if we were at a cricket match or a Bollywood extravaganza!

Amidst all the glitz, lights, and glamour, it was easy to forget the real heroes of Indian cricket – Kapil Dev and Mohinder Amarnath, the captain and vice-captain of the 1983 World Cup-winning team. They were the Jai and Veeru of Indian cricket, the dynamic duo who etched their names in history, but sadly, they seemed to be forgotten in the midst of all the hullabaloo.

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has certainly embraced change when it comes to cricket stadiums. In their quest to make the game more entertaining and engaging for the masses, they've introduced cheerleaders, light shows, dance performances, and even DJs spinning tracks during breaks. While these changes have added a new layer of entertainment to the cricketing experience, one can't help but wonder if they've overshadowed the substantive part of the game.

Cricket is a sport that has always been known for its rich traditions and history. The sound of leather hitting willow, the tension in the air during a close run chase, and the roar of the crowd when a wicket falls – these are the moments that make cricket special. While cheerleaders and light shows are fun, they should complement, not overshadow, the core essence of the game.

The 'Jai Ho' chants and the dazzling display ironically reminded me of the 'Jay' who is running the show in BCCI now, not the Jai's of yore. Cricket is not just about the here and now, it's about respecting the past, celebrating the present, and nurturing the future. Kapil Dev and his teammates wrote a glorious chapter in Indian cricket history in 1983, and their legacy should always be acknowledged and honored.

So, as we continue to embrace change and modernize cricket stadiums, let's not forget the legends who laid the foundation for the game we love. Let's celebrate the Kapil-Mohinder era while enjoying the Bollywood-style entertainment. After all, in the world of cricket, it's the perfect blend of tradition and innovation that truly makes the sport a timeless classic.

Nana Patekar's Viral Video: The Price of Stardom and the Selfie Hunters' Circus

Greetings, fellow internet wanderers, and welcome back to our hilarious corner of the web! Today, we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind of chaos that surrounded the recent "Nana Patekar viral video" incident. You know, the one where our beloved star, Nana Patekar, had to defend himself against an unexpected intruder in the form of an over-enthusiastic fan. Strap in, folks, because this is one wild rollercoaster ride through the world of celebrity fandom!


It's no secret that our Indian celebrities have to pay a hefty price for their stardom – the constant nagging of fans and the relentless pursuit of the paparazzi. But this time, the price Nana Patekar had to pay came with a viral twist! The video was enough to send social media into a frenzy, with everyone and their aunties chiming in. Many slammed him for his "inappropriate behavior," but let's not jump the gun here, folks.


No one seemed to notice the little leech-on-a-celeb, aka the kid who decided to latch onto Nana Patekar without so much as a by-your-leave. Just because a star is in a public place, apparently, it's enough for selfie hunters to throw proper decorum and politeness out of the window and pounce on them. And of course, the star is supposed to oblige because, well, they are our entertainment providers, right?


When Nana Patekar finally slapped the boy, it was as if a bomb went off on social media. But guess what? Nobody bothered to question the boy's inappropriate behavior. I mean, come on, people! Who wants a random child hanging onto them like a backpack without consent? That's not a bonding experience; it's a restraining order waiting to happen!


Nana's subsequent statement did little to help his cause. But let's be honest, when you're bombarded by the paparazzi, and fans are climbing all over you like you're a human jungle gym, I doubt even Mother Teresa would maintain her composure!


The Indian public often raises their stars to dizzying heights, only to turn around and bay for their blood, holding them to the highest standards of accountability. They seem to forget that these stars are "one of us," common people who happen to be good at pretending to be someone else on screen. They can be just themselves and get annoyed by the silly things around – like random kids clinging onto them like they're a lifebuoy in the middle of a storm.


Social media, especially X (you know the one), was flooded with multiple tweets that all seemed to emphasize one thing: everyone wants a slice of the tamasha because it's free entertainment. It's like we've resurrected the Roman Coliseum, and the star is the gladiator while everyone else in the stands is baying for some celebrity blood. "Are you not entertained?!" they seem to shout while refreshing their Twitter feeds.

In conclusion, folks, let's cut our stars some slack. They may be famous, but they're still human beings who deserve their personal space and sanity. The next time you spot a celebrity in the wild, remember, they're not there for your amusement; they're just trying to buy some groceries or enjoy a meal in peace. And if you see a kid latching onto them, maybe consider helping the poor star out instead of snapping a viral video! After all, we're all in this circus of life together, aren't we?

European Vacation 2023 Musings

As the wheels of our Mercedes bus, earlier the proud carrier of the Czech football team, hummed along the road from Paris to Engelberg, we found ourselves at the threshold of Switzerland in the border town of Basel. Basel, a name synonymous with the stringent banking regulations that govern the financial heartbeat of the world, offered us a brief respite from our journey.

These highway havens, with their mini shopping complexes, are a traveler's oasis, complete with cafés and a plethora of shops brimming with everything from gourmet snacks to fine liquor. Operated by brands like Autogrill, they offer a slice of luxury with their complimentary washrooms—a rare find in a continent where a euro is often the price for relief.

As we veered off the Rhine's path, our bus nestled into the forecourt of a rest stop. Here, amidst the hum of transient lives, I encountered a cultural crossroad.

 

At this Basel town store (above), I picked up a can of beer costing three Euros and proceeded to pay the counter manned by a lady with African features but brownish skin color. She nonchalantly refused to accept the Euros and insisted on a Swiss franks. In many parts of Switzerland, the traded currency is Swiss franc even though Euros are accepted. While I was keen to get rid of the coins I was carrying. So I returned the beer can to her and had almost walked out of the door when the guy standing behind me said ‘Hey, just hang on a minute’. This guy appeared pretty normal, most probably one of the many motorists from Switzerland crossing the border.

After paying the cashier he carried the beer can along with his other stuff and handed it over to me. I gladly accepted and handed over the money. Nodding his head he said ‘No No No’….’ Enjoy your beer’ and just walked away. I was just dumbfounded! Beer is an important part of German culture and  is considered their national drink. I experienced a bit beer hospitality too!

This act of kindness from a stranger, a fellow patron who, with a simple gesture, reminded me that humanity knows no borders. He purchased the beer and, dismissing my attempts to pay, gifted it to me with a smile, embodying the generous spirit often found in the heart of Germanic beer culture. I stood there, momentarily stunned, a recipient of unexpected generosity

Later that evening, we checked into our hotel in Engelberg, located atop a hill overlooking the Swiss Alps nestled at the foot of Mount Titlis. We were slightly delayed as there was an unexpected stopover for checking as we entered the Swiss border. A police car just tailed the bus and without sirens or any communication conveyed the driver somewhat telepathically conveyed the driver to follow the car to a Garage. Here they tested the vehicle for structural integrity while they inspected all documents including the driver’s permit & license (who was a Czech national, a burly man who smoked whenever there was a break).  This unforeseen delay was a reminder of the meticulous Swiss attention to detail, from the structural integrity of our vehicle to the credentials of our Czech driver, a man as sturdy as the mountains around us.

As dusk painted the sky, we arrived at our hotel, perched like an eagle's nest on the hillside overlooking the Swiss alps. The hotel itself was an architectural marvel, connected by tunnels and lifts, a perfect blend of nature and design. My family and I, among the first to disembark, quickly settled our luggage and proceeded to the dining hall, where tables awaited, marked by colors for different tour groups.

Apparently, there was another Indian group checking in from another agency that night. As I were the first to enter the dining room, the lady receptionist at the lobby stepped forward and asked ‘Are you the driver from Kesari group?’ As I was squirming for a reply and looking for a way out, the hotel floor manager in a dark suit with a tie standing nearby overheard the conversation and took me to the side. Apologetically he said ‘ Sorry sir, the lady mistook you for the driver as you have some European features!’ much to my chagrin and bemusement!

This humorous twist of fate, where I found myself mistaken for a driver by the lady at the reception, a case of mistaken identity that was swiftly and graciously corrected by the floor manager. His apology, tinged with a hint of humor, was a gentle reminder of the diverse tapestry of European features and the amusing misadventures that travel often brings.

What makes Singapore successful?

Singapore is well known for many reasons, be its charismatic leader Lee Kuan Yew or its spotless clean surroundings, its reputation as a global financial hub, its impressive high rises, and tourist attractions all count among its charm. It was hard to miss all these vibes when I visited Singapore recently, and I wondered what makes them so successful? and soon after i got the answer in one of the incidents I encountered there.

Among the things I and my wife decided was to explore Singapore independently by taking off some time from the fixed tour schedule. This meant that we went on our own in the city buses and underground trains exploring malls, and roadside shops, and eateries. The buses are frequent there and it is easy to catch a bus around the corner (as owning a car is an expensive affair). The buses are somewhat similar to the Volvo buses that ply in Bangalore but much less crowded. Also, there is no conductor and you have to deposit the money and collect your tickets in a ticket vending machine next to the driver.

Before I get to the incident I pondered over the title and began watching Youtube lectures of Lee Kuan Yew (some call him a benevolent dictator) to understand his mindset. Here is what i realized

How Lee Kuan Yew steered Singapore from ‘a third world island into a first world oasis in a third world region’?

• He brought pragmatic solutions to the island nation, learning from the mistakes of world leaders like Nehru, Neyrere, Sukarno and others. One of the lesson he quickly learnt (in the 1960s) was that their policies of state intervention in developing their economies rather than bringing free market forces was failing them.
• He did not risk his country’s future on theories but practical ideas that worked. He did not want to create a new economy based  ‘on to port trade ‘ with their neighbours. He drew heavily from the ‘leap frogging’ strategy adopted by Israel . The fallout of the cultural revolution in China which peaked in 1979 has a fortuitous effect in bringing big IT investments in S’pore bypassing Taiwan and Hongkong. That helped start a economic miracle
• His reconstruction of S’pore was based on the pillars of economic viability (based on return on capital RoC maxim),  industrial peace-political stability and English as the working medium.
• To attract first world entrepreneurs and their cohorts to set up base in the island, he put in place upto date facilities in telecom & transportation, aiports and container terminals, personal and public security, first world health facilities, and a living environment equal to the first world. He also brought about peace between worker unions and their management to improve productivity
• He then made people change their habits & behaviour to match the first world infrastructure. This meant no spitting and chewing gums, clean public toilets, and no litter. He also took up 'greening' of the island with trees, palms, shrubs, flowers and creepers (which was one of the first thing that struck me while we travelled around the island). He involved the whole population in planting and caring for them

The incident

On the second day of the guided city tour, we left the group after dinner and decided to try the Singapore Flyer (a giant city wheel ride akin to that in London) on our own. The glass capsules give you a thrilling all-round view of the city and it is especially colorful at night (tickets cost us SD40 pp). After the 30-minute ride, we decided to take the underground train back to the hotel. It was around 10 in the night and we walked across the road and entered the downtown terminal, one block away. After a 500-meter walk inside the terminus cross to the far end, we had to go underground to catch the driverless automated trains.

Regular passengers carry passes or general tickets (of designated value) from the automated machines (GTMs). However, we did not have the tickets and without one the barriers wouldn't let us go underground. So I approached the Passenger Service Centre next to the entrance and inquired, operator said I had to take the $20 value tickets per person to go further. I told him that our visit was unplanned and buying the tickets did not make sense as we could hire a taxi for all three of us at that price. The man quickly understood my predicament and asked me to wait while he checked with his superior in the cabin. In no time he allowed us get inside through another gate, told us to go down the escalator, and gave us directions on how to go and take tickets at the nearest counter. 

The efficiency of the operator was astounding, in no time he had created an opportunity for us to travel by the MRT underground train. We did as were told and were able to catch the next train in a few minutes. This time it worked out a lot more reasonably at around $2 per person. We dropped off at a station called McPhersons and then took the city bus to the hotel. Even at 11 in the night bus was near full capacity. Everywhere the operators (whether it is the Bus drivers or MRT staff) were helpful, polite and efficient. It is embedded in their daily lives and attitudes there which makes an incremental and significant difference in the success of this tiny island nation.