India is in the centre of attention once again.
First the Ayodhya verdict, which thankfully has passed on quite peacefully and once again proved that democracy still lives on in good health in a country that is plagued by population problems. There was peace advocated in the Jummah sermons, while the victorious group has quite rightly demonstrated a controlled felicity to what has occurred. PC, the man famous for irresponsible statements has broken the habit of a lifetime by announcing something sensible on behalf of the Government. Kudos to the Judiciary and the powers that be, who have handled this with foresight and some would say proper neutrality.
Second, India and Australia are playing a test series(the Border-Gavaskar trophy) which is reason enough to be exciting if only it wasn't that short. But come to think of it, we might not even had a series in the first place and instead would have been pointlessly following seven inconsequential ODIs across the length and breadth of the country. It will be interesting to see how Dhoni and Raina adjust their game to the longer version after the heady high of winning the Champions League.
Next up are the Commonwealth Games New Delhi, a true proud moment for a nation that has made giant strides and takes one more leap of faith by hosting a global event. Despite all the controversy surrounding the event, I am really looking forward to this one. The pictures (wrongly,enviously and foolishly pointed by the naysayers as CGI) that are being released belatedly by our crappy media are spectacular. The facilities look world-class and showcases the might and influence that India now exercises in the world. Afridi, the ball muncher has made another ill-timed dig at Cricket India when he would be better off taking care of some urgent issues in his own team. Reminds me of the old Onida commercial - Owner's pride, neighbor's envy. Can't wait for the opening ceremony on Sunday.
On the personal front there is something special coming up after a week. Hopefully that will culminate in a delightful weekend and reignite the spark that has been missing for a while. Also Navratri starts next week which sends Jerseyites in a dancing frenzy - non-gujjus included. After leaving India, I have hardly felt, let alone celebrated Garba and Diwali or any other major Indian festival with enthusiasm. It just doesn't feel right here. But with autumn beginning to show its colors literally, the leaves beginning to say farewell to the trees before rustling to the ground, the heavens opening up more often, and the cooler refreshing weather, the timing is just about perfect to indulge in some heavy duty cultural activity.
Is it a good time to be an Indian , you bet it is.. and always will be.
First the Ayodhya verdict, which thankfully has passed on quite peacefully and once again proved that democracy still lives on in good health in a country that is plagued by population problems. There was peace advocated in the Jummah sermons, while the victorious group has quite rightly demonstrated a controlled felicity to what has occurred. PC, the man famous for irresponsible statements has broken the habit of a lifetime by announcing something sensible on behalf of the Government. Kudos to the Judiciary and the powers that be, who have handled this with foresight and some would say proper neutrality.
Second, India and Australia are playing a test series(the Border-Gavaskar trophy) which is reason enough to be exciting if only it wasn't that short. But come to think of it, we might not even had a series in the first place and instead would have been pointlessly following seven inconsequential ODIs across the length and breadth of the country. It will be interesting to see how Dhoni and Raina adjust their game to the longer version after the heady high of winning the Champions League.
Next up are the Commonwealth Games New Delhi, a true proud moment for a nation that has made giant strides and takes one more leap of faith by hosting a global event. Despite all the controversy surrounding the event, I am really looking forward to this one. The pictures (wrongly,enviously and foolishly pointed by the naysayers as CGI) that are being released belatedly by our crappy media are spectacular. The facilities look world-class and showcases the might and influence that India now exercises in the world. Afridi, the ball muncher has made another ill-timed dig at Cricket India when he would be better off taking care of some urgent issues in his own team. Reminds me of the old Onida commercial - Owner's pride, neighbor's envy. Can't wait for the opening ceremony on Sunday.
On the personal front there is something special coming up after a week. Hopefully that will culminate in a delightful weekend and reignite the spark that has been missing for a while. Also Navratri starts next week which sends Jerseyites in a dancing frenzy - non-gujjus included. After leaving India, I have hardly felt, let alone celebrated Garba and Diwali or any other major Indian festival with enthusiasm. It just doesn't feel right here. But with autumn beginning to show its colors literally, the leaves beginning to say farewell to the trees before rustling to the ground, the heavens opening up more often, and the cooler refreshing weather, the timing is just about perfect to indulge in some heavy duty cultural activity.
Is it a good time to be an Indian , you bet it is.. and always will be.
