Happy Independence Day!

From being a country of 14 provinces in 1947 to a country of 29 States and 7 Union territories, mother India has come a long way. 

But why has our patriotism invariably become seasonal is for everyone to wonder. Republic Day and Independence Day are when our patriotism strikes high. We can do something about it, to remember our soldiers who fight day in and day out, even die in the battle to protect our country and us. Let's just take a couple of minutes everyday to salute them, thank them just as most us do to their loved Gods, for these are men who are gods in disguise. 

And it's time we all knew what our National flag symbolizes. The tri-color stands for courage and sacrifice, peace and truth, faith and chivalry which are apparent traits to be good men and women. Let's stick to it. 

Independence is a state of being and for what may seem the right to it, can only be accomplished when there is no one who gets to sleep hungry and when the society turns corrupt free and when the country itself becomes a safer place for our women. 

Indo-Pak, India-China and what not. There's no mean way to change neighbors, let's work towards peace, tolerance and love. Let's hope. Let humanity prevail!

In dependence with each other, let's sustain!

Happy Independence Day!!!

Vintage Yuvi is back!

He was googling the middle of his bat, struggling his way to 2 off 9 balls, quite reminiscent to the pain staking 11 off 21 balls in the World T20 final against Sri Lanka. Those hardcore fans of Yuvi did not want a repeat. Those hardcore Indian fans did not want a repeat. As it turned out, there was no repeat. Just the Vintage Yuvi we've all known. He obliged to the expectations as he has does more often. As though rousing from a deep sleep, Yuvi pounced on the first two balls of the final over, flicking over backward square leg to the fence before pounding a six into the heaving crowd at midwicket. That rather brought much relief to the indian fans and Yuvi alike.

 

On his return, Yuvi has impressed while carrying out whatever he role he has been asked to play. He manned his area well in the field and put up an improved bowling display, which turned the match on its head. A part-time bowler as most call him, Yuvi brought the house down at the MCG by outfoxing ‘Big Show’ Maxwell on his home turf, the second time in 2 games in crucial overs where Australia would have fancied their chances with their most devastating batsman.

 

For now, even though we cant be so sure, Yuvi the finisher, the match winner seems to be still around there expected to make his way into the World T20 next month.  Let's hope for some Yuvi magic and a repeat of the 2007 World Cup.

 

- DC

Getting everyone to recycle waste

Vani Murthy is trying to get 10 lakh citizens to take a pledge to not send any organic waste to dump yards for a week but compost it instead

Trying to understand means to involve the community in recycling plastic and paper took her to a landfill. The visit to the landfill on the city’s outskirts had such an impact that Vani Murthy decided then and there to not send any waste from her house to the landfill. Thus began her journey with promoting segregation of waste and composting.

The 54-year-old resident of Malleswaram is now trying to get 10 lakh citizens in the city to take a pledge to not send any organic waste to the dump yards for a week and compost instead. The project — Swachagraha — will be launched next month.

The project is being promoted by the Solid Waste Management Round Table, of which Ms. Murthy has been part of since 2008.

“The idea of the project is to get people to realise that it is not difficult and that it is an easy way to bring about a big change,” she said, and added that all those who take a pledge are given a simple kit.

There are many reasons for not segregating waste and composting at home that range from bad smell to lack of time. But there are two reasons why everybody should do it, she said. “Firstly, composting at home gives one the opportunity to grow vegetables and bring back healthy food on the dinner table. And secondly, it makes one respect the environment, which is a great thing for the future of the planet,” she explained.

Irrespective of the space available, everybody can take up composting at home. Just segregating waste and composting for week is enough for people to realise that it can become a lifelong process.

“There is nothing more fulfilling than growing your own vegetables and knowing that you are not adding to the garbage that is polluting some place. It has been a very fulfilling and fun journey. With more people signing up for the Swachagraha project, hopefully Bengaluru will become a model for other cities,” Ms. Murthy added.

Projects she was involved with:

1. Cleaning up of the voters’ list for one booth in Malleswaram, which resulted in high voter turnout in 2007

2. Was part of Bala Janaagraha where in schoolchildren were taught about importance of civic participation

3. Member of the Solid Waste Management Round Table since 2008; and promotes composting and urban farming

Suggestions for the government/BBMP:

1. Enforce segregation of waste at source

2. Bring in a uniform system for collection of waste and scientific disposal

3. Ensure that dry waste doesn’t leave the ward and reach the landfill

Suggestions for citizens:

1. Understand that landfills are not the solution

2. It is our duty to segregate the waste that we generate

3. Bring health back to your family by starting to compost organic waste at home and growing your own vegetables

 

Courtesy: The Hindu

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/getting-everyone-to-recycle-waste/article7777880.ece?ref=sliderNews

World Cup glory beckons!!!

And the world cup season is nearing its business end. it is only fitting that the world's current top teams are set to battle it out for the glory. Between New Zealand and South Africa, they have been in 9 semi-finals and haven't won a game yet. Whereas both India and Australia have tasted success at highest levels more than any other teams ever have and find themselves in familiar territory with crunch games. so it all comes down to the cliché- "who can hold the nerves and play well that day". 

Interesting contests can’t be overseen here. 2 typically attacking captains and probably the most dangerous batsmen in world cricket - Mccullum and de villiers would steam it out to make it to their first final in cwc. Insane swing of boult vs breath-taking stroke play of de villiers. The fury of Steyn vs the audacity of Mccullum. The canny spin of Vettori vs the might of millers and duminys. It’s really gonna be worth the prices for the audiences. 

And then, there are 2 composed captains who have their own subtle way of bringing in a calmness into their teams, fight it out to see who comes out on top. yet again. MSD vs Clarke. Rohit & dhawan against Starc & co. Shami vs Warner. Verbal duels and heated battles on field. Can't get any better these 2 semis. Recent records certainly weigh in favour of the Aussies but India's new found energy and rhythm could hurt Clarke's men. Heart says India. But would definitely want to see either of NZ or SA lift the trophy for its time they did with the talents they possess and I certainly love both de villliers and Baz. Hopefully nature doesn't throw its bad spell against SA again. Lets keep our fingers crossed and wait for a week’s time to know who its gonna be!!

- DC

MODIfication - The change we all hoped for!!

Rarely has any world leader come full circle the way Modi has. Denied a U.S. visa for nearly a decade for his handling of religious riots that broke out in the state he then led, Modi recently fled into New York to an overwhelming reception - as an immensely popular leader and a sought-after strategic partner. 

There has been a notably huge void in the whole democratic system - the element of trust that had eroded particularly in recent years as negligence both at the Centre and state level, had caused a loss of public confidence at a time when the expectations of the people were soaring. Modi with his enthusiastic and careful approach is essentially calling for a revival of the trust between the government, business, society and other institutions. This is the most critical element in restoring faith in the minds of people. A ray of hope and revival of sorts is so vital in building the economy. Hope the PM lives up to his words of bringing a better future. Hope for a better INDIA!

Almost as soon as Narendra Modi became prime minister of India, words spread around rapidly about the increasing level of apprehension on true India. Of course the growth of Gujarat had people believe in the man and led him to the throne. One would not quarrel much of what has recently been unleashed by the PM - Make-in-India campaign, a lion's step, as quoted by the PM himself. The driving of this project and restoring India's place in global manufacturing comes as a highlight. Sought to inject a new optimism among businesses and improve the economy through streamlining of sectors across the country, this campaign promises much. To succeed, the PM must bring about fundamental changes in the economy and steer a stable course in a country prone to conflicts.

Big Vision. A Better India. All it takes is a Change. Hopefully the man - Modi is the change. Let's be hopeful.

- DC

MSD, the magicain at work!!!

Here's the one who negotiates the 22 yards like 64 squares. 

Cricket means a lot to Indian fans. While we normally go berserk in celebrating hard earned victories, the celebrations turn manifold when it comes against an Aussie side or Pakistan for whatever reason it may be. Yet it is, but a wonder when we get to see MS Dhoni react to wins, be it in an international game or an IPL game. A subtle smile and a mild sense of relief is all what we get to witness from our captain cool. 

But I'm sure none of us would have missed on noticing that extra enthusiasm in his celebration after India wrapped up the second test against the Aussies a couple of months back at Hyderabad (of course we had once witnessed an outburst from the captain when he led CSK to an improbable win against Kings XI in IPL 2010 which was an exception). What normally would be a smile followed by the uprooting of a stump for his souvenir collection turned out to be quite fan like. The reason - it was extra special. He pumped his fist in celebration and exchanged hi-fives, he showed it meant a lot to him too and it certainly did. With that victory, he became the most successful India Test captain. Some may have found it hard to believe (as a hardcore fan of Dada, I did), but he surpassed Sourav Ganguly's record of 21 test wins. 

Over the course of his career, "the Captain Cool" image seems to have run out. Not that he has lost his cool now but then a transformation to being a committed leader has taken fore. A visibly pro-active, attacking and more involved leader who seems to be reinventing himself at every turn with both captaincy and the bat. The circumstances off late have forced Dhoni to discover a more urgent, inspiring manner in which to lead this young Indian cricket team. Under any situation, he doesn't disclose too much which would let opposition know about what's going on in his mind. I just doubt if his own teammates have any idea of what he's thinking. He has probably got the best cricketing brains around which we so often hear from most cricket experts. Captaining, batting at death, standing up to pace bowlers; he does it all and yet excels in his own way and lets all his critics in awe. 

Over the last couple of years or so, Dhoni has wielded his willow tremendously under pressure to win matches for not just India but also for his side in the Indian Premier League. It is so astonishing to witness his ability to score winning runs in dying moments of the matches, when all chips are down. As a one off it is remarkable enough, but the fact is that Dhoni keeps doing this time and again - in ODIs, in IPL matches, even in world cup finals, and the stage doesn't get any bigger than that. You watch him and marvel at his skill and bravado and unrelenting consistency. There is this total certainty in his body language, which is intensely reassuring to his team-mates and utterly demoralizing to his opponents.

While chasing down big totals, he often chooses to leave it a little late (getting things too close for comfort) or we may think so but the fact remains that he makes his final assault then and leads his side to victory with his typical calmness. (Giving a glimpse of hope of a win for the opponents and then snatching it right away seems a bit cruel though). Many critics have stressed on finishing things off early but that doesn't deter MSD from what he does best. Wait and strike a late assault. And if you think he does it to only bowlers of little reputation; you are mistaken. He has done it to the best in business. The Malingas, Steyns, Andersons, Ajmals... have all got their share from him.

There is an inevitability in what he is going to do. All his opponents exactly know what his intentions are. And yet they seem inert, and he is unstoppable, almost invincible, fueled as he is by the power of positive thought and calmness which is bound to cast the opposition in utter stress. He is a magician wagging his wand not only on his fielders but also on the minds of his haters. He turns them all into liking him over the course and he does it with a touch of elegance which is not a feature of his batting. You can but admire him for what he is and what he does in the cricketing field. 

For time to come, lets hope his magic continues to take Indian cricket to great heights.

- DC