School Days

At some sub-conscious level I feel that I'm just waiting for this rather adventurous summer vacations to get over before I go back to school again. Play cricket again. Get to say 'no' to work again. Not be accountable again.

I still remember the early days when I always used to look at the main gate during the lunch break just counting minutes before I'd be 'free'. Then school started becoming more and more enjoyable, not that I stopped faking illness to steal a leave. Summer Holidays were still eagerly awaited and the last week of the holidays was usually accompanied by a severe chest pain owing to the tremendous back log due to untouched holiday homework. But somehow it always worked out.

Then came the senior years and school became more important than home. There was no way we could miss out on anything what-so-ever. The career counseling began and it was time to 'make our dreams come true'. Well I don't know how that is turning out for most of us but the journey is always more important and the companions make it memorable. The battle continues and there's still hope to return to 'school' of some sorts.

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.
- Edward Kennedy

Its like a T20

If you think about it Life's like a game of cricket. When you're out of luck and the opposition is on Top, you got to just hang in there. In the process you might have to swallow your pride and get knocked down by a bouncer or two but you cannot and shall not give in.

Then, Slowly and gradually you come out of the corner due to sheer grit and well at that time that's all you've got. Then you start changing gears and the roar of the crowd grows with you and they start to go bonkers... why ? Because you're on FIRE. You're doing which at one point was out of question. You've defied destiny and what people do when they see a mere mortal defying what at one point seemed like god's will, Just go watch a match.

'Hope Springs Eternal'

Yes I am High ! But its not chemically induced rather its the wonder of 'hope'. Hope which has ended for me a phase of doubts, about anything and everything, about me and you, about this world and the next. Where did this hope come from ? What inspired me is the mesmerizing act of an individual defying all odds, telling us yes you can.

As the Architect from Matrix said "Hope, it is the quintessential human delusion, simultaneously the source of your greatest strength, and your greatest weakness". Though I wonder what we'll we do without it ? Even the thought seems frightening.

Enough of beating behind the bush... I am here to talk about Saurav Ganguly AKA Dada.

Refused to be a silent spectator in 1991, kicked out. Came back 5 years later with back to back centuries at the mecca of cricket. Establishing himself as the one-day opener. Then came the day when he was crowned with captain's hat. And what did he do ? Well he turned the meaning of leadership on its head. He made what Indian cricket team is today. He's the architect, he's the devil the world couldn't stand and the more he defied them the more support he got and the more powerful he became and the more angry they got.

Then came the downfall like it does for all great kings. The luck ran out, friends turned foe and even the precious 'timing' gave up on him. He had to leave again, many arrogant souls believed that its forever. But he had different plans, He came back and weathered the storm in Africa, where no one else had a clue he showed them light. He once again demonstrated sheer strength of determination which has inspired millions. Finally the legend retired from international cricket with his head high after an invaluable contribution to his country.

Came IPL, again so many controversies, its like they won't ever leave him alone. Bad form was seen as a sin. Everyone waiting for that one tiny mistake and questioning over a decade long of greatness whenever they got a tiny window of opportunity.

Then it was the time for the return of the king. He took all responsibility, he lead from the front. His elegant shots were all back and he demonstrated why he's called the prince of Bengal, the Bengal Tiger and why is he one of the most successful Indian openers ever. He patted his chest signaling his team that he's going to see them through today and he did just that. If there's someone who never gives up then it has to be the greatest Indian Captain of all times AKA Dada.