CRICKET

Its a curious thing that Cricket, a game designed for English summer is the biggest business in Indian subcontinent now.People quote the 1983 world cup win and media penetration as the reason for this immense popularity.But I believe that there are deeper psychological reasons.Cricket as a game is very much like our "unity in diversity".It is a loosely knit team game where individual performances matter more than the actual team work. So an individual with proper training can shine and win irrespective of the weaker links in the team.In cricket, there is lot of time to analyse and speak unlike other fast paced team games like football and volley ball where the action is fast and continuous.And there is a lot of statistics involved which the calculating,EMI addicted middle class can well identify with. i do not think cricket will ever be appealing to mediterrenian people who are more active and outdoor.Here we as a nation prefer to sit and talk more which is possible during the commercial breaks which appear after every over.

So before blaming anybody else for the over popularity of cricket at the cost of other games, one should think of how it became popular.

Indian sports in general have a long way to go because we have not yet developed any proper system of infrastructure and training.Still there are individuals who shine in every sporting event in india and cricket being more individualistic obviousely perform better than other team games. Commercial interests and advertisement friendliness of the game adds to the current situation.

let us hope that a proper system and culture of sports will develop in India sometime and all forms of sports get importance.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Philanthropy has been a value emphasised by almost all religions as a contribution of the more privileged to their lesser fellow beings.Later communism emphasised in level playing of an egalitarian world where a rich man is evil.This made a lasting impact on the mind of people and many rich people feel guilty for being one.So they want to do social services to shed the guilt of not doing anything for the poor.This is the cause of most of the so called corporate social responsibility projects we see.

An industrialist or a businessman do contribute to the development of the country and they do not need to feel guilty of making money. If only they really feel like giving, they should do social service.The people in the orphanages especially the children end up being highly materialistic with the occassional visit of corporate fellows with gifts and they increase their pestering power.They need care and love on a continuous basis than a publicity gimmick of distributing sweets. So in the end nobody really benefits.

Give things only when you enjoy giving(not everybody is like that).Anybody who contribute to the economy is doing their duty towards the people even though indirectly.Do your duty:that is the biggest social responsibility you have in a country which still need a lot of improvement in delivering services. Do not take up social service for the wrong reasons.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN

Patriotism is a very difficult thing to maintain in India with all the news on corruption, the pathetic state of infrastructure and the almost lack of civic consciences. Yet many will tell you that Indian culture is something which is to be proud of.They mean the family and rituals mainly.This is again something which I personally does not rate too high.But there are things in India which I am proud of; the culinary variety,the great many forms of textiles and accessories, the dances and most importantly music.

Musicians are the true representitives of all good things we attribute to India. When a Manganiar singer of Islam religion sing in praise of Krishna that is the true secular heritage we share. People who believe that all muslims are terrorists should listen to Manganiars. They are unusually tallented and such a delight to watch.Same way all the classical and folk artists contribute to harmony and peace and try to spread whatever good left in India to the world.Thanks to them, I can still say that I am an Indian with some pride.

LET THERE BE MUSIC ALWAYS

LET THERE BE LIGHT