నీడ చాటు జాడ!!

"దేనితొ కొలవను పోయినదాన్ని?" ఇంకో సారి అన్నాను,"పోగొట్టుకొన్న వస్తువు విలువ పోయాకే ఎందుకు తెలుస్తుంది?" అడిగాను తనను.

"పొయింది కనుకే విలువయినవి కొన్ని, స్వతహాగ విలువైనవి కొన్ని. దేని విలువ ఎంతో చేతిలో ఉన్నప్పుడే గ్రహించగలిగిన వాడు సమర్థుడు."

"అయితే నేను అసమర్థుడినా?" అడిగాను,"ఇన్నాళ్ళుగా నాలో నలుగురి గుర్తించిన సమర్థత వొట్టి బూటకమా? నలుగురు నాపై కురిపించిన ప్రశంసల జల్లు వొట్టి మాటల మూటలా?"

"నలుగురిని ఎందుకు నీ సమస్యలో లాగడం? నీలో నీకే సంధిగ్ధత? నా విలువ నాకే సరిగ్గ తెలియదని సంశయం!! విలువ అంటే ఎంటి? ఒక వస్తువు కాని, ఒక వ్యక్తి కాని నీ దృష్టిలో సంపాదించుకున్న చోటు. విలువ కేవలం నీకు ఒక వస్తువుపై ఏర్పడిన అభిప్రాయం. అభిప్రాయం మనుసుకు హత్తుకొంటే అభిమతం అవుతుంది, లేదా అసహ్యం అవుతుంది.నీకు ఇప్పుడు నచ్చినది ఇకముందు కుడా నచ్చ్చాలని లేదు. మార్పు సహజం. అభిప్రాయలు మార్పులకు అతీతం కాదు. ఎప్పటికి మారనివి ఆదర్శాలు. అభిప్రాయాల రాళ్ళ పైన అనుభవాల ఉలితో చెక్కిన శిల్పమే ఆదర్శం. నిలకడలేని అభిప్రాయాల ఫలితమే నిశ్చలమైన, నిక్కచ్చియైన ఆదర్శం"

"హుహ్..." అన్న నిట్తూర్పు తప్ప చెప్పడనికి ఏమి లేదు.

"ఇక నీ ఙ్ఞాపకాలు అంటావా, ఇవి కూడ కొన్నాళ్ళే. వస్తున్న శిశిరంలో వాడిపొయి, నీనుంచి విడిపొయి, రానున్న వసంతంలో కొత్త చిగురు తొడుగుతాయి"

అంటున్న నానీడ నవ్వుతో నేను శృతి కలిపుతూ అలాగే ముందుకు సాగాను.. వసంతం కోసం!!

Ta Ta!!

Rahul Dravid on Ganguly, "On the off side, first there is god, and then there is Sourav Ganguly."

On Kumble "The Muhammed Ali of Cricket"

Last couple of weeks brought curtails to two of the greatest cricketers of my era, Sourav Ganguly aka Dada and Anil Kumble aka Jumbo. Their services have been stupendous not only to Indian cricket but to world cricket itself.

Sourav Ganguly who made his mark with debut century at Lord’s inundated the world cricket with his immense hand eye coordination. He was the one of the best exquisite timers of cricket ball in the history. His habit of playing long innings and carrying the burden of responsibility was truly inspiring. The rate, at which he scored the runs, at one point, seemed like he would pass by Tendlya sooner but a lean patch followed by rift with coach cost him the place in Team India. But his habit of resurrection never got withered with the winds of criticism all over the world by cricket analysts. Even though he was pegged back by one and all for a year and half, he could able rise from the ashes strongly and this time, rejuvenated Dada meant more business than anytime before. He was literally at the highest point of his concentration; he was more sensible, serene and prudent in shot selection. Last two yrs of his career, he was the fulcrum of test team of India. He was undone by the onus, during Dravid’s lean patch, of carrying the team in tumultuous times.

However, Dada will be more remembered for his captaincy. His was a skillful leader. He took over the captaincy and groomed youngsters to be competitive cricketers. He was mentor for Yuvi, Zaheer, Bhajji, Sehwag and even Dhoni and many more. He backed them both in celebrations and chaos. Team India of 90’s and before then was known to be a soft, humble, unassuming and defensive. Since Dada took over the reigns, there has been a sea change in the approach of the players. Now the team is known for its commanding, imposing and never say die attitude and unyielding aggression. Since his time, India won more matches on foreign turfs. He himself alone changed the face of a nation in approaching a game. His mind games and on field attack were second to none. His gamesmanship had left best of the best in tatters. His captaincy days will remain as the golden era of Indian Cricket.

Anil Kumble, aka, Jumbo one of the finest cricketer history has ever seen. His leg break/medium pace bowling had flummoxed best players too. He had a look of, bespectacled, first bench studious guy when he first stepped into international arena. But looks proved to be deceptive as his bowling was a bundle of bewilderment. He has won more matches than anyone else for India. His flippers allowed him to bag those many number of wickets. He was too quick in the air and too gentle with the spin. His feat of grabbing all 10 wickets against Pakistan shows the volume of his strength. That was one special day not only for Kumble, but for all the cricket lovers. His potential often been questioned in regards to his performance outside the sub-continent. But his touring, to Australia in 2003-04 for Border-Gavaskar Trophy and triumphs over England and West Indies, had vindicated his ability.

His commitment to cricket/profession has been as sacred as water of river Ganges. His self-sacrificing approach to embrace the game and uplift the morale will allow him stand tall above par with his contemporary players. For more than a decade he had been one unsolved puzzle of lethal stealth for players all over the world. He truly deserves to be the third highest wicket taker of all time in Test Matches. Currently he is the leading wicket taker for India.

The two of the five giants had bidden adieu in the same series and good thing about their retirement is the timing. Both the players knew exactly when their timing was up and that is why both heroes left the arena with grace and bliss. This would be one denting blow to Indian cricket but instead of looking to fill the gap new comers should look to play to their ability.

Finally, the sight of Kumble bowling with a blow to his head, fourteen overs on trot with untiring determination against WI was one of the defining moments of selflessness and loyalty to work.

The scene of Dada waving his shirt on the balcony of Lord’s had changed the mind of Indian cricket follower forever and it remained as one of the most celebrated milestones of Indian cricket.

I am happy to have witnessed the heroics of Ganguly and Kumble. I wish them good luck in their retirement.

అదృశ్యరూపం!!

చిన్న త్వరగా లేరా!! అన్న పిలుపులాంటి అమ్మ అరుపుకి కళ్ళు తెరిచాను. ఇంకా ప్రయాణ బడలిక పోలేదు. ఇల్లు చేరుకొని 24 గంటలు అవుతున్నా, ఇంకా గాలిలో ఎగుర్తున్నట్టే ఉంది. ఈ ప్రయాణం అనుకొన్నది కాదు, ఊహించనిది కాదు. అపరాజిత అక్క, పెదనాన్న కూతురు, పెళ్ళి ఇలా హడావుడిగా అవుతుంది అనుకోలేదు. అపరాజిత, ఏ ముహూర్తానా పెదనాన్న ఆ పేరు పెట్టాడో కాని, సార్ధకనామధేయురాలు అనిపించింది, ఈ పెళ్ళి ముహూర్తానికి అందరిని ఒప్పించింది. నేను, అపరాజిత, నాకంటే నాలుగు నెలలు పెద్దది, చిన్నప్పటి నుంచి ఒకే క్లాసు, ఒకే స్కూలు. తను బాగా చదువుకొని డాక్టరు అయ్యింది. నేను ఒక మోస్తారుగా చదువుకొని ఇంజినీరు అయ్యాను. ఆ తరువాత, అందరిలాగే పై చదువులు అంటూ నేను పరదేశం వెళ్ళాను. తను బుద్ధిగా చదువుని ప్రేమించింది, తనను అరిహంత్ ప్రేమించాడు. అందరు తండ్రుల వలె పెదనాన్న మొదట్లో కాదన్నాడు, కాని అక్క కన్నీరు చూడలేక కాదనలేకపొయాడు. అంతస్తులు, అలవాట్లు వేరైనా అంగరంగ వైభవంగా కాకపొయిన, అందరికి అందుబాటులో ఉండేలా ఆలయంలో పెళ్ళి కి, అంగట్లో రిసెప్షన్ కి అన్ని తయారీలు చేసారు.

నాకు అరిహంత్ పరిచయం కాని తన చుట్టరికం గురించి పెద్దగా తెలియదు. అందులోను అమ్మే చెప్పే దుర్గ గురించి!! నిన్నటి నుంచి అమ్మ ఒక పది సార్లు చెప్పింది. దుర్గ, అరిహంత్ బాబాయి కూతురు, గుణవంతురాలు, దుర్గ బుద్ధిమంతురాలు, దుర్గ కుడా అమెరికాలో ఉంది అని. అరిహంత్ అంతే శత్రువలను అంతం చేసే వాడు, చాలా చక్కని పేరు, వినగానే నచ్చేస్తుంది, కాని దుర్గ, పేరు బాగా పాపులర్, కాని కొత్తదనం లేదు. పిచ్చి పలు రకాలు అంటారు, నాకు పేర్ల పిచ్చి. తన పేరు నన్ను బేజారు చేసింది అది కాక నిన్న ప్రయాణంలోని అమ్మాయి హుషారు ఇంకా నా మనసులో షికారు కొడుతూనే ఉంది.

ఈ అమెరికాలో అన్ని టైం ప్రకారం జరగాలి. ఎమర్జెన్సీ అంటే మనల్ని ఉతికి అరేస్తారు. నాకు ఈ పెళ్ళి విషయం కేవలం వారం రొజుల ముందే తెలిసింది. కాని అప్పు(అపరాజిత) పెళ్ళికి నేను వెళ్ళకపోవడం జరగని పని. అందుకే ఖరీదు ఆకాశాన్నంటుతున్న ఆనందంగా ఫ్లైట్ టికెట్టు కొనేసా!! ఆ నాలుగు రోజుల్లో అప్పుకు ఇష్టమైన కొన్ని వస్తువులు కొని, ప్రయాణానికి లగేజీ సిద్ధం చేసాను.

ఆఖరికి బయల్దేరు రోజు వచ్చింది. ఎయిర్ పోర్ట్లో చేయాల్సిన పనులు సవ్యంగానే ముగిసాయి. విమానమెక్కి నా సీట్లో కూర్చున్నాను. ఎప్పటిలాగే కిటికీ పక్కన సీటు. ఎప్పటిలాగే ఒక చేతిలో తిలక్ పుస్తకం ఇంకో చేతిలో Apple I-Pod. ఎప్పటిలాగే పక్క సీట్లో అమ్మాయి రావాలని నమ్మని దేవుణ్ణి కోరుకోవడం. ఎప్పటిలాగే ఒక ముసలాయన (పెద్దాయన అనలేక పొతున్న ఎందుకంటే విరక్తి భావం) వచ్చి కూర్చొవడం, ఎప్పటిలాగే దేవుడు లేదు అని నిర్ధారించుకొని పుస్తకం మూసి పాటలు వింటు కళ్ళు మూసుకోవడం, నన్ను నిరాశ పరచని నిద్ర నన్ను హత్తుకోవడం, వెంట వెంటనే జరగాయి.

హఠాత్తుగా తలపైన ఎవరో కొట్టినట్టు అనిపించింది. దెబ్బకు నిద్ర పారిపొయింది, I-Pod జారిపొయింది. చూస్తే ఒక హ్యాండ్ బ్యాగు. సారీ అంటు పట్టు చీర అంచులాంటి సన్నని గొంతు వినిపించింది, తలపైకెత్తాను. నాకు కలిగించిన అసౌకార్యానికి క్షమాపణతో పాటు అసౌకర్య భావం తన ముఖంలో చూపిస్తు ఒక అమ్మాయి. తన అసౌకర్య భావన కూడా నాలో తెలియని సంతోషాన్ని నింపింది. దేవుడు ఒకే వరంలో అన్ని కోరికలు తీర్చినట్టు అనిపించింది. అమ్మాయిని అడిగితే అందమైన అమ్మాయిని ఇచ్చాడు. వెంటనే 'it's OK' అంటూ జెంటిల్మెన్ వేషం కట్టాను, ఒక వైపు నొప్పి బాధ తిప్పలు పెడుతున్నా!!

(Picture Courtesy: Madhu Shree)

Eulogy and Ecstacy!!

Past 6 weeks have been considered as one of the brightest days in cricket history. Two giants of the world cricket put on a show that will remain as the best of the bests in coming years. The ploys were eye catching, bowling was breath taking, batting was mesmerizing and entire show was truly inspiring.

India had the confidence (having defeated Australia at Perth earlier this year) of the challenging the depleted Australia going into the series. The first test at Bangalore was a generic test (any test match that involves Australia). Australians dominated the test with their immense batting wealth but they lacked resources in bowling department which helped India to stand back on feet and manage a draw. The partnership between Bhajji and Zak in the first innings spoiled the notion of Australian victory. Second Test at Mohali will be remembered for very long time. It was one of the notable victories by India. They beat Australians in all departments. India displayed admiringly eloquent batting skills. It was more of a collective crafted effort than an individual feat. The pace bowlers duo bowled their heart out. In second innings, the delivery off Ishanth that breached Ponting’s defense will stand on par with the one bowled by Shane Warne that flummoxed Mike Gatting in 1993. Other than that there was a scintillating century from Ganguly, Dazzling show of vintage Tendlya and brave knock from Dhoni.

Third test at Delhi, which was named as the fortress of the Team India, lived up to the expectation in batting aspect but the bowling looked thin without the services of Bhajji and with injured Kumble, bowling definitely looked out of sorts. But the batting department was right on the money. Gambhir, best batsman of the series, along with wristy Laxman put on a show of class act. Gambhir’s dominance with the bat was insurmountable and his walking down the pitch to the pace attack was a bit annoying and disturbing to the pacers of Australia, which forced them to rely more on words than bowling artillery. Laxman was as crafty as he had always been. Looking him playing the strokes was as serene as the flow of river through the curvy mountains. Worn-out bowling display was matched by mended batting exhibit by Australians, they were equal to the task and they looked confident and seemed to have found a way to nullify the reverse swing off Indian bowlers. On the whole the last test by one of the cricket’s best, Anil Kumble ended in a tame draw.

Fourth and final test at Nagpur was a special one in so many ways, Ganguly’s last test match and Laxman’s 100th one and Australia had one last chance to take vengeance on a team that had been gifting them a mask of humiliation for a decade. India was touch weak with the absence of Gambhir and it was their first test in Post-Kumble era. Debutant Vijay, who was a nomad before this test, was named in the final squad and had been asked to face Lee and Co. With the luxury of Sehwag’s prepared impromptu onslaught, he slowly and cozily groomed into the shoes of strike rotator. One of the shining stars of the test was Tendlya’s much anticipated century. Without his century, it would have been an empty handed return from a free food give away. Indian batsmen continued their good form, pounding the runs but only difference was intermittent execution. Even with broken concentration, they could able to set a comparative first innings score. Australian seemed solid till the first half of the first innings but slowly surrendered to the 8-1 fielding strategy by Indians, a ploy which was criticized and at the same time left the analysts bemused. In the second innings when India were in doldrums, when Australia finally able to push the Indians backs to the wall, Ponting’s move to bring the part timers on to compensate slow over rate let the Team India off the hook and cost him the series and eventually threw him into fiasco as analysts prey on him questioning him to justify the ploy. One session of poised pondering could have brought the smiles back on the faces of Australians. But one wrong step buried them in the hole of utter ignominy.

There were many positives to take for India in this series. They played with absolute and attractive ridicule coupled with shrewd serenity. All the batsmen came out strong when team needed them to perform. Bowlers were on top and most of the time they made living tough for Australian batsmen. This series also brought curtail to two of the great cricketers of modern era. Filling those shoes would be a mountain to climb, but looking at the kinds of Vijay and Amit, it certainly seems possible to produce more match winners.

With the series over and with Australia remaining on the losing side, the obvious question has been raised, one more time, does this Australian Team still have the caliber to dominate world cricket as they had been, over the years?

I would say, they may not be as dominant as they were before, but they certainly are the toughest cricket team to beat any given day and beating them would take one special effort from Team itself.

Hazaar Chaurasi Ki MAA

Last weekend I watched Hazaar Chaurasi ki Maa. The movie was directed by Govind Nihalanai and it’s based on the novel Hazaar Chaurashir Maa by one of the best writers from India, MahaShwetha Devi.

The movie starts with Jaya Bachchan answering a phone call very early in the morning. The voice on the other side asks her to visit a morgue in near by town to identify a body which they think of her son’s. In fact it turns out to be her son’s and she grows perplexed as she realizes that police department wouldn’t let her to take the dead body of her son. The confusion takes the form of quest to find out the truth when rest of the family disowns her son’s identity and portray him as the obnoxious weed in the family who brought the pride to knees. The journey starts addressing many facets of her son which were never witnessed by Jaya Bachchan. The death of her son gives birth to too many questions that propel Jaya Bachchan to consider herself as one failure mother.

The main plot of the story deals with an exploration of mother about her son’s involvement in 1970 naxalbury agitation in West Bengal. The movie revolves around different characters with Jaya Bachchan being as fulcrum of the whole platform. A mother’s agony to find out some unknown facades of her son after death was stupendously picturized. When police search her son’s room and find out many pro-communist books and banners, Jaya Bachchan’s bewilderment is simply heart touching. She feels she knows each and every aspect of her son’s life but at the end she realizes that she never lit a corner in her son’s heart where he was hiding his thoughts and efforts in the darkness to bring light for others. But the very question that comes to her mind is why? Why did her son conceal a significant chapter of his life? Was she ignored? She sets out on an expedition to find out what and why exactly her son was hiding from her.

Jaya Bachchan did exceptionally good as Mother, Sudha Chattarjee. Nanditha Das steals the show as ever. Seema Biswaas is as good as any normal lower caste, poor and innocent yet knowledgeable house wife. The dialogues of the movie should get a special mention here. They really speak the pain of the character and explain the times and predicament of 1970’s turmoil unambiguously.

Writing a novel of such sensitive and sensible and yet bringing harsh reality of early days of Naxalbury with a thread of mother-son relation requires one special talent, one extraordinary person. But making a novel into a 2 ½ hrs movie needs more than astonishing skill. Govind Nihalani comes up with flying colors in his effort. He makes sure that he clearly elucidates each and every vital moments of the novel in 2 ½ hrs. His characters speak the dialogues which explain the trauma clearly and yet briefly.

A movie that is must watch to understand the pain of a mother of loosing her son, to understand the irreconcilable dilemma of a mother on desertion of her son by her family, society, and to understand the plight that one had gone through during the early days of Naxalbury. Of course, the whole movement has taken many twists and turns after that, but it is important to acknowledge its birth and history.

By the way, 1084 is number assigned to her son's deadbody.