Will India Win the World Cup?

It’s the billion-dollar question running on every cricket loving Indian’s mind these days and is one question that is quite impossible to answer at this stage. Yes, we are a strong one-day team with an impressive batting line-up, a good bowling squad and undoubtedly we have a capable captain, yet will we be the World Champions?

And here’s an interesting story in the Indian Express saying, “Why Team India Needs to Win the World Cup” and Arjuna Ranatunga states that “India Should Win the World Cup”.

With less than a week for the action to begin, the tension is getting to build up. Cricket seems to be the ruling topic of all discussions, be it at the office pantry or among the group of girls walking down the corridor.

The vegetable pushcart vendor down our street opines candidly – “India will win only if they stop their dependency on Sachin and don’t fall like a pack of cards when he gets out.”

“What India lacks is killer instinct!” rallied my neighborhood aunty in her high-pitched voice. “Absolutely no fighting spirit” she sadly shook her head.

Everybody worth his or her salt seems to have an opinion on this.

So what do you think? Will India bring home the cup?

Munnabhai Chale Amrika - Promo's are here!

The first set promo's of Munnabhai Chale Amerika are out.

And here are some Munnabhai's nuggets -

Circuit: What if someone asks us our address in Amrika?
Munnabhai: Dhobhighat
Circuit: If we need to tell them that in English?
Munnabhai: Washington

Circuit: How do we say "Aye chale hat, Hawa aaney de?"
Munnabhai: Simple hai yaar, Ae you, move sideways, Let the airforce come in.

Munnabhai: Now you answer me, "Aye Maamu, Bheja mat phira."
Circuit: Aye Mother's Brother, Dont rotate my head.

Munnabhai: Now you answer me, "Aye Maamu, Bheja mat phira."
Circuit: Aye Mother's Brother, Dont rotate my brain.

Munnabhai: Bahot sardi hogayireeli hai
Circuit: I got big winter in small nose

Bitten to Death. Yet Again

Even as this topic was being discussed another victim succumbs to the menace called stray dogs. And this time the victim is all of four years, a toddler who went out to play with his friends but was killed by wild street dogs. Manju was playing hide-and-seek with his friends when the dogs attacked him and caught him in their jaws and dragged him across the open ground. He was spotted by his neighbours and rushed to Manipal Hospital late last night. Doctors battled for his life close to nine hours but could not save the kid.

Deep felt sympathies with the family of Manju

Read the entire article here in the Times of India.


[Manju, Pic Courtesy: Deccan Herald]


[His grieving parents, Pic Courtesy: Deccan Herald]

Are We Really a Free Country?

25 days ago the Cauvery verdict was announced and it has been 25 days since all prominent Tamil channels have been banned in Karnataka. What’s the connection one may ask?

Apparently one section of the society states that the cable operators association is supporting the government’s decision in opposing the decision of the tribunal, while others feel that the cable operators fear the wrath of the Kannada activists. Yet another group rationalizes that viewers may get influenced or agitated, as the case might be, seeing the reactions in Tamil nadu. But nobody, not even the cable operators seem to know how this ban came into effect and nor are they aware when the situation is going to be reversed.

Freedom of expression is one of the most fundamental of all rights yet our government feels the need to regulate it. So what can we next expect after banning channels, websites & blogs? What kind of a freedom do we enjoy if we need to be spoon-fed predigested news, either on TV or in mainstream print? And what in the name of the good lord are consumer rights?

Except a few disgruntled voices here and there nobody seems to care enough to even muster a protest. And to think that some pompous bureaucrat sitting in his office & passing such blanket regulations, with no explanations whatsoever, is totally unjustified and irks me no end.

Now that the Karnataka government has rejected the decision of the Central tribunal and are seeking legal review, when do we get our channels back please?

Krishna Themed Disneyland in Bangalore

This weekend we had some out of town guests who desired to see the ISKCON. Having seen it a couple of times on similar occasions I thought it would be a boring routine with nothing to look forward to. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Proof of having-relatives-in-the-right-places-has-its-own-advantage was that we never had to wait in any of those long queues. We were quickly taken on tour of the three opulent shrines and then taken to the boardroom. Here we got a quick overview of the wonderful & commendable work that Akshaya Patra accomplishes day on day through its “Mid Day” meal program. An underprivileged child can be fed for a whole year with as little as INR 1200 or 28 dollars.

Next we were taken through a glimpse of what they call the “India Heritage Theme Park” presentation and it sure looked impressive. With an investment of over 350 crores at Vasanthapura, Bangalore South Taluk, this unique park could be India’s Disneyland. The difference being that instead of Disney characters here children can get to see & experience Krishna through a myriad of ways.

The pet project of the President of ISKCON Bangalore, he feels that Indian children are getting more and more influenced by western characters such as Mickey Mouse & Superman due to their slick presentation. In this age of globalization we would lose out on our culture if it weren’t packaged & presented in an attractive manner.



So this is going to be a rather huge attempt to re-introduce Indian mythological heroes in the form of Krishna, Hanuman and Narasimha into the entertainment landscape of Indian children.

Among the major attractions would be a walk through the ‘then’ Vrindavan village, see animated close to life characters enacting scenes from various mythologies, such as Prahalad being tortured and Krishna in Narasimha’s avtaar rushing to his rescue.
Giant Water Screens, Laser shows and 4D Theatres where the special effects integrated seats enhance the experience of viewing with varied features such as vibrations, fog & mist blast, air tickle & leg tickle.

Imagine being in a roller coaster ride close to a 50 ft drop when the huge serpent-demon Aghasura looms ferociously in front of you and the thrill of being ‘rescued’ by Krishna. That’s India Heritage Theme Park for you.

[Image source: Arcstreamav, Technifex]

Parents and Senior Citizens bill – A Reflection of the Times We Live In?

India has long been synonymous for its deep-rooted culture & strong family bonding to the extent of being called “highly emotional people”. Among the few countries where parents consider it their duty to fund the education of their children right upto college & beyond, contribute all their life savings for their expensive weddings and are most happy to babysit their grandchildren.

For a generation that grew up on the stories of Shravan and Dhruv & where high-strung movies like Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Vivaah still run to packed houses, it’s funny that today we have come to require the Parents and Senior Citizens Bill. The passing of such a bill subtly warns us that in our hurry to jump the progress bandwagon we seem to have far left behind our principles and values.

Well, the Bill lays down that children who neglect their parents could be sent to jail for three months or be liable to pay a fine of Rs 5,000. It also empowers parents to disinherit their children from their property. The best factor of this Bill has been that no age limit has been defined. It’s completely another matter to see how many takers will be there for this Bill among the parent population.

If movies are a reflection of the society we live in then no wonder we get to see Bhagbaan.

Godwoman disrespects the Indian Flag

A national flag is a representative of the hopes and aspirations of a country. The Indian National flag being no different, is symbolic of our national pride. I suppose they did not know that there is a Flag code which needs to be adhered too.





Its a well-known fact that we are a country full of Gods and Godmen. Their influence over people is legendary and they have them in awe. But here devotion seems to have gone overboard