Thank you papa!

By now, readers of this blog would be aware of my love for music and relationships for sure. Music and relationships – both of them connects. Both brings you joy and infuses so much of energy to live the life in a more meaningful manner.

Today, I decided to write something about father and son relationship. Though I did not have many words to say (I believe the feeling is much more stronger than the words), I can say to the least that it is a relationship that has depth of magnanimity to the core and it is a relationship that has hardness of a rock on the top. Magnanimity that keeps them closer despite of distances and hardness that keeps the mutual love and respect safe and safe inside.

All what I am today is because of my father and I love him like a crazy baby. I never understood his words of wisdom because it was never meant to be understood. It was meant to be felt through silence. I never understood his level of caring because it was never meant to be understood. It was meant to be felt through a deep silence.

I wish I could explain what I felt and learned through that silence. Somebody said you do not realize what a father is until you become a father. Indeed, true! With all due respect to what I said above, here is a special tribute to all the fathers in the world who are always the best for their children.

If you are a father, please accept humble respect and appreciation for what you do for your children and if you are a child, then please join me in offering humble respect and appreciation!!!

Tagging on the blog with books

Having written about my favourite movies and songs, I come to the last part of the tag which I picked up two weeks back. Though my knowledge of songs and movies is decent, picking up favourite books was a real tough one for me and with the alphabets of my name, all the more difficult. I wish I could read more and more books. With the little of what I read, here is what I could enlist as my favourite books, of course, tweaked to match the alphabets of my name:

India after Gandhi – A book which takes us to beautiful journey of 60 years of independent India and celebrates Victory of democracy. There is something about this book which tells me why India still survives after so much of diversity. Indeed, a true treasure by Ramachandra Guha.

Ignited Minds – Written by former president of India, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, the book has tremendous energy on offer. This was one of my favourite book during college days. The power of vision and dreams is indeed infinite and incredible. A must read for all youngsters who would take the world towards a new horizon.

Sachin Tendulkar – A definitive biography written by Vaibhav Purandare, the book lets us know each and every thing about Sachin the Legend. Vaibhav himself played against Sachin during school days and throws extraordinary insights on why and how Sachin became the legend.

How series by Dale Carnegie – Short books by Dale Carnegie are real useful for self-development. In particular, I like the one called “how to stop worrying and start living.” The book simplifies stress management and contains success stories of several great people.

The Alchemist – This book is not unknown to anyone and is inarguably one of greatest best-sellers in the history of books. Paulo Coelho has created a wonderful plot and bounded everyone with a mesmerizing theme. The book takes you to a different journey to wherever Santiago goes in search of “Personal Legend."

The Little Prince – One of my friends gifted me this book around six years ago and I am glad that I read the story of "The Little Prince." Most fascinating thing about “The Little Prince” is that the essence of the story has been explained with very naïve and innocent thoughts. It is so pleasing to realize importance of little little things that happens in day to day life. A great book to read and cherish!

Tagging on the blog with music

That was a wonderful win and memorable night. Wasn’t it? With the ultimate joy in my heart, I continue with the tag on movies, music and books. So here are the songs which I like to the core of my heart:

Vande Mataram – Yes, Bankim Chandra wrote this beautiful patriotic national song about more than a century ago. Considered to be national song of India, the meaning and relevance of the song has been lost somewhere with the new generation. Here are two versions of the song, which I like the most – one sung by Lata Mangeshkar in a movie and another composed by the great A. R. Rahman.

Itni shakti hame dena – Never thought, this prayer was originally a part of a hindi movie, until I found some years back. Very close to my heart since my childhood. A prayer which fills the heart with hope, faith, serenity and inspiration. Truly wonderful.

Smile an everlasting smile – Words are all I have to take heart away. The song speaks volumes of feelings for people in love. An all-time super hit songs from Boyzone. As I write, I can hum the entire song. Here is a live performance from Boyzone of the immortal song.

Har ghadi badal rahi hai – Title song from the movie Kal ho na ho. The movie was a remake of all-time great movie Anand and the song perfectly demonstrates the message of living life to the fullest. Sung by Sonu Nigam in his trademark voice, the song can be watched here.

Akele hai to kya gham hai – Wow, what a song! A beautiful love song from late 80s. The song is a favourite for all those in love. The soothing tune of the song takes the mood to a different level of joy.

Love me for a reason – Another beauty from Boyzone. I could say no more about the song. Please enjoy a live performance of the song. To be continued…

The Moment of Glory

There had not been any world cup tournament where the final battle was fought between two sub-continent teams. It happened this time in 2011 – India and Sri Lanka up against each other for the most coveted trophy of cricket on 2nd April 2011. Sri Lanka pounded 274 runs in their innings with the help of a magnificent ton from a great competitor – Mahela Jayawardene.

As the teams vanished from the grounds for the innings break, Indian fans and supporters felt the moments of fear and anxiety. No cricketing nation had ever won the world cup at the home soil, highest total ever chased at Wankhede Stadium stood at 225, highest runs ever chased in a world cup final stood at 241, side of the century hitting batsman had never lost a world cup final. The odds seemed to stack up high considering these facts.

While the moments of fear and anxiety existed, there existed moments of inspiration and optimism too. The pain of not winning a world title for 28 years was excruciating and it was getting no lesser with every passing 4 years. The pain of the loss at 1996 semi-final against the same team was still suppressed in the hearts of many and there was no better time for redemption. Little master had already served Indian cricket for 21 years and was left yearning for “the ultimate prize” in 5 previous editions of the tournament – 2011 being virtually his last. This was supposed to be the fitting finale for our own Don. What more? No wicketkeeper batsman had ever lifted the trophy and there was no better person than MSD to do that for India.

At 31-2 in 6.1 overs, the anxiety seemed to get better of inspiration. Fear seemed getting better of optimism. Malinga had trapped the imperious duo of Sachin and Sehwag within half hour. Exactly at this juncture, I had to switch off my cellphone due to mandatory aviation rules and I took off from Delhi for an official tour. I told my colleague that there is only way India could win – “MSD needs to come at no. 5 ahead of Yuvraj and Raina” and with all hopes tied to an Indian win, we were air-borne. Two hours later, the pilot informed us that the Indian score is 205-3 in 38.1 overs with MSD and Gautam batting. The Master Stroke Decider once again seemed to work for India and there was no way India could loose from that position.

Inspiration and optimism vanquished fear and anxiety finally. Team India pulled off a stunning win with a trademark MSD shot over long on. Bewilderment and loss of words surrounded MSD, ecstasy choked Yuvi on the other end, joy erupted in the dressing room and off went the nation India into never ending night of celebrations, dance, joy and partying. The wait was over, it was time those hands held the trophy, it was time they kissed the trophy and it was time the nation became united in joy and happiness. A moment which comes once in a lifetime or twice at best!

For me, it can be only once. I curiously looked at the watch as I landed in Dubai. It was about to be 00:00 hours and I gleefully accepted best ever birthday present from the men in blue.

Hail team India! Hail Guru Gary! Hail the leader and skipper MSD!