A nail-biting cricket match

Today was the day, India clashed with Pakistan in the world cup semi-final. The world (atleast for the fan) came to a standstill. And the match was totally worth the wait!

One could see politicians, celebrities, ex-sportsmen in the audience along with scores of enthusiastic fans at Mohali. In retrospect, everything seemed to have gone in favor of the Indian team. Winning the toss was important. If Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, they would have been able to set a huge target for India, and the Indian batsmen would have to chase the target while combatting the sound Pakistani bowlers.

When India won the toss and elected to bat, everyone knew that was the best decision to make. The crowd energy seemed to be with the Indian team as they played some fabulous strokes. Sachin Tendulkar was awarded several lives, thanks to Pak fielders who dropped few catches. Yuvraj Singh, the son of the soil, was sadly dismissed as soon as he came in. With some good finishing by Suresh Raina, we ended up at 260 in the first innings.

At this stage, it looked like Pakistan had a definite chance of winning, unless Indians contain them very well. In fact, several facebook messages by Indian fans showed that they lost hope and did not really see a good chance of India winning.

Anyway, the second innings started. Overs were bowled and runs scored. It looked like the Indian fielding had become tighter and there weren't too many extras being given. The bat-ball volley continued until the first wicket fell at 44. Good start! However, whats important is that we need these kind of wickets at every stage, and not let partnerships stabilize.

Bat-ball volley continued once again until Pak reached the 70 mark, when the second wicket fell. This is where fans celebrated, and faint hopes of a possible victory began to rise. But again, we still have 9 wickets left and anything can happen.

As the match progressed, Indian bowlers and fielders worked together to either contain the runs or break partnerships that seem to be stabilizing. However, hope for Pak still remained as the captain came in to bat. It seemed like Afridi and Misbah can see the runs through, and this was a partnership that seemed a tough nut to crack....until....another son of the soil, Bhajji got Afridi caught out! Indian fans celebrated as a disgruntled Afridi made his way back.

It now seemed like Indians are going to make it, provided they continue to contain the batsmen and take regular wickets. However, its still not time to feel safe. With Misbah still batting and the batting power play due, anything could happen! These guys are known to turn situations around.

But, it seemed like destiny already chose the Indian team to be the winner of the day. With Nehra coming in and sending back two batsmen, hope for the Pakistani team almost finished. All that was required now is to not let any boundaries in the last two overs. The second last over was quite a useless one for the Pak team. Two balls down in the last over and 30 runs requiring off 4 balls, Gary Kirsten was seen smiling, Rahul and Sonia Gandhi almost dancing and fans celebrating. Mohali was electrified! icing on the cake, Misbah is caught out in the last over.

Bravo India! We are sooo proud and happy! It was a dream day for the Indian cricket fan, I doubt if anyone was able to sleep.

A major milestone reached, all roads now seem to go to Mumbai!

Fall makes way for winter

A profound Shloka

Om Poornamadah poornamidam poornat poorna mudachyate
Poornasya poornamaadaya poornameva vashishyate

Meaning: That (consciousness) is full (perfect and complete), this (its manifest forms and matter) are also full. The fullness of manifest forms is projected from the fullness of the consciousness. When both merge, what remains is fullness.

I feel uplifted everytime I read this shloka. I have no experience of the universal consciousness that this one talks about, but its interesting to note that the material world has been derived from an abstract source that is perfect, complete and full.

Vinayaka Chavithi, Sep 11 2010

Its Vinayaka chavithi/Ganesh Chaturthi. Luckily, all that was required was available in the desi store except for Palavelli (the wooden mesh above the idol). So, thats our home made palavelli.

Reminded me of an old favorite story of how Lord Ganesha came to write the epic Mahabharat. Ved Vyas, who was supposed to have witnessed the happenings of Mahabharat, was advised by Lord Brahma to pen down the epic so it can be passed onto to the future generations. Lord Ganesha, who removes obstacles, was chosen to be the writer. Lord Ganesha agreed to write the Mahabharat as Vyas dictated, with one condition that Vyas would not pause while he dictates. Vyas agreed and put forth his condition, that Lord Ganesha would write only after he understands what has been dictated. Thus the epic was written.

Violin concert, Sep 10 2010

Dr L V Subramanian, his son Ambi and their team in concert at Naperville. One of the best i have been to in recent times.

Niagarrraaaaah - Sep 5, 2010

No words....power of the elements supersede all human effort and Niagara is proof.

Aug 20 - Varalakshmi vratam

Hindu practices and mythology can be interpreted in several ways. The pujas were prescribed for married women ages ago and have been passed down across generations. Women in the earlier days were mainly confined to home (read kitchen) with minimal socialising. Most of them may not have been educated beyond school and were probably married off in their teens. Essentially, all they did was take care of the home and family and cook.
Possibly, these pujas were intended to provide multifold benefit. For one, its a way of socialising. Women exchange 'tambulam' - betel leaves and some fruits, flowers. Betels leaves are rich in calcium, which is essential for all women. The puja process comes with its food restriction, ensuring food discipline.
Pre-pooja arrangements and puja process also ensure that women set aside all their everyday issues and take time out to do something that ensures well-being of the family. Chanting of mantras brings in calmness and positive vibes in the house.
It is said that every family has its own specifications for the puja, that is usually passed on from the mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law. This improves communication between the two.
Other talents such as floral decorations, singing and cooking also improve as one performs these pujas year after year.