A person who never quits with a true grit, I bring you, "MY FRIEND."

                                                                                                                                                                                                    

________My Friend this poem is dedicated to you, with a heart so pure and a soul so true.

You stand tall and firm in more ways than one, your humbleness and humility is only still second to none.

A leader of equals and a steely friend in need, you make no difference between statures, background or human creed.

You are an individual with a penchant for discipline but with passions galore, a true gem of a man as though straight out of folklore.

A natural manager with an eye for numbers with a genuine artistic flare, who holds values and principles above all which is a quality too rare.

You are one who believes in performance but who still makes sure to care and share, and someone who’s omnipresent for his colleagues just like life sustaining air.

You place emotions and relationship before ambition, always wanting the best for the people around you as if like tradition.

You are someone who people look up to more than most, so to you my friend in respect and admiration, I raise a toast.

You Rock________. All the best and God bless!!!!!

The Challenge for Cricket’s Dominance

By......The Commoner (Hubbrz.com)

After winning World Cup 2011, the popularity of Cricket was expected to skyrocket, but a spate of poor performance, competition from other sports, and the rot of match fixing allegations and scams has damaged the game’s popularity, which some say is, irreparable. It will be interesting to see what the future has in store for our beloved game in India and across the world.

 When I write this, the Sunday Times, London, has recently carried out a sting operation on a Delhi-based bookie who claims last year's World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan at Mohali was rigged. According to the sting, Vicky Seth, described as one of Delhi's most influential bookmakers made some revelations during a drinking session with an undercover Sunday Times reporter who also videotaped the conversation. The same reporter had in 2010 exposed three Pakistani cricketers, who were later convicted for indulging in "spot-fixing" in the News of the World newspaper.

This is another big dent in the reputation of the game which takes pride in calling itself, “The Gentlemen’s’ Game.” The Game was already grappling with a number of issues related to performances on the field, especially in India with the poor results in the away tours of England and more recently in Australia, and these match fixing allegations only compounds the current state of deterioration.

Another factor that has been detrimental to the game has been the mismanagement of the game by the Indian national body of BCCI and its so called parent organisation, the ICC. The perceived hegemony of the BCCI hasn’t won it any admirers and ICC is still considered to spineless and hesitant to act against the overwhelming influence of BCCI and its allies which many agree is taking the game backwards many years instead of forward. The casing point being the reluctant of the BCCI led block to embrace technology and innovations in the game.

It is also no surprise that BCCI is considered to be the dictator of the cricketing world and doesn’t seem to be in any mood to rollback or be flexible on its very stringent stance. So, by any chance if it does get into trouble, it shouldn’t expect any sympathizers coming along to help out. The greatest effort of the ICC to improve or rectify the current status-quo of messy mismanagement was the Lord Woolf report that was truly promising, which is catching dust at the ICC headquarters in Dubai while the administrators are acting like headless chickens without a proper vision or direction to head towards.

 Another issue that the BCCI and the ICC has been lambasted for is its apathy towards getting the sport into the Olympics which many sports enthusiasts like me are very passionate about and hold near to our heart, but the authorities couldn’t seem to care less as they seem to be believe it isn’t worth their time. Hence, it is no surprise that many sports fan have started to veer away from the sport to others that holds the promise for Olympics and national glory, including, hockey, badminton, boxing, wrestling, and shooting et cetera.

Rugby Sevens, which is considered to be a contemporary of Cricket, is set to debut in the Olympics in 2016. It’s a real shame that synchronised swimming is an Olympic sport while Cricket is not, and for a sport that is played by millions and millions, it is really unfortunate. It is even more surprising that the fans of the sport haven’t been more persistent and even pushy in coercing the ICC and BCCI to get the sport recognized as an Olympic sport.

 The attendances at Cricket matches, especially Tests and ODI have been dwindling not only in countries like the traditional bastion of Cricket like the West Indies, South Africa, and Australia falling at alarming rates, but also in India where the stadia bears a deserted look, especially in tests, which is real shocking. Only T20 seems to be bucking this trend.

Even in the series in Australia involving three of the biggest cricketing nations, India, Australia, and Sri Lanka, the attendance was disappointing to say the least and should set the alarm off for the authorities in question. It is a clear indication that the fans won’t just take whatever is served up to them and demand better not only on the field but off field as well.

 Another factor that is acting against the popularity of the game is that 2012 is the year of the Olympics being hosted by London and UEFA Euro 2012 co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland, so the traditional viewers of Cricket have a lot more option than they had earlier. These events are also one of the most popular events in the world, and it is not startling that Cricket has had to haggle for its share of the eyeballs and the ad revenues associated with it.

Even the traditional supporters of Cricket, including behemoths like Pepsi, Coke, Nike, adidas, and even Sahara, have indicated that they are looking at other options that offer more targeted audience, which is obviously much cheaper and are an attractive proposition. 

 In keeping with this trend, entrepreneurial leagues like the Hockey Premier League in India launched in 2012, is off to an encouraging start. Also, the prospect of the Premier League Soccer (PLS) in Bengal, which has already garnered national and international interest to be launched soon, seems positive and has attracted some big names in the world of football and promises to add spice to the already competitive race to get its share of the sports loving populace.

No matter where you look, many big multinational as well as national firms have become active with their football and Olympic themed advertisements, which includes Pepsi with Randhir Kapoor and their, “Change the Game,” campaign; Coke with their ads offering tickets to the Olympics, and Mountain Dew, with ads featuring Sushil kumar and Vijender Singh also targeting the Olympics that has created a buzz and is proof that other sports indeed holds promise for corporates who are eager to tap into. All these points to the fact that the sponsorship purse for Cricket is being circulated around, and Cricket certainly has a fight on its hands to keep the biggest piece of the pie for itself.

So, guys, we all know Cricket is going nowhere and it will always be close to our heart, but it is the risk of complacency and lethargy that we have to guard against. It is us fans who have to make sure that we keep the stewards of our game always do the best for the betterment of the sport and they don’t let up in anyway and don’t let IPL be the yardstick of success that our Cricket is judged by.

Here’s hoping that whatever challenges we face now, our sport only emerges strongest when everything is done and dusted. I am sure as long as the sport has fans that are prepared to ask questions and are willing to do whatever it takes, our game will always be in safe hands.

Do share what you think on this subject. I will be delighted to hear from you. Adios guys. Remember, study hard, party harder and play hardest!

Source: Hubbrz.com

Ummeed-e-Milaap – Youngsters Giving Peace a Chance

By......The Commoner (Hubbrz.com)

Ummeed-e-Milaap is an initiative by IIT Bombay in partnership with LUMS-Spades, Lahore, AIESEC Karachi and FAST Karachi to unite the students of India and Pakistan by brushing aside mutual differences and voicing their opinion in a concerted effort that will ensure a peaceful tomorrow.

The partnership’s endeavour is to remove the existing misconceptions in the minds of young citizens of both countries and to build a future of harmony and partnership as it is these youngsters who are going to be the thought leaders and the model citizens responsible for the running of their respective countries in the not too distant future.

This initiative is a step towards uniting the rationale of the likeminded people in both India and Pakistan and driving both countries in a path of prosperity, security and strength.

____________________________________________________________

“I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, love and compassion, and the elimination of ignorance, selfishness, and greed.”

…….The Dalai Lama

____________________________________________________________

Highlights of the Ummeed-e-Milaap Initiatives Include:

 Indo-Pak Diary Campaign

A diary will be passing hands between India and Pakistan with messages written by students of each country to strengthen the chord of collective bonding and companionship that has weakened over the years but has not yet broken.

 Regular Interactions and Meetings

Regular interactions and collective activity in both countries with students and faculty visiting each other’s countries will be held at regular intervals that will aid in influencing young citizens positively and building the spirit of mutual respect. This will help in propagating the notion of peaceful coexistence as the way forward by inviting ideas that have the potential to be the future of the Indo-Pak peace process.

 Improve science, idea and technological exchange

These exchanges of scientific and technological knowhow and expertise will help build interdependency and nurture cooperation that will shepherd an environment of trust and faith amongst each other.

Challenges Ahead

Now, although this initiative is a noble and noteworthy effort taken by the students of both countries and the academia in general, the problem with peace however is that everyone wants it but not everyone is prepared to strive for it with their complete heart and soul.

Peace can only be achieved and maintained through continued efforts by the society as a whole, immense patience, and a steadfast resolve to see it to its lasting conclusion no matter what the roadblocks are and what impediments lay in its wake.

The Positives

Ummeed-e-Milaap is definitely a positive and constructive step in the right direction and holds great potential. It only requires us to come out in support of this initiative and be vociferous and benevolent in our approach.

Hubbrz’ Say

I The Commoner would like to express my complete support and backing for Ummeed-e-Milaap on behalf of Hubbrz and wholeheartedly appeal to all the Hubbizens to come out in support of it, as without peace, happiness is shallow and safety all but assured.

To all my friends from across the border, I congratulate them and would like to express my appreciation at the enthusiasm and commitment they have shown to Ummeed-e-Milaap. Kudos Guys! Well done.

So, like Obama rightly says, together we definitely can.

To lend a hand and collaborate with Ummeed-e-Milaap, contact:

http://www.techfest.org/home/ummeed_e_milaap

http://www.facebook.com/ummeed.e.milaap

Source:  Hubbrz.com

When innovation is a passion, excellence is routine

 ----------------------By: The Commoner (Hubbrz.com)

Innovation is the buzzword in our world where one moment of genius has the power to influence the world. The case in point being your Google to Facebook to Apple, who are all tethered in a fight for that eureka instant that might mean billions of dollars and has the potential to impact millions of lives. There are numerous examples that one could state that proves that mankind has always been driven in pursuit of that giant leap in knowledge and understanding that catapults it decades into the future. It is this pursuit that truly defines us and gives us hope for something better and greater.

 Now, how is this innovation made possible? Does it happen at regular intervals and was it always meant to happen? Not really. Innovation happens when the right conditions for it to spawn and prosper are put in place. It manifests from needs, wants and desires brought on by the belief that what we have now is not merely good enough, that the search of perfection is insatiable and constant.

It is also important to understand that innovation and breakthroughs don't happen in random and haphazardly. Rather, it requires time, patience, a dice of absolute brilliance sometimes aided by sheer luck to pull it off. Innovation is often borne out of inspiration gained from something you felt or experienced for yourself or by someone whom you have idolized for a lifetime or just happened to meet by chance.

No matter how you have been impacted by innovation and technological breakthroughs, either by being affected by it personally or being its greatest exponent or loyalist, it needs to be nurtured and supported for it to be truly effective.

One of the biggest display of innovative brilliance and an epitome of how it is promoted by a dedicated, passionate and brilliantly close knit unit is IIT Bombay's Techfest which is Asia's biggest and greatest technology and science festival where the past, present and future masters of innovation and leadership come together for a three day extravaganza that truly has set the benchmark for how the academia, corporates and the society come together to create something truly special.

Great Leaders like Abdul Kalam have graced Techfest, including a number of Nobel Laureates, eminent and reputed entrepreneurs, social, spiritual and business stalwarts who have set the stage alight and have done wonders to the knowledge and confidence of the students, visitors and the general populace at large. Management gurus and corporate bigwigs have come to both inspire and be inspired by the efficiency and the meticulous precision by which everything has been put together by the students themselves that has created a breeding ground for innovation par excellence.

This event has been supported by one of the biggest corporate in India and abroad over the years. Last year's sponsor were Tata DoCoMo who again were set to sponsor this year until being scuttled and muscled out of the way by the international beverage major, Aje Group, the manufacturers of the popular Big Cola and Oro brands. Speaking about the reason behind their sponsorship of Techfest 2012, Kranti khanderkar, Marketing Manager of Aje Group India said, "Promoting young talent is something that Aje Group strongly believes in and as a new entrant in the Indian market, we felt we needed to make a big impact among the masses and Techfest gives us that opportunity. We want to play our part to groom the great minds that's brimming with energy and ideas but also making use of this platform to connect with youngsters on a more direct basis." She also added that Aje Group was also working with various schools and colleges in Navi Mumbai and promoting sports and education with the ultimate aim of providing the best grounding for future leaders and model citizens as Navi Mumbai is the place it all began for the Company in India.

Techfest is an example where all the stakeholders of our society have come together to celebrate the greatness of the human spirit and have collaborated so wonderfully towards a common theme of continuous improvement.

I, The Commoner, would appeal to one and all to make use of this wonderful opportunity to witness what the wiz kids of today and the tech gurus of tomorrow have in store for us. I would urge great participation from my beloved City of Navi Mumbai. Go visit Techfest 2012 to unequivocally make your presence felt in many more ways than one. Watch this space for the follow-up article on Techfest 2012. So, stay tuned to Hubbrz amigos, there is much more to come. Ciao for now!!!!

Source: Hubbrz.com

Making This New Year Special and Unique

 ----------------------By: The Commoner (Hubbrz.com)

The time of Christmas and New Year is always filled with unperturbed merriment and inhibited frolicking. It's time when everyone is more concerned about what would be the most happening hangouts, the best gift, the best dress and greatest party in the City. Well, the logical question then would be, what else then? Aren't we all concerned about the same things?

Hitherto, after having been there and done that, have you ever considered what could be the most novel way in which you could spend your New Year this year that would be world apart from what you have normally done over the past years? Don't you wish to make this New Year reflect a different panache and revel in the pure, adulterated pleasure that is more satiating than anything that you have ever planned? What according to you would give you the greatest amount of satisfaction that you have felt in quite a lot of time or maybe ever?

Well, come on, let's together explore what are the most fulfilling and unique ways in which you can spend the New Year and still get the maximum out of it.

Go Out And Help The Needy 

Have you ever gifted something to someone in need and have felt goose bumps run up your spine or have you felt the joy on someone's face when you have fulfilled his or her wishes and gave them something they hadn't expected before. Let me assure you, this is a pleasure that is one of the most gratifying feelings you are ever likely to experience. If you want an awe-inspiring moment that lasts a lifetime and wish for the feel-good factor to persist like an eternal hangover, then just go out and help the needy and the destitute and feel the most pulsating high you could feel.

It could be as simple as giving away your used stuff to the nearby children home or the centre for the homeless and the destitute, to just spending time with the patrons of the old age home who only need someone to talk to. You could also go to a specialty wing of a hospital and spend time with the terminally ill or patients recouping from serious operations and play Santa for them and be a friend in need. In the end, remember, sharing is caring. Get out there, be selfish and feel good about the good that you are doing and let this pride last a lifetime.

Be The Best Gift For Someone Special

Over the years we accumulate a lot of grudges and malice against a lot of people, even sometimes against those you are very close to. This means that the differences between you and them have only grown over the years and now these distances seems just too far to bridge. It could be your friend, family, neighbour, colleague, acquaintance or even your X that was once dear to you, but who have drifted away from you, maybe even without your realization. Why don't you go and be the New Year gift that this person could never have expected. Don't you think that the surprise on their face and the twinkle in their eyes at the sight of you in front of them would be worth all the effort and make it all worthwhile. Imagine the surprise of an aging family or an ailing friend or a grieving college, a childhood companion long thought lost, or just someone who is all good but misses you like no tomorrow. Just go for it and relish the magical instant that this encounter could bless you with. Some beautiful memories are in store if you just show the desired courage and the necessary intent.

Do Something That You Always Wanted To But Couldn't 

There are many things that one wants to do, but owing to many reasons we are just too hesitant to do it. It could be anything that you truly believe is important and truly defines you that has been left undone which has created a void. These things could vary from things like going bungee to telling that someone special how much you love them and what they mean to you to telling your father that although you couldn’t tell him, he has always been your hero, telling your mother she is greatest cook ever or confessing to you sister she is the joy of your life to telling your best friend, he has done more for you than you have ever cared to admit and life was incomplete without him.

Go for a drive around the City without worrying about office tomorrow and the rising fuel prices, enjoy great food and a couple of drinks at your favourite joint without wondering how much it sets you back by with no care of the price list on the menu and just living the moment and having a, “Yes I Lived” moment. It could also be just telling your neighbourhood policeman or your watchman or even the maid what a wonderful job he or she is doing all the while just feeling splendid about it. Just jog your memories and make a list of these things and try your best at accomplishing it the best you can. However my friends, do whatever it maybe, but make sure you are not hurting yourself or bothering anyone in the process. Remember, it’s about spreading the joy and making sure others share the same happiness that you are or want to.

Repent Your Mistakes and Make Good

Whoever has said it takes a lot of courage to accept your mistakes and ask for forgiveness has got it absolutely correct. It takes a huge heart to admit you got it wrong and atone for it with dignity. This wrong could be against any man or against God himself. It would be the ideal time to make good with one and all and not let it weigh on your inner sanctity. Why don’t you make it a point this year to backtrack on the wrongs of earlier and set it right and make it a New Year where you swipe your slate clean and start afresh with an invigorated conscious and a refreshed mind-set that truly sets you on your way to greater and bigger things all the while just feeling magnificent about it.

Support Humanity And Endorse Life

 

There is nothing nobler than playing a part, no matter how small, in savings someone’s life and making a difference when it is a life and death scenario. Why not be the messiah reincarnated or even god himself manifested for that someone that you helped live longer, stronger or better. You could make a big difference in someone’s life by donating your blood or officially enlisting yourself as an organ donor. You could also help by making yourself available whenever there is a serious crunch of manpower during natural calamities or public relief efforts and associating yourself with causes that are targeted at the betterment of the public and the society at larger. This New Year, commit yourself to a cause that truly deserves a helping hand and is something that has a definite and long-lasting impact on the less fortunate people out there.

I am sure there are much more that we could come up with that would be unique in every aspect of the word, but the most important thing is having the desire and the single-minded determination to make it happen. I encourage all of you share your ideas on it and let others amongst us be enlightened as to how they could make this New Year and the many days after that,  "Special and Unique," and not be limited by the confines of letters and speeches alone.

I encourage you to also share with me what you think about the topic of the article and your suggestions and feedbacks as it is you who drives us on. This is The Commoner for SatliteRaaga signing off till we meet again on Hubbrz.com. Ciao!!

Source: Hubbrz.com

God Bless Steve Jobs -- A Bite Out of Apple