Chinese Millennium on the Anvil

After seeing China cross the 100 gold medal mark at the Asian Games 2010, I wondered whether the shiny metal might end up losing its charm amidst such a gold rush. But I was quickly convinced that it won't, especially when it comes to the Chinese for whom gold medals at the Games is just another way of displaying its supremacy in a world where the best way to exhibit one's might is through 'Soft Power.'

China takes the display of this Soft Power very seriously and has left no stone unturned in its effort to showcase to the world what it is capable of and let the world know it’s a force to be reckoned with not just financially and militarily, but through the influence that it has on others when it comes to sports and implied cultural ascendancy using Soft Power as a leverage. It's much easier to convince others if the speaking is done by your actions rather than wasting a lot of time verbally confusing many and convincing none.

The Chinese success in hosting the Olympics and the Asian Games with its trademark management skills, clinical efficiency and clockwork precision manifested beautifully by the awe inspiring opening and closing ceremony at both the Games made the world stand up and take notice. It was just another feather in an already boisterous cap that the Chinese so proudly parade to the world in a mild conjuncture that the world has started to acknowledge.

It is the Chinese way of saying, "It is our time now. The West has had their 30 second of fame and it's the Chinese millennium from here on in." I am sure that Indian, Japan, and not to mention the U.S. might have something to say about that, but there is no doubt that no one is taking the Chinese claims lightly. Although Indian shouldn’t rest on its laurels and see China surge ahead, there is no better illustration or a case study that Indian could ask for and I am sure Indian, the other developing countries, and even the developed countries could do very well to emulate, at least emulate what China has done right so far.

Although China is still far from being perfect through its dismal human rights record, pathetic pollution track record and an autocratic and even hegemonic mentality to its policies in world finance and politics, no other country is better poised to take over the mantle as the next superpower. Trust me, I say that with a heavy heart being an Indian, but it's the reality of our times and is something that we have to make peace with.

The Dragon is flying high, but it has to be careful as the weather could turn anytime and even a Dragon needs to be careful and watch its back. But as of now, it's China all the way whether we like it or not.

President Obama's Visit to India - Short Synopsis

So far President Obama has been brutally honest as to his views on India-US relations, which I must say is a refreshing and assuring change from the rhetorical Clinton or the paradoxical Bush. That doesnt mean he'll be good for India or anyone else for that matter, but atleast we'll knw what's coming and prepare for the challenges alone if need be, which we are more than capable of doing!!

So, Mr. Obama, your honesty is appreciated but it's no longer about what 'you can' anymore. It's more about what you did and how you did it!! Anyway, thanks for the nice moves on the Koli number. But so far, that has been the highlight of your visit. However, I am still all ears for your exemplary oratory skills but with some positive connotations as far as India and the Subcontinent as a whole is concerned!

What You Mean to Me..........

If beauty had an allure, you are its personification.
If life had a reason to spawn, you are its sustenance.
If god had a purpose in the consciousness, you are its conviction.
If melody has a rhythm, you are its most lyrical beat.
If holiness has a spiritual calm to it, you gave it providence.
If nature had a balance, you fill it with sanctity.
If truth had no equal, you give it credibility.
If diamonds are forever, you give it the glitter.
If conscious is clear, you give it its voice.
If motion is energy, you give it the right direction.
If living is learning, you make it discernible.
If democracy is fair, you give it a reality.
If love is life, you fill it with romance.
If my life has a reason, you are its most beautiful proof.


Note: These stanzas are my testimony to those who have felt love and eloquote this feeling into text. If you have something better and would like to add, gladly do so!!! I am all ears. Correction, all eyes!!!! :) Till then, spread love brothers and sisters!!! We can never have enough of it!! By the way, this is my 300th post. Yippeeee!!!!

Why Poetry?

Why this urge to put my words into rhyme,
Why feel this need to make my feelings hum?

Why does prose seem a task strenuous on the mind?
Is it my lack of patience or a reflection of our time.

Are we too busy for words that seem plenty but linger at best,
Too occupied to appreciate the beauty of a detailed text?

Or is poetry a way to say much through so less,
Where many emotions are expressed and others genuinely felt.

Are both form of expression a part of a seamless and wonderful whole,
Are there times when both come together towards a greater shared goal.

For days I strained for the obvious and allowed lethargy to choose one over the other.
Preferring one of the sibling so unique yet crucial borne out of a common mother.

It was me all along who chose to ignore the significance of both,
The role of prose and poetry for true literary growth.

So many days lost and growth hindered that still may prove hard to compensate.
But lessons were learned and feel eager to start over as it's never too late!!!!!

What Memories Mean?

Life is a concoction of memories accumulated in random,
events and episodes either planned or that transpire in unforeseen tandem.

The more memories you hold onto signifies a life well spent,
memories are one's true evidence of success and its only genuine testament.

Don't let life be left in cruise control and allow it become all but mechanical,
don't ignore the spirits of celebration and let life assume a sabbatical.

Be instinctive and cherish the uncertainties with fervor and passion,
and witness the wondrous joy of life that grows greater every season.

If we only could appreciate what life has to offer,
what it has in store in its unassuming and viscous coffer.

It is important to recognize that life is an art of living and not just an excuse to exist,
and if survival is presumed primary above all, then life is nothing but a glorified forfeit.

Me, and the new Change!!!!

Almost everyone I know is weary of sudden change,
Inclined towards caution when faced with transition.

Every step is conservative and carefully calculated,
Guarded against any wrong moves or being manipulated.

It may seem as if these apprehensions are bordering on panic,
However, you suppress these feelings and conquer any reason.

Usually, this is how things go, but I was in for a pleasant surprise.
Somehow this transition felt pleasantly homely without much try.

It didn’t know what did the trick but I didn’t complain,
Everyday things got better and my lethargy started to drain.

It is now clear that it was the wonderful people who helped subdue my negativity,
Who made me feel secure and confident with their kindness and selfless propensity.

A realization soon struck me as to why change is constant and growth a necessity,
Why change is a precursor to progress and a feeler for our destined prosperity.

Today I feel part of something bigger and part of a greater whole.
I believe a bond now runs through us caressing all our tethered soul.

We all believe we are poised towards attaining something genuinely great,
Working towards a common dream as a team where everyone participates.

There is a positive spirit that I sense but cannot yet fathom,
A drive that urges all of us to push beyond our immediate horizon.

I’m proud to say that no goal nor dream seems a bridge too far,
Now, that I stand shoulder-to-shoulder as part of ‘Team Morningstar’.

Cricket Australia considers new 40-over format

Australia is all set to revolutionize the 50-Over per side by splitting it into two innings each. That means watching the Great Sachin bat twice and enjoying the sight of Steyn charging-in in two different innings in one day. Wow!!! That's an exciting prospect. Cant' wait.

Cricket Australia considers new 40-over format

Makhaya Ntini - On a Mission to Unearth more hidden talent!!

Link: Cricinfo Article - Worth a Read!

Go Ntini go. We as lovers of quality cricket have always craved high-quality crickets like the hay days of old when quality cricketers seem to be produced from every country with alarming ease and there was a real battle to be called the number one. The production line seemed to be exhausted for some reason, even in South Africa, a country that gave us some real gems. Also, the number of colored cricketers is not great and you see a lot of quality white cricketers leaving the country sighting unfair selection process. This seems to be doing no good for anyone.

Anyway, good luck with your initiative Makhaya. Let us hope we'll see more cricketers exhibit the same spirit and commitment that you displayed with distinguishment. Can't wait to see a big, tall, fiery fast ballers emerge from the Rainbow Nation and beyond. It can only help cricket as a whole. Nice Article!

IPL teams should be able to retain eight players - Tendulkar

IPL teams should be able to retain eight players - Tendulkar

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IPL teams should be able to retain eight players - Tendulkar

IPL teams should be able to retain eight players - Tendulkar

Posted using ShareThis