Somewhere under high security (now thats up for debate), within the walls of large looming office buildings, among millions of files, petitions, applications, approvals, and denials, lies a little packet about half an inch thick with my name and address on it. I am the petitioner and Mr.Punju the beneficiary. The fate of our relationship first lay in the hands of friends who smuggled phone calls and letters, then in the hands of our families, then in the hands of the extended family and society, and now it finally lays in the hands of a complete stranger. An officer of the Department of Homeland Security, an officer who must sift through scores of such applications for visas - immigration or otherwise and stamp it with approvals and denials. What must go through her or his head when deciding these factors. Do they get emotionally attached to the love stories of how two people met, fell in love, and have finally decided to spend their lives with each other? Do they feel the pain of all those pining for their loved ones from across thousands of miles? Do they not get that sometimes even a month’s delay might be an extra salary pack for them, but eons for those whose fates they decide day in and day out? Continue Reading »
If the 6 in a row by Yuvraj Singh and the nail biting thriller at Kingsmead today against Australia were not enough to get Indians stick their hearts out on the edge, then wait till the final showdown of the 20-20 International Cricket World Cup on Monday, September 24th.
After the miserable return in the World Cup this past year, Team India has found a renewed energy and the young guns of India have maintained their nerves throughout. I was especially impressed listening to our captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni after the match today. The guy is only 26 but speaks like a captain - like the captain of an international professional team. His spirit is unstoppable. I had missed out on watching a lot of cricket all my years in college, but now I am back on the scene and boy, its looking good! Sure, there were times in these matches where India looked like it was pushing its luck, but the boys maintained their strength and now are into the final.
Its after many years that India and Pakistan will play in a World Cup Final. What more could cricket fans across the globe ask for? Rise back from the ashes for both teams, the underdogs now the favourites in this 20-20, and a rivalry almost unmatched. Monday is sure going to be a thriller final for the first 20-20 World Cup.
Speaking of the 20 overs, I am quite liking them. I wonder if 20 over one-days are now going to be the trend? They are fast paced thrillers and are packed with a punch. Short and sweet! Not so great for the slow batsman who picks up after a few overs on the pitch but if we are getting chakke pe chakka then I am not complaining. Also, one slogan that has been popping up everywhere all across India, in all the matches is Chak De! India. If movies and sports are what it takes to bring the nation together and forget all their communal woes then yes, Chak De! India!
Unfortunately, I will be at work on Monday but sure will be following the match online. We used to always say, world cup naa jeete to chalega, but Pakistan ke aage to jeetna hi hai! And when world cup and win against Pakistan mean the same thing, then let the match begin!
P.S: found this hilarious piece about the Flintoff-Yuvraj tussle.