Terror is back

I Did Not Die
Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rushOf quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

-Melinda Sue Pacho

(I dedicate this poem to the families of those killed in Delhi bomb blasts)

If wishes were horses...

When I first heard of Chetan Bhagat’s book on IIT hostels, Five Point Something, I was not very keen to read. I thought it would be a campus story. A week back I got to read two of his books for free. A generous friend of mine lent Five Point… and One Night @ Call Centre to me. Anyone who lends book to me has a big heart because I never lend book to anyone. I used to put a piece of paper on the wall of my hostel room in Cotton College and it read “I do not lend books and magazines.” This is actually a borrowed practice, which I saw in Homen Borgohain’s residence. He used to be my idol once.

Bhagat’s book is a campus story. I have read many books like that. It’s no doubt a comfortable reading and deserves to be a best-seller, though good marketing boosted its sell. The book reminded me of two earlier books I have read in my mother tounge-Cotton College and Seemanta. If these two books are translated and properly marketed, they may also turn best-seller!

Another Assamese book, which can surely become a best-seller, is Anuradhar Desh. But, the translator must be good enough to capture the mood of the book. I think the appeal of the book lies in the mood and treatment of the story. After Janhu Baruah, someone may try a commercial Hindi movie, with Anuradhar Desh as the story. I’m sure it will be a big hit. Imagine Shah Rukh Khan playing the role of Arunav!

This may be a wild imagination, but I have another wish unfulfilled and it seems it’s going to turn a wild fantasy soon. After two consecutive victories over the Lankans and the selectors in no mood to bring him back, will Team India seek Ganguly’s service again? Will I ever see Dada dancing down the crease and hitting those huge sixes?

We all know a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Who cares about Assam and Assamese?

Every morning I face a great problem: what to eat for breakfast? Early morning I don’t feel like wasting too much time in the kitchen. If I get up late, I cannot decide if I should go for lunch directly or opt for a quick breakfast. That I do not like bread add to my confusion.

I reached office early today and out of habit logged on to the TOI website. You can imagine my excitement when I saw a story on 15 best Indian breakfasts. I thought I could get a solution to my problem.

The excitement, however, vanished soon. Those were, by no means, regular breakfasts. A singleton like me can never prepare them in the morning during weekdays. I guess the same is true for couple too. As I waded through the slide-show, I gradually lost my zeal. Towards the end of it, I just wanted to wrap up the whole story.

But, there was a big surprise waiting for me!

I was shocked to see what TOI wrote about Assamese breakfast. Fish and papaya with Khar powder! For those who don’t know what Khar is let me explain. It’s simply alkali or base. It’s always in liquid form. And the writer says Khar powder!

There’s no doubt that we love fish. But, that’s not in the breakfast menu. There are many delicious dishes, which we Assamese people devour in the morning. It can be pithas, xandah, mudi, chira…anything. It can be luchi tarkari, which we have imported from Bengalis. But no fish in the morning.

I pointed out the mistake twice to the Editor. But, none cared to rectify it. At least, till 6: 30 pm. Who cares about Assam?

Some days back Sony TV said Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Mara was directed by famous ‘Oriya’ director Jaanhu Baruah. Zoom Television, again of TOI group, went one step ahead and said Baruah was from Korea!

Should I be happy?

So, after a long time India won! That too by 152 runs. I have a special aversion towards Sri Lanka. I can tolerate if Pakistan beat India, at least I have respect for their talent. It's really sad that these Lankans are ranked 2nd in the world. Whenever I look at Jayasurya, I feel he's on dope. Same is the case with Murli. Have you noticed his face just before releasing the ball? I guess Ravana looked exactly like him. I know this is in poor tatste, but I cannot help expressing what I feel.

The best thing about today's match was Sachin's return to his own self. After a big gap, we could see him playing those shots, which were essentially Sachin's own. I was relieved. The second big thing was Irfan's growth as a batsman. He may one day take Kapil's place.

Dravid looked good as captain. Specially, I liked his bowling changes. Should I write anything on his batting? With time, he has added fireworks to his batting. With this win, I guess he will be a relieved skipper.

It seems Chappel's mantras are working for the Indian team. And also the great Indian huddle was back.

I was no doubt elated over the victory over Lankans. But, a tinge of sadness marred my celebration.

Will dada be back in the team? I want India to win, but I want Ganguly also back in the team.

I miss those evenings

Today, I was dying to sit near a river and listen to flute. Unfortunately, there’s no river here in Delhi and my wish remained unfulfilled. I do not consider Yamuna as a river, at least, not in Delhi. It’s simply a dirty drain.

Since my childhood, I have read and heard a lot about Yamuna. I thought it would be wonderful river, which would tell me the history of Delhi. It never did. I felt like crying the day I saw Yamuna for the first time in Delhi. I felt betrayed.

Though, I belong to the land where the mighty Brahmmaputra flows, I grew up with a small river flowing quietly near my home. It used to be my best friend, especially during my adolescences. I got to see Brahmmaputra once or twice in the year till I reached college. During college days, our gang of six used to spend our evenings on the bank of the son of Brahmma.

We used to go there whenever we were depressed and there were enough reasons to be sad. She did not smile at me today, end of the month and start of bankruptcy, magazines rejecting our attempts to become 21st century Shelly and Keats…it could be anything. And the mighty river listened to all our grievances. It never uttered a single word, but said a lot of things. We used to feel elated, many a time felt like giving it a hug…laughed at ourselves and came back happily.

I miss Tihu and Brahmmaputra.

It’s often said civilizations are formed around a river. Is Delhi going to die as Delhites are so busy killing Yamuna?

I don’t know.

Bring back Ganguly

Today, I was actually praying to God that Sourav scores a century. God listened to me and the 'real' Indian captain did score an enetertaining century. It was really a nice reply from the Bengal tiger. He has done so much to the Indian cricket team, yet he was forced to stomach so much humiliation!

I guess he has earned so many enemies only because he is arrogant, and lives life like a Maharaja. Interestingly, this is the quality which forces me to like him so much. In fact, this quality of his is behind his success. He thinks he is the King, and this gives him power. He used this power in a positive way and rememeber what he did to Indian cricket.

I admit Ganguly had not been performing for last 2 years. But, what's Tendulkar is doing to Indian cricket? Why is he regarded as indispensable to Indian cricket? I have high regard for both Tendulkar and Dravid and don't want to see anyone of them go. But, I have no doubt that none can be a better captain than Maharaja.

As far as Chappel is considered, how can you trust a person who forgets a favour? It was Ganguly, who got that Aussie the job, and he wants Dada's head in return!

Let good sense prevail and please bring back Ganguly. I'm sure this time the tiger will take a bloody revenge.

Remember those great days when Dada and Master Blaster used to blaze from both sides of the wicket.