Significance of Diplomacy

When the five Tamilnadu fishermen landed in New Delhi, Indian Diplomacy gained some more momentum after the successful return of the nurses from Iraq. They were sentenced to death on charges of drug trafficking. Kudos to Sri Lanka for bypassing its own laws for the sake of foreign nationals. Diplomatic efforts from Indian Government in recent times have yielded satisfactory results. In principle, Diplomacy is another name for "Official Bartering". And as long as the barter brings good to the common, unerring folks on either side, it is always welcome.

At the same time, the manner in which we lost Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan hurts in more ways than one. He was fatally attacked inside the Kot Lakhpat (or Central Jail) Jail in Lahore by other inmates. Several years of appeal by governments of two different Prime Ministers could not secure his release. The case of Italian marines, who allegedly killed fishermen in Kerala waters, also presents a bad picture of our efforts. In both these cases, the eagerness required to pursue the most logical, legal and diplomatic, path was squarely found missing.

The endeavours of Diplomacy are equally important at home and away. If Indian fishermen are violating any Sri Lankan law, they must be clearly educated about it. In case of spies and agents wandering the target countries, most advanced legal and decoy trainings should be given. People looking for work in war-prone countries must be made aware of other possible employment avenues and if they still go ahead with the original assignment, how to guess a problem and take steps to mitigate it. Full report on the laws of that country must be handed over to whoever is travelling there. This would ensure that though New Delhi does all it should to protect its citizens, it does not go too far into interfering with legal system of other countries.

The Cup of The World Is Ours

The Cricket World Cup returned to its most beloved abode, Asia, after a gap of 15 years. Sri Lanka became the also ran. The dream of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar materialized finally. This victory makes Indian Cricket Team the Numero Uno in both Tests and ODIs. The magnitude of the win is not that easily comprehensible as it may appear on the surface. Yes, this team deserved it more than Kapil Dev’s gang in 1983. Yet, the chances in 2011 were more realistic as compared to those in 1983 and hence that triumph was more ecstatic. It was a team of underdogs which did the job 28 years ago. The current team is equal in skills and temperament to all its contemporaries. 1983 made people realize a cricketing nation other than the powerhouse of the Caribbean and now, that cricketing nation has become the master of all it surveys.

Tears of joy overflew from almost every pair of eyes right from Mr.Cool Gary Kirsten to the audacious Bhajji. Emotions overpowered everyone and everything. And still, the team was in unison to devote the cup to their 38-year old legend. I feel so bad having achieved nothing in 30 years of my life. Many of these guys are younger than me. They have scaled heights that very few will be able to do in the coming years of Sporting history at least. Not to talk about the amount of wealth these guys are going to amass, it is huge by any proportions. I am highlighting their lasting footprints in our hearts for years to come. No one can predict when Indian team can win another World Cup in any sport which means that these images will remain forever. These gentlemen have become the part of the folklore. Alas! I am too far from hoping to match them.

It was not just a cricket match as somebody quipped in various media reports. It was a war between two uncompromising and talented teams. Why Sri Lanka couldn't cross the line may need an elaborate explanation, I will summarize the same by saying that they were a little underprepared compared to India in terms of soaking Big Match pressure. And then how could they have won. The boys had to do it for Sachin. What this 5' 4" individual means to the 1.2 billion Indians is too astonishing to be put into words. Yet the beautifully morphed picture below shall help. :)

Many congratulations all the retired and current cricketers and non-players who have been constant well-wishers of the team and have guided and encouraged the team to do well over the years. The victory is very much theirs as well.

Nobody can predict when are we going to lift the cup again. Hence, this win assumes all the more significance. It should pave the way for a consistent, brilliant performance from the world-beaters. All the cricket fans in the country will not want such grand celebrations to be proved wrong in the coming series and matches. Bravo, Team India. :)