Random Questions - III

Dodge this edition of chaos...Random Questions III...

• Was 2008 eventful or forgetful?
• Will Obama catch Osama?
• Will there be another Indo-Pak war?
• Isn't terror, the weapon of mass destruction?
• Is the Recessiona beginning of the end or the end of the beginning?
  
• Economy Downturn in India - bad for us and good for the boss?
• Is the economic bailout package plan out only for the big boys like an excuse?
• Are political parties wrapping up their mess for the sake of the next election?
• Will we ever breathe oxygen in the free world?
• Do we still buy water to drink when its a natures free gift?
• Will paper money still rule our minds in the times to come?
• Will going to work every morning ever end?
• Do we work to earn, learn or enjoy in life?
• Will we spend the rest of our lives in front of a PC or a laptop?
• Have we forgotten to write and learned to type?
• Will there be a day the earth will stand still?
  
• Is extinction another word in the dictionary?
• Will music be the same 10 years from now?
• How much more new music can we create?
• Have we ever danced like no one is watching?
• Are we spending more than what we are earning?
• Isn't music the only common religion across the world?
• Are NBA players genetically modified?
• When Bollywood can have Item Numbers, why are people protesting in IPL?
• Is sex an art or a practice?
• Will the sun ever run out of fuel?
  
• Is there another universe beyond our solar system?
• Will we ever get to meet an alien or will it be US's best kept secret?
• Will India ever play in a Football World Cup finals?
• Will our national sport (which is Hockey for those who might not know) ever be revived?
• Will law colleges be a place to make the lawyer or break the law?
• Will technology makes things so small that they may vanish into thin air?
• Will the concept of winning become so boring that losing will become more dramatic?
• Why so serious???
  

Immortal Triumph - II

Continued from Immortal Triumph - I...

The venue - Vidyodaya School, T. Nagar, the date - Saturday, 30th August 2002, time - 7.30am. We assemble at the entrance and only 4 of us arrive after all the hype, tension and promises. Registrations would end at 8pm and most of my team was coming from each corner of the city. The only gear we had was 2 bats and that was it. The other clubs and colleges were already playing their matches as scheduled from as early as 6am. We were obviously late and worried. At close to 7.55 am, the whole team is together amidst the little quarrel we had and made our way in to the ground. We were met with mocks, insults and smiles that wrote...'here come the suckers all over for another shot at glory'. All we did was walk straight and smiled back...brave but stupid in that moment. Luck did play a big role this time around...good and bad...we were the last to confirm our participation and ours was the last match of the day...pitted against one of the toughest teams in the tournament...as the greats once said...fortune favours the prepared mind...hell it did!

Well, we then waited all day long, loitering and observing all the key teams and players. We did manage to strike some good conversations with officials and some of the dames too. All the time, we would come up with hilarious spin offs of on field antics and results that ruptures of laughter would erupt around us...we sure did keep everyone in lighter spirits. But in all the waiting, we kept our strategy secret and spoke nothing of it. It was simple but too powerful to be out in the open for other teams to evesdrop into...so we let out false strategies to those who were kind of mingling unnecessarily...and they did the needful of letting their captains know of what we were going to do...and then at about 3.30pm came our first game of the tournament...agains the supposedly unbeaten team in sometime...club from Vepery. We won the toss and elected to bat...Murali and I opened and what followed was a literally a slaughter...mayhem left, right and center. Many of the audience and the opposition players dropped their jaws at our onslaught and nothing but silence...in our secret demolition plan of anihilation we amassed 60 runs in 6 overs for an opening partnership and the last 2 overs garnering 24 runs...so 84 in 8 overs...record breaking numbers that day...more was to come. The hyped up team came out to chase this like it was a walk in the park...walk it was but not in the park...it was hell. Smart bowling, sharp fielding, quick captaincy proved too much to handle and they collapsed to a shameful 17 All Out in about 6 overs. Ranga our man in the match with 5 wickets and we went into the sunset with a soda in our hands...living to die another day...on our way out...we saw the trophy on display...golden and at least 2 feet tall. Beauty she was...the biggest trophy I was personally playing for...Vatsa was staring at the same and tol me...."I have never yearned for something in life...this is the only time I feel like winning..."...i replied..."Lets win it for you then!"

Day 2 of the tournament and we all were on time and ready to get into action and not letting us take the shed like we were outcasts...well, we ended up getting the first match of the day! This time it was a good opponent from SRM Eashwari...We lost the toss and ended up fielding, some good tight bowling effort from Ranga, Arvind, Jayadev and me, restricted them to about 60 odd runs in 8 overs. Chasing was good as ever and our demolition plan worked but not for too long and we gave our side a run rate of about 8 per over in the first 4 overs. Wickets then began to tumble and our saviour emergred from nowhere...Dhilip's patient partnership and a blitz from Jayadev. Yes...we required 18 runs in the last 3 overs with about 2 wickets left...and enter Jayadev. Nailbiting moments as dot balls came through and our asking rate was shooting up like mercury. Fed up with all the hooligan chants and crazy fielding placements, our hero set his foot down and smashed 3 sixes in one over to seal the match...all in all...so much so for the criticism, it was our road to the Semi-Finals. Shake hands all over and our next match was assigned with an hour's break...this time against another good team - SCVE (Sri Venkateshwara College of Engineering)...another test of wits and nerve by whoever fixed those matches...we were up for it.

The Semi-finals under the scorching sun and the blazing heat...luck made its way as we won the toss and got ourselves to bat first in a hope to set a big total...another 8 over game. SVCE was a good team and bowled tight...our demolition plan failed as the first 3 wickets fell cheaply leaving the middle order and the bowlers to put up a brave total we could bowl to. This time, our captain chipped in with an awesome knock under pressure that defined his character and credibility like never before...he stood for us and we managed a defendable 60 odd runs...not much but enough to put up a fight. SVCE got off to a flyer as their opening pair plundered runs at will and none of our plans worked...but then a flash of brilliance on the field turned the game in no time...2 run outs and both direct hits from our next hero...the wily Murali...the whoe ground for the first time erupted in sheer voilent cheer (I suspect this team did not end up on the friendly side during the tournament) and our support began to grow by now...the opposition and the organizers were stunned by the turnaround and our captain bowled a fabulous spell to choke them under pressure...desperate times had called for desperate measures by the oppoition when they accused Jayadev of chucking arm action...all of sprang like it was a riot and we mobbed the umpire asking for justice...Jayadev was the fastest bowler but totally awry but he could literally break a toe with a yorker...with a little help from my end, the umpire was convinced that all Jayadev had to do was jump before delivering the ball...action cleared, wickets tmble and as expected...we won by 12 runs...but a breakthrough to our reputation in the tournament...we made it to the finals and this was our last hurdle...shake hands all over as the organizers announced the finalists of the tournament...Team Apex vs St. Thomas college of Arts...a first of sorts for both teams...an hours break before the finals and both teams were breathing...

Most of the crowd stayed back to see our downfall...most speaking of our run as a fluke...to me it was like a tale in an old story book...from what we were last year to what we had got ourselves to that year by sheer effort and belief...it was true and it took us time to soak in that we were the finalists...we were seated in a circle and talking of all the positives on what we had achieved and what was ahead of us...some of them even saying...finals is not a big thing...but the journey was to the finals was worth a lifetime. We all shared the same sentiment...whatever happens from now...we go out with our heads held high...victory or defeat. The crowd gathered near both teams and were now buzzing with speculations, predictions and adulations. We then stared at the battlefield for a while and looked to each other...One more time boys...we all felt the same words pass through our ears...and it was true. It was just one last time...I reminded Vatsa of his promise..."We will..."

Captains head to the center of the battlefield and the remaining crowd hooting and cheering...spin of the coin and Heads is the call by our man and we decide to bat without second thoughts...this time it was a 10 over match. Murali and I as usually walked to the center to start off the proceedings...both of our hearts feeling the pressure of the Finals. This time, both of our plans to demolish was halted right at the start and we both fell after what had been an amazing run at the tournament...this as it seemed...was our last shot. Two early wickets and we were trotting at the first half of the match...other key players too perished leaving all hopes to other unlikely saviours. It is believed that in tough times, arise tough characters to weather the storm...to us it came in the form of Vatsa and Amrith...the guys who dint give up till the very end despite not having a good run with the bat in the entire tournament...Vatsa got all his shots right in what seemed a terrible time at practice and all of Amriths energy spent on the moment that mattered. Vatsa was quiet and moved on with his game while Amrith kept running despite our doubts about his stamina...given the toxic condition he was in...all said and done...both emerged heroes and saviours in the first half of the battle...with support from the rest on all fronts. The score stood at 62 in 10 overs...modest but a faint chance. Vatsa and Amrith had the breather they wanted and all of us gave a raucous ovation as they returned for a well deserved sip of glucose!

We speak nothing, we do nothing...all we do is smile and enjoy the moment that we came this far...winning was not on our minds for the first time...it was a fight that was on our mind...one last leap! "Thanks Vatsa...you have given us a chance.." I told him...for the first time he mentioned this..."Namma Jaikarom da" (meaning - we are winning mate!)...and that was our mantra...field set, players ready and then our final chapter began...Arvind and Ranga were bowling their hearts out but there were these relentless players who were negotiating the attack with ease...but then all of a sudden...a quick run out by Murali, stunning catch by Dhilip, sharp keeping by Amrith and a mammoth effort from Vatsa...a quick rush of wickets after a dull start gave us all the hope and chance we wanted...I then picked two in an over...including the guy who got me out...and then it was down to the wire...4 overs to go...21 runs to get...Arvind bowls an amazing over and the equation comes to 3 overs and 17 runs...Ranga then takes over...tight spell...equation comes to 2 overs 12 runs...Arvind bowls....wicket taking over...yells and screams all over...appealing to the umpire...decisions going both ways. Last over left...8 runs required...Ranga bowls...field is set...players praying on their feet, some on their knees...I was scribbling Win on the sand below...just a shade of hope fading away...first ball...dot...second ball...wicket...eruption!!! Mayhem yet again...but the game was far from over...next ball...2 runs...6 to win...3 balls to go...next one was a screamer...dot ball...missing the stumps by a shade...2 balls 6 runs required...next ball...bad one...2 runs off it...1 ball remaining...4 to win...one shot away...one last chance...captains, bowler and keeper discuss last minute strategy...prayers intensify...hooting gets louder...umpire feel the heat as well...im still as a rock...knowing not what to expect next...and then it all happenned...

Bowled him!!! Cracker of a delivery that sneaked passed through the heave and crashes into the stumps...it was at that moment...for a second...my world stood still...it all unfolded in that one moment...smiles became laughter...prayers came true, hops became leaps and a dreams became reality...we had won. The margin was by 3 runs and that moment was scripted by all together in a huddle and in embrace of a feeling that we never planned for...our journey was over and the destination had arrived...we were never able to control our emotions...but then it had to be. The crowd in the background gave a faint applause but that was lost in the noise we were creating as winners. Our captain tried his best to get us under control as the opposition team was waiting for a final handshake of fine sportsmanship...the spirit in which the game was played...and then the presentation ceremony and the man of the match to Ranga...for his fine performance under pressure...no speeches, no photographs but the moments has been etched in my heart and mind.

Victory it was as we lifted the trophy and gave another scream of victory, everyones blood, sweat and tears embracing the golden cup...kisses and hugs galore for that trophy...everyones dream coming true in their very hands...we spent our last moments before we split homeward...we would speak of this moment in our lives to come...remember this victory in every dire situations one was in and in every interview when we were asked about one achievement in life...they can see it in our faces when we narrate this tale...a true story. I call it immortal because it was a bunch of Correspondence guys who beat the best and those who thought we were dispensable...we became truly invincible by body, mind, heart and soul.

After 6 years now, the trophy is somewhere on the loft at my home, gathering the dust of time and tide...the trophy after sometime dint feel important...it was that journey from nowhere to the pinnacle of glory...we did not go to another tournament thereafter...our situations took us in different directions...but it is this one moment in our lives that brings us together no matter where we are and what we do despite any given situation...all of us share a good laugh and talk like we have hung up our boots.

Well, we plan to meet sometime soon with our past binding us into one good conversation...I hope to tell this tale to anyone who is willing to win despite odds...I hope to tell it till I die. What came to me as vengeance as a fuel at the start...ended up being victory by sheer effort, dedication, team effort and the spirit to win...no substitute whatsoever.

Certain triumphs in life are worth remembering beyond ones mortal dreams...those victories will be spoken even beyond, that is why this is an immortal moment...to me, this just happens to be one of them...

.

(The Apex Winning Team From Left to Right: Jayadev, Dhilip, Vatsa (standing), Ranga, Aravind, Me (Vasanth), Amrith and Murali and Subbu who took the snap)

Mt. Everest is Alone

Life takes us to two extremes. One of knowing something too well or the other of knowing nothing at all...and not to forget the grey area which lies between them both. In both these extreme domains there is a bit of lonliness and a bit of company. When you are the best of the best, you are on top of the ladder with no company because there can only be one first place. On the other hand, when you know nothing at all, you are again alone because the whole world accoding to you knows everything or at least something.

This came to my mind in a recent conversation I had with a couple of friends. One was an engineer and highly qualified and ambitious chap and the other being a simple and happy go lucky graduate girl who just wanted to marry and get settled. Despite being friends, I felt a little lost and totally disconnected in that one conversation and it just hit me like a gentle breeze caressing across my face what seemed to me a hard fact.

The conversation was in no way about a common topic but a diverse subject which included each persons respective areas of interests...the guy's topic was about engineering, technology, the girls was about life in general - work and personal and mine was about rock music. Well, as it can be noticed, three of us belonged to the scale which I explained in the beginning. The guy was so engrossed in his dialogue that he dint allow anyone to understand or clarify what on earth he was trying to explain. Then came my turn where I spoke about the roots, bands, styles and various genres of rock music. The same was the case this time with the other two who just had no clue of what I had tried to explain. Amidst these two conversations out of the three so far, the girl got a little hold of what we both we were talking about. And then, she got her turn to speak...the third conversation was a very open and a general discussion where we both could participate and share our thoughts. Both of us found it very easy to open up and share our limited insights or even listen when we had not a clue.

After all three conversations were over, we got our chances to sip our steaming coffee that had just arrived after the three way conversation. That evening, I had derived a learning out of this tete-a tete and from here on I will indeed explain on from where exactly the title comes from and what I intend to convey.

We all know that in this world there are specialists, nothingists (I beg to use a little poetic license here) and generalists. Either we know something too well (specialists), or we know nothing at all (nothingists) or we know just enough about something (generalists). Please note, that specialists are niche area folks and hence the scarcity of specialists around; the nothingists are blissfully ignorant people, who are also less because our social structure does not permit us to do so; and the generalists, the remaining lot who know a little of everything and are able to dwell between the 2 extreme categories because they are just about aware but arent flustered if they do not know the details.

Specialists, Id rather say are those who are in top ranks and have been in the most sought after profiles and seldom have a team because we know them as those who love to work alone. The Nothingists, on the other hand, know nothing blissfully ignorant and people in turn do not like to work with them at any given time. The Generalists, as I can assume, are willing to step into unknown territories, knowing it is dangerous but knowing not how to get out of it. The fact that they dont know how to get out in a dangerous situation, prompts them to know more and hence the ability to converse, learn and find a way out. I cannot discount certain damages that can happen here in this process. The greats have once said - little knowledge is too dangerous...and it is. In which case, the extremes of being a specialist and a nothingist does help...sometimes being a generalist, gets you in a situation which you just did not want to get into...rather was happy to see it go by than get into it.

Now if you had to take real life instances and put people into these categories (also yourself) and then judge on how to take life forward...Im sure it would bring a lot of things to perspective and bring oneself to reality. Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain on planet Earth and has an envious record than any other peak in the world. Does it, in this case, have company? Do you think, being the best and the specialist, brings you more friends? Arent you actually alone being on the top? Hasnt it struck you that you are far and way above ground reality? Arent you on top of the human construct of what they call is the best and first rank? Arent you alone...I mean by people and not by ideas of work or by your intellectual demons. Dont you want to be in the company of the world than be counted amongst the elite? Have you ever ventured back to what you were before becoming a specialist? To those, these are some of my questions you might want to rethink your answers about...i know you might have already formulated an answer by now...think again.

The Mariana Trench...the lowest point on this planet and the deepest abyss ever found...blissfully ignorant of the world above, peacefully slumbering in the depths of the waters, waiting for light to even be touched upon. Dear Nothingists, I am talking to you all. Ever wondered how it is to be even seen? Have you ever witnessed the evolution of this world? Dont you want to be a part of history and an element of the future? Does time come to any essence for you? Does it help to have friends? Do you know that knowing not is not an excuse, rather a grave mistake you know you are making? Isnt there a purpose for your existence or your actions? Wouldnt you want to see the light of day? Do you realize that by resting your brain, you are not resting but killing an intellectual gift unique only to mankind? Have you ever listened, besides hearing? Have you ever watched besides seeing? To those, these are some of my questions you might want to rethink your answers about...I know you might have already ignored all my attempts by now...listen and watch.

The land we live on...level between the highest point on the planet and the deepest abyss, knowing not the extremes of the scale but grounded to reality. Balanced but not willing to go the extremes knowing the outcomes beforehand inaccurately with an uncertain future, a running present and a buried past. Do you know how does it feel to blissfully ignorant? Dont you want to live beyond the edge rather than living on the edge? Does knowing too much hurt? Isnt greatness a part of everyday life? Do you need a permanent vacation? Does learning and progress ever cease? Does human existence fight for money in the name of the country and the economy? Is it worth knowing something so deep and living with it your entire life? Does immortality and legendary mean something to you? Do you know the difference between freedom and being free? To those, these are some of my questions you might want to rethink your philosophy in life...I know you might have already started thinking about the questions by now...nevermind, its a decent beginning if not the end.

Here is a conclusion that is worth a debate and discussion. Neither can one stay at both extremes of Specialist and a Nothingist nor can be stuck inbetween and call oneself a Generalist. The reason we call life a journey and not a destination is that we have to tread from one extreme of the scale to another if the situation demands so from time to time. It is a neverending process and in this crossover journey we will come across so many people who are interchanging their roads with you and who are on their way to the opposite ends of my scale. You will never feel alone if you treat this knowledge as your own...share it. Give as much as you can and take as much as is offered.

Life comes as much as it goes...never think twice to make a nothingist feel like a generalist, always give a chance for a generalist to know a little more and get known and give that specialist a chance to show how much can be given to a nothingist and let the nothingist give a touch of freedom of blissfully ignorant feel whenever they are stuck up in daily chores. It is when this happens that my scale will diminish and the merger of minds and bodies and souls will take place with no boundaries where existence will be all about oneness and mutual respect. The moment we draw the line, we part ourseleves into the hands of madness and chaos. Let us be one and share this feeling of to know, not to know and knowing a little more to as many as we can. Its a big world but the journey can only begin with a small step!

Always remember, Mt. Everest is always lonely, but if it welcomes to be scaled upon, will it have company. The Mariana Trench is always lonely, but if the abyss welcomes the light with open arms, it will see the light of day. The plain earth on which we dwell on will have company but will lose the pleasure of going the extreme and knowing what it is to live beyond the edge rather than on the edge. The extreme scale (of segregating people into Specialists, Nothingists and Generalists) which I created in this article is just a mental construct which we are so used to doing knowingly or unknowingly...lets break this myth as soon as can. If we do so, we will become one and one day the vast world we live in will become so small that it will roll in our palms. It depends if you want to have it to yourself or pass it over to the person next to you...