Learning Journalism in India

Hello, welcome to my blog. I am a student of Journalism. Through my blog, I'll try to share with you the knowledge that I gain on various aspects related to the noble profession. I hope you'll enjoy going through my blog posts. Happy reading:-)

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Grandpa..

Grandpa


I never met my maternal grandfather; he died 6 years before I was born. A lawyer of some repute, my Grandpa had a huge family to take care of. But somehow he managed to marry off his daughters to respectable Malayalee grooms and by the time death began to knock on his doors, all his daughters and sons had settled down to a comfortable lifestyle.

It was mother who used to tell me interesting stories about him. Mother used to say, “Your Grandpa was a very quiet and reserved individual. Rarely have I seen him lose his temper.” But mother’s words never really managed to satisfy my curiosity and I wanted to know more about the person that I had never met.

On one of my numerous visits to Kerala, I happened to discover a set of diaries that belonged to Grandpa. It was an amazing discovery, one that kept me occupied for hours on end. The oldest diary related the events that took place in 1932. That was eighteen years before my mother was born. The next few diaries belonged to the time period between 1970 and 1977.

I wondered how the 1932 diary managed to survive the test of time. I got my answer when I read the following entry in one of his later diaries-“Spent some of my time going through the 1932 diary.” It dawned upon me that Grandpa may have taken special care of the 1932 journal and ensured that it survived beyond his time. What was so special about that diary? I haven’t been able to figure it out.

Grandpa’s diaries revealed his love for the game of cricket. He regularly listed the scorecard of the test matches that involved India. In those days, there was no television and Grandpa had to rely on the 9 PM- All India Radio News Broadcast to get the latest updates. There was also a passing mention about a certain player, Viv Richards, scoring 192 unbeaten runs in the second test match of his debut series against India.

I found it difficult to read some of the diaries that he wrote towards the end of his life. It seemed as if he endured great difficulty in writing his entries. Some of the pages were left blank and yet others bore nothing, but vague scribbles. His hands were probably shaking when he tried to pen his thoughts.

I enquired with my mother. She told me that Grandpa suffered from cancer and had met with a painful death. Morphine injections had done little to alleviate his pain. I looked at the diaries. The scribbles no longer looked illegible. They spoke volumes about a silent battle fought against the Decree of Fate.

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The Old Man in journal format

June 15

It’s been more than a week and father’s health shows no sign of improvement. I don’t know what to do. He doesn’t talk and I am not sure if he recognizes us. At times I see him throw a glance outside the window, perhaps observing the sparrows that occupy the nearby trees. Maybe he’s reminded of his childhood days. I remember how he used to entertain us with stories of his younger days. His eyes would light up when he spoke about the lush green fields that he grew up in. Now, it’s only his eyes that show any kind of motion; every other part of his body lies unmoved.

June 20

I am hurt. I didn’t expect this from Meena. It’s beyond my understanding how she could refer to father as a “burden”. How could she ever forget that it was father who made her feel at home when she entered our family? Father would have been so terribly saddened by her words. I feel glad that he’s no longer aware of what’s going on around him. Today I sat down beside him taking his aged hand into my own.

June 23

Now brother’s wife too! What’s happening to the women in the house? Thank god mother is no longer alive; I would have found it difficult to face her. Well, now that sister-in-law and wife agree upon the fact that my father is a “burden”, I’ll relieve them of their duties towards him. The values and principles that were ingrained in us seem challenged by practical realities.


June 24

The doctor visited to perform a routine check-up. He didn’t have any good news to share. I asked him if my father is aware of his surroundings. The doctor wasn’t sure about it. I must do everything possible to ensure father’s comfort.


June 25

The children in the house make too much noise. I must forbid them from entering father’s room. It’s painful to watch father lying listlessly on bed. I have been administering the medicines for the last two days and they seem to have no effect on his health. I wish there was some way by which I could alleviate his pain. Why can’t God show some mercy?

June 30

The children have been disciplined. I asked them not to enter father’s room. They left quietly without creating much of a fuss. Father looked a bit disturbed today. I administered the new pill that I had brought for him. It didn’t take much time for him to fall asleep. He now sleeps peacefully; the feeling of pain and suffering no longer seems to exist.

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Sunday, November 2, 2008

Kumble retires, an era ends..

"Kumble should retire", I was also one of the persons who demanded Anil Kumble's retirement. But there was enough justification for it, right? I guess when Kumble sent Ishant Sharma in as night watchman, the defensive mindset of India's former captain was exposed. How could he ever do that? It was insulting for me as an Indian fan to watch Ishant Sharma go out in the field as night watchman.

"Kumble retires", would be the front page news item in most of the Indian newspapers tomorrow. But not many would be debating the timing of Kumble's retirement? That is what I feel. He was, undoubtedly, one of the finest Indian spinners to have played the game and a champion cricketer, but his retirement came at the right time.

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Anil Kumble has retired, Dhoni becomes test captain

Anil Kumble has retired from test cricket. His last ball in the test match, was a full toss, and was duly dispatched to the boundary by Mathew Hayden. An era has ended, a new one begins- Dhoni is now India's test captain too. After Kumble's retirement, the onus is now on Dhoni to win the series for India.

The Aussies will be shaking in their boots, when Dhoni leads India in the fourth and final test of the Border-Gavaskar series. I am beginning to suspect that the Aussies are a bit terrified of him. So far, Dhoni's aggressive style of captaincy has managed to get the better of the Aussies. There's no reason to think that Dhoni's charismatic style of leadership will not succeed in the next test match.

Best of luck, Kumble, for your post-retirement plans. And Dhoni, let's go for the killer punch!! I want the scoreline to read 2-0 at the end of the Nagpur test.

To read my earlier posts click here:

MS Dhoni or Kumble

Should Kumble retire now

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Monday, October 27, 2008

Sachin Tendulkar says Gilchrist made loose statement

Sachin has spoken out against Gilchrist's loose statements! It's not often that you see Sachin get upset. But Tendulkar did say in a television interview that he was shocked at Gilchrist's comments about his lack of honesty and sportsmanship.

Sachin Tendulkar also revealed the content of his discussions with Gilchrist. Tendulkar mentioned that the former Aussie player was constantly accusing him and Harbhajan of not shaking hands with the opposition after losing a match.

Sachin pointed out that after the infamous Sydney match, it was he who first shook hands with the Aussie players.

But Sachin shied away from talking about the racism row since for him it was a dead issue. I guess Gilchrist's apology has not been fully accepted by Sachin.

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Friday, October 24, 2008

Gilchrist apologizes, says sorry to Sachin Tendulkar

Gilchrist called up Sachin Tendulkar to apologise for his comments. Gilchrist had questioned Sachin's honesty and called him a bad sport. I had earlier mentioned that Gilchrist was playing with fire by criticizing Sachin. I guess he had to say sorry to Sachin in order to secure his post-retirement cricket career.

Gilchrist called up Sachin and personally apologised for the caustic comments that he directed towards the humble man. Now I guess he won't have to be worried about getting chucked out of the Deccan Chargers team. Later he can also take up a job as a cricket commentator. It's all about money, honey!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Gilchrist Book on Sachin

So, let us see what Adam Gilchrist can come up with, in his autobiography. We already know about the juiciest part, where Gilchrist questions Sachin Tendulkar's honesty and sportsmanship. Gilchrist said that Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh are sore losers.

It's not a mere co-incidence that Adam Gilchrist's book is releasing at this precise moment, when it's the Aussie who are losing. I have always felt that the Aussie were sore losers themselves, not really being habituated to that phenomenon. But Gilchrist has the gumption to call Sachin Tendulkar a bad sportsman.

HaHa, that has to be the joke of the millennium. Gilchrist also claims that Dravid and Laxman have caused more damage to Aussies than Sachin. Well, don't worry Gilly, Sachin will make up for it in the next two test matches and will clear all your doubts!!

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Gilchrist questions Tendulkar honesty, calls him sore loser

Whoa!! What's this? Gilchrist is saying that Sachin Tendulkar is a sore loser. And he also questions Sachin's honesty? Wow, that's so interesting and a nice way to release a book. Gilly, my boy, you sure know how to publicize your book..

But Mr Gilchrist, there's one thing that you are going to realize now. You are in deep, deep trouble!! You can bid adieu to your IPL dreams. You can always apologize so that you can come back to India and earn some quick money. But I wouldn't be surprised if there is a public outcry and Deccan Chargers remove you from captaincy and kick you out of their team.

But I don't understand, how any Aussie player can criticize Sachin Tendulkar? I know Gilchrist wants his book to be sold, but what is more likely is that Gilchrist's book might be torn to pieces, or worse (better?), burnt.

What a great marketing strategy. But in the long term, Gilchrist,it's going to hurt you real bad. You are trying to tarnish the reputation of one of the most humble and modest human beings,
Sachin Tendulkar. It's nice if you like to play with fire, but mark my word, that fire is going to engulf you. WATCH OUT, here comes the fire ball..

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Monday, October 20, 2008

MS Dhoni or Kumble

MS Dhoni's brave declaration must have impressed the cricket experts. He left the Aussies with 516 runs to chase with almost a-day-and-a-half of play still to be played. The Aussies might think that they are in with a chance and might try to chase down the target set by MS Dhoni. That will give MS Dhoni a chance to set attacking fields and prevent the game from turing into a tame draw. Is Dhoni a better captain than Kumble?

MS Dhoni or Kumble, that is the question that the selectors will have to ponder upon, when they meet to select the team for the last two test matches. A lot will depend on the result of this match. If MS Dhoni leads India into a memorable victory, Kumble may have to sit out.

Not that Indian fans should have a reason to complain, the only criticism that was being levied upon MS Dhoni was his inability to bat well in tests. With a near century in the first innings followed by a useful half-century in the 2nd innings, Dhoni must have, for the time being, put to rest the questions that were raised about his performance in test matches. Personally, I'd prefer
MS Dhoni over Anil Kumble anyday .

Let's see how things turn out..

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Sunday, October 19, 2008

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been doing exceedingly well, both as a captain and as a batsman. His wicket keeping skills are also improving. His handling of the young leg spinner, Amit Mishra has been quite good. Has Indian cricket found a new superhero? It all depends on how long he can last. If Dhoni can carry on like this for another 5-8 years, he may go down in the history books as one of the most influential Indian players to have played the game.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni reportedly earns as much as Sachin Tendulkar, if not more. If money is a bad criterion to judge him by, then how about his cool attitude towards the game? How about Dhoni's never-say-die spirit? How about Mahendra Singh Dhoni's humility, something that is often cited as one of Sachin Tendulkar's greatest quality?

Am I a big fan of Mahendra Singh Dhoni? Well, not really. But how can I ever forget what he did for us at the T20 World Cup? How can I ever forget how he taught the rude Aussies a lesson in the ODI Tri-series in Australia? And Mahendra Singh Dhoni has got great leadership qualities, something that Sachin Tendulkar failed to exhibit when he captained the Indian cricket team.

Just for the record, I am die-hard Sachin fan too.

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Amit Mishra takes 5 wickets

Amit Mishra has struck again, his 5th wicket- Siddle. Earlier, Shane Watson also got out to Amit Mishra, after scoring a brilliant and much useful 78 runs. Australia has not managed to avoid follow on (268 all out). But I don't think that India will impose follow on.

Amit Mishra has taken a 5 wicket haul in his debut test match. What will Kumble do next? Will he sit out and allow Amit Mishra play? On form and fitness grounds, Amit Mishra scores better than Anil Kumble.

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Australia avoids follow on

It looks like Australia will be able to avoid follow on. But they still have to do a lot to come out of the hole, they have dug themselves in. Amit Mishra, the debutante, has done well for himself in the first innings. Will Australia be able to bat well in the 2nd innings? For that first we have to see if Australia avoids the follow on. Even if Australia avoids the follow on, they have to bat last on a 5th day pitch. LoL, either way, it doesn't sound too good for the Aussies?

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Should Anil Kumble retire now

Should Anil Kumble retire now? I know it's just the first match for Amit Mishra, but let's be practical. How long can Anil Kumble continue like this? He's injury prone and not getting any younger. Let's face it, had Kumble not been made the captain of the test team, he would have retired long time back. Remember what he said, when he was made the Indian test captain? Anil Kumble said that being the test captain motivates him to continue playing for India.

That means, prior to his becoming captain, he was not feeling motivated enough to play for India. Now that's just not acceptable! Kumble's comeback is likely to mean that Amit Mishra will be going out, despite a good performance by the lad. Again, that is just not acceptable. Let's wait and watch how things will pan out over the next few days.

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Amit Mishra or Kumble

Amit Mishra's strong performance against Australia will start a debate over Anil Kumble's inclusion for the next test match. Sunil Gavaskar has already stated that he'll prefer Amit Mishra over an unfit Anil Kumble. In the 2nd test match, Dhoni has also come good, both as a batsman and as a captain. That is sure to raise another issue- Should Kumble come back as captain? Or should Dhoni be allowed to captain India in the third test match too?

Common sense would suggest to go with Amit Mishra in the next test match. But then, when did commom sense ever have a role to play in Indian cricket? I wouldn't be surprised to see Anil Kumble make a comeback and Amit Mishra , despite a strong performance, being shown the door.

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