708, 709, 710 And Counting- Murali takes over Warney!

Even before the race started,

Everyone knew he'll win it,

The only question was when and where?

And the Answer is here...

Muttiah Muralitharan the greatest off-spinner of the time has finally done it. He has walked past the mark that was created by another great spinner, perhaps greatest leg-spinner of all times, Shane Warne. Murali has now taken 710 wickets surpassing Warne's 708 and He's now the leading wicket taker in Test Cricket.

A Story Of Four Candles

On this auspicious day of Diwali, The festival of lights, I wish to share with you all a very special story.

This one was posted by my Belgian friend Rebecca in a forum on rf.com. I'm so inspired with it and I feel everyone should have a look at it.

Rebecca, thank you very much for sharing it with me. It really gives us a new look to the life.

Happy Diwali...!

MUMBAI OPEN

So The Mumbai Open Tournament has started like it had last year. The only difference for me is now I'm a Sports Reporter. and well, This is my tragedy. I\m not going to cover it atleast for first two- three days.

Reason: The Twenty-20 World Cup.

Anyways, sometimes we're supposed to do what we are supposed to do. Not always one gets what one wants...

leave it. :)

I wish This Tournament to be as hit as last year- well, I wish it becomes "Bigger and Better" like the organizers are saying.

But I doubt. (sorry, I'm not a pessimist, but still I doubt) I doubt whether it'll be a great Event as there are players pulling out from the tournament this year as well.

There's forecast of rain this year as well....

Still I hope it'll be a great event And I'll get a chance to cover it. Mumbai! It's your time....!

Montreal Monster

Just checked the results of Roger- Djoko match. It's finished. Defending Champion Roger lost the Final.

But he lost to Novak Djokovic, The new monster on the court. He's s0 funny to watch! A man with character. He's beaten All top threes in this week now- Andy Roddic, Rafael Nadal and the number one- Roger Federer...

I always believed Djokovic is a better candidate for No.2. And I'm frustrated coz on his way to be no 2 he's beaten Roger. I... Don't know what to say... This match Roger Fully- deserved to win it. look at the aces and double faults both the players made. It's clear that Roger played much better. He lost the two sets in TBs, where luck can swing to anyone's way... This time, luck favoured Djoko But I'm sure It'll Swing back To Roger during USO. Go Roger!

About Sports...

I came across with this very interesting blog today, and I want to share it with the world....

"In today’s society, health and fitness are the craze everyone seems to be riding. From starting a pick-up game with friends to kayaking in the ocean, people are doing everything under the sun to get in shape. While pondering the topic of exercise, I began wondering what differentiates hobbies and sports. Why are certain activities considered sports and other are mere hobbies? The following is a checklist that must be fully addressed before a hobby can be considered a sport."

This is just opening para, for rest of the post, here is the link to the original blog.

http://www.robbinssports.com/sports-blog/2007/06/12/what-constitutes-a-sport/

Another Final Another loss to the Same Man: Roger still far away from French Open Dream..

I was so upset when Roger lost.. but to be frank, I'm not that sad like it was last year.

I feel "OK! he has lost .. but he has many more chances to win it. He has something still on his 'Thisngs To Do' list and that'll keep him motivating... Better Luck next time! Allez Roger!"

And I must say that he has lost to a player who's really well on clay. I won't say Rafa is all-time great on clay, it's still too early to say that. But equalling Bijorn Borg's feat, whom I really admire, says that Rafa does have something special.

I can never like Rafa. NEVER. But I'd like it if he keeps playing well- because that'll ensure that Roger has a nemesis, and then nobody in future will say that Roger won it for he didn't have anyone to stand against him.

(BTW the fact is, all Roddics-Hewits-Safins are good players as well, but over the time, Roger has made them look too below him. )

OMG, Sania Won!! She has beaten Alberta Brianti of Italy in straight sets: 6-1,6-1. That's two breadsticks! I watched the match and she was really unbelievable.

Till this morning I thought she won't do well with her comeback from injury and Clay being her worst surface. And also she was beaten by Brianti on their previous meet. But she was so full of confidence and was hitting really well. In her last two attempts at RG, she had failed in first round itself.

So this might be a new beginning for her.And now she'll play Anna Ivanovic in Round 2.

"Goldfinger" Samresh Jung has sealed the Quota place for Bejeing Olympic 2008 after a nerve-cracking shoot-off for the fouth place at the ISSF World Cup at Munich.

He's become first Indian Pistol Shooter to win a quota place for Olympic.

Congrays! :D

French Open is starting...

The Dust will be in the Parisian Airs again... The Clay will be hot again..
The French open is starting tomorrow.

While Rafael Nadal will be aiming a hat-trick, Roger Federer will be eyeing for the Title as well and considering the recent victory he has got over Nadal, This time the battle is believed to be very tough.

In Women, Justin Henin will try her luck for a hat-trick. And there is Come-back queen of the year - Serena Williams.

Then there are also ,many others including Fernando Gonzalis, Carlos Moya, Novak Djokovic Maria Sharapova, Nico Vaidisova, Anna Ivanovic, and many more..

Indian Stars- Sania, Mahesh and Leander will also be trying their luck in Rolland Gasross.

I can't wait for the matches to start..

Mahesh Bhupathi: Eyeing the Future of Indian Tennis

The Indian Express might be back on the Court at least for Beijing Olympic, 2008.
Mahesh Bhupathi today indicated that it’s logical that he and Leander Paes join hands for the country once again, although it’s nearly impossible on the tour. After a bitter War of Words, the the most successful pair of Indain Tennis had declared their final split when they won it in Doha Asian Games.

"Olympics is far, there is still a long way to go. Ideally, we should be playing together if India has to have a chance of winning a medal (in tennis) at the Olympics,"
"That's the logical choice. On today's ranking, we would be seeded high. It would give us the best chance to win a medal."
"That's the logical choice. On today's ranking, we would be seeded high. It would give us the best chance to win a medal."
On if he had spoken to Paes on the subject. "It is still 15 months away from now," "It is still 15 months away from now,"

-Bhupathi said at a press conference.

Bhupathi has said that their partnership gave India "the best chance" of winning a tennis medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

This is of course a good News for the Indian Fans as together the duo always give rise to the hope of an Olympic Medal- something for which the Country has dreamt a lot.

However this also shows, that at present, we don’t have anyone to perform at that level and so we have to go back to the veterans again.

So don’t we really have anyone better than or at leas equal to these two? We might have, but the problem is that we are not able to find them or even if we find them, we are not able to train them and provide them the facilities matching the international standards.

We are a population of over a billion. And I am sure that the talent is there. There are many great junior players in India however they fail to deliver the performance at the senior/professional levels.

Also, in particular with the Game of Tennis, it’s a bit costlier than some other sports. Considering this and the increasing popularity of tennis, the Government of India has shown willingness to improve the condition of Tennis in the country. The efforts are thus being made at administrative levels. But beyond this, many Tennis players in the country are doing their service to the game by means of coaching, private Tennis academies, etc.

Latest addition to these efforts comes from Mahesh Bhupathi, who besides playing on the professional circuit, runs a Tennis Academy and a sports-management company-“Globosports”.

Now he has taken another step by successfully convincing “Apollo Tires” to invest a sum of Rs. 100 Crore (1 billion) towards his efforts.
Indeed, it’s a very welcome gesture for the future of Indian Tennis, not only Tennis but Indian Sports where it’s hard to get sponsors except for Cricket. (well, after the dismal show at the World Cup even BCCI found it hard to get sponsors.)

Regarding this, Bhupathi has said that he aims at nurturing the potential players who can bring a Grand slam Title or Olympic Medal in India, and the deadline he set is around ten years henceforth.

While he made the announcement of this new beginning, Bhupathi spoke about the possibility of his pairing again with Paes for the Olympic.

He also spoke about Sania Mirza:

"She is coming back from an injury and it will take time for her to find the rhythm. When the grass court season starts, she should be back in form. She is playing well."

Indian Tennis has enjoyed some glorious moments in the past. But right now, Ramesh Krishnan has retired. Mahesh and Leander are reaching the final stage of their careers on tour and Beyond Sania, there isn’t any Indian women performing at the highest level.

In light of this, the initiative by Apollo Tires and Mahesh Bhupathi will bring new hopes, I believe.

Sania's really back!

Sania Mirza and her American partner vania King have won the Doubles Title in Morrocco to mark a nice comeback to the Professional Tennis after an injury gap of three Months. Considering the fact that not much time is left French Open, this victory should proove a great boost to her.

Congratulations Sania!

Sachin Saurav Hit Centuries

Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly hit Test-Centuries toady agaions Bangladesh in Chitgaon.

So the old horses emerged strong again, and scored highly against the ponies. That’s how this will be described by many people.

For me, a Century is a century, and there is nothing as special as getting a Test-Ton, no matter against whom it’s scored. So let's Celebrate it.

Yes, this pitch is meant to be a batting pitch but considering the yough time these guys have been facing, this should be seen as a fresh beginning.

Welcome Back Sania!

BTW, Sania Mirza made a comeback after she was away for three months because of her injury. She's playing in Morrocco open- "Grand Prix SAR Princess Lalla Meryem in Morocco".

It's a Tier- IV event and as you know, she's become the first Indian to get the Top seeding at a WTA event.
She's first seeded for both Singles and doubles. She's won her first Doubles match to advance to the second Round of the doubles event alongside American Vania King. but she lost her Singles match to Maria Emilia Salerni of Argentina 6-2, 7-5.

Anyways, Welcome Back Sania!

Azlan Shah Cup: A Bronze Success for India

India has won the bronze medal in the 16th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament at Ipoh, Malaysia...
A young and inexperienced but high Spirited Indian Squad beat South Korea 1-0. South Korea are the Asian Games golde medallist..
Just 14 minutes before the end of second half, Sardar Singh made the matchwinning goal for India.

I watched that match and I can say that Indians were on fire today and they constantly attacked the opponents.

With this we can say or at least we can hope that a new Sun is rising on Indian Hockey, the National Sport of India, which a few days back got demoted from the priority sports list by the Sports Ministery.

Maharashtra Day

1 May 2007...

Around 47 years have passed when maharashtra got the Statehood. 105 people gave their lives for Mumbai to be included into Maharashtra. We got Mumbai, but the dispute over many other Territories and the problem is not yet solved. Infact it has risen.

And not only the Border disputes or Water Disputes, the State is facing many problems. so much so that soon it might become a troubled State.
There is a huge debt on the State. There are farmers committing suisides.. Children dying out of hunger and Malnutrition..

But these can be solved, I believe. So I wish for the better future of this Maharashtra.

WC Final little time left...

Around a decade ago, Sri Lanka made a History by defeating Australia in the Final of Cricket World Cup.

And a decade after, Sri Lanka are up against Australia- the Defending Champions.

Clearly, Australia are seen as most eligible World Champions, but Sri Lankans are known to produce surprises. So it's gonna be an exciting Match, at least hope so..

The two will come face to face on the Carribean Land today and let's hope that it'll be a great clash..

PSLV C8 A Commercial Success.

PSLV Successfully Launches Italian Satellite

In its eleventh flight, conducted from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, this afternoon (April 23, 2007), ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C8, successfully launched the 352 kg Italian astronomical satellite, AGILE, into a 550 km circular orbit, inclined at an angle of 2.5 deg to the equator. PSLV-C8 mission was unique in many respects.

In this mission, PSLV was flown, for the first time, without the six strap-on motors of the first stage. Also, for the first time, PSLV launched a satellite into an equatorial
circular orbit of 550 km. PSLV-C8 was the first major commercial launch the contract for which was won against stiff international competition.

Along with the Italian satellite, AGILE, an Advanced Avionics Module (AAM), weighing 185 kg, to test advanced launch vehicle avionics systems like mission computers, navigation and telemetry systems, was also flown on PSLV-C8. All the operational flights of PSLV so far have been successful and thus PSLV has emerged as the workhorse launch vehicle of ISRO..... more

The 42-hour countdown for the launch of 11th flight of PSLV ended and it took off from the launch pad carrying with it the Italian Satellite and a new hope.

The successful Launch of PSLV- C8 is surely a big leap for ISRO. This is the first totally Commercial Flight and opens up the prospects of a huge market. But besides all, this success is a boost for the Dream of Space Researchers and Technocrats- Dream of a journey to the Moon. PSLV or Polar Satelite Launch Vehical has an important task to perform in the next few years- It would also launch India's first mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-1 in 2008.

I wish that dream comes to reality soon. But soemtimes I question, whether it's required? why we spend so much of money to know about outer space when a child beside us is dying out of Hunger?

May be it is. because we are also hungry for knowledge and power. And

So I congratulate the Scientists and I also wish that they don't forget about the realities in India and all over the world...

Flying far is our dream and we'd have it done one day. but we all must fly together- like the migratory birds...

Indian Shooters shine at Australia Cup

These few days were really very exciting for the Shooting Sports in India, well almost all days are equally exciting..

Indian shooters have performed satisfactrily at the Australia Cup. and I hope this will continue in the upcoming Sydney World Cup as well.

After being away from the games for nine months, Abhinav Bindra shot to win the Gold . What a fantastic come back!. And it's a good sign that he's feeling fitter and better. Tejaswini Sawant brought a double delight with two Golds. However, T Raghunath got a little bit unlucky, but it happens...

I'm really happy with the Results. In all we have six medals- three Golds, Two Silvers and a Bronze. And yes, there are several top ten finishes and that's a nice performance, though I think we could have won more medals. Better Luck Next Time..

Australia Cup 2007 : Medals Eally for India:

Abhinav Bindra 697.7 (594+103.7): Gold: Men's 10m Air Rifle


Tejaswini Sawant (Ind) 498.7 (397+101.7): Gold:Women's 10m Air Rifle.

Tejaswini Sawant ( 588): Gold: Women's 50m Rifle Prone

Sanjeev Rajput 699.1 (597+102.1): Bronze: Men's 50m Rifle Prone

Vijay Kumar (562): Silver: Men's 25m Standard Pistol:


Vivek Singh 658 (560+98): Silver: Men's 50m Free Pistol

The Battle is not yet over...

I was away busy with daily routine and International Earth Day Activities and Then when I returned to the TV, I had two News waiting for me.

Roger Federer lost to Rafael NAdal in Monte carlo Masters and I was sad.
But as Indian shooters performed excidingly well in Australia giving me something to celebrate by the end of the day.

I couldn't see the Monte Carlo Final play live but I was watching the repeat of the Match and Believe me, I didn't feel like I used to feel earlier. I mean Roger lost to Rafa but I didn't get Frustrated or Didn't feel too Sad.
Because, As I watched the Recorded Match I observed a few things:
1.Roger was much more at ease compared to his first clash this week, he was less stiff.
2.His clay-play has definately changed (should be read as Improved) compared to that last year.
3.In the beginning, whenever Roger went close to the net he created troubles for Rafa, and then he started getting too desperate to serve and volley and seemed slightly impatient.
4. He was more composed than Rafa- both physically and psychologically
5. and a Drastic change- he was ENJOYING although it was a match against Rafa- and that's what I always like to see- Roger Enjoying the game.

Rafa has changed as well. His muscles have grown stronger and shots finer, but he still has problems with his fitness.I think, he'd have been a nice player had he not been playing in Roger's Era, and I DO BELIEVE that the He' no. 2 mainly because he's slightly better where Roger is slightly weaker. (otherwise he'd have been 3rd, or 4th or 6th, may be )
Oh, I've started enjoying their Rivalary much more, but I'd like to see their battles ending in Roger's favour.

Shootout in NASA

Not much days have passed since the Shootout at Verginia Tech. And America is shocked with another violent outbreak.

This time, it's in Campus of NASA- one of the places with highest and tightest security Systems. A gunman hijacked a lab room and locked two colleagues inside, he left the Girl unhurt but killed his another colleague with whom he was having some problem for some time.

well, it was not the madness of the same kind, but it was a madness. There were no outer hands involved in it and it was a result of some clash between the two persons involved- the killer and the victim.

Still it raises questions about the Arms act in USA.

The International Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!

First OLympics

I happened to watch the miniseries "The First Olympics- Athens 1896" on the History Channel today and believe me, it's a really nice nice experience.

I watched it over two days and those hours were full of all emotions and everything- the Games behind the Games, the Pride of one's nation, a fascinated youth and the journey of a dream that moved me...

Although it's basically an educational documentry, it's never like a lecture or a book of History of an Event that is in my opinion, one of the most beautiful things to happen- Revival of the Olympic Games. In fact, what is more important than the actual history and stats is the ambiance of the Event...

The first Olympics were held as a proclaimation of World Peace and soon they became a Tradition which is alive today and will continue to be so for the times to came. It was truelly like a ray of hope- a new beginning just when the World was ready to enter the last century of the millenium. back then people didn't know that so much was lying ahead of the mankind- two World Wars, disastrous weapons, Nuclear Bombs, coldwar and Terrorism...

This mood is very well captured in the film. All the characters and the actors playing them are so impressive and influencial.

Although it's focusing on the American Athelets (that was to happen as it's made in USA), it also gives justice to other countries.

One particular scene that touched my heart was the one when, Flack (first Olympic Medal winner for Australia) wins the race by a small margin, and after riding the podium and taking his award, streches his hand out to congratulate and pulls the American athelete up and both stand together and the spectattors give a standing ovation for this gesture of Sportsmanship. The Spirit of the Games is nothing else...

As Indians are longing for an Olympic success, I think this film needs to be watched byeveryone who's nurturing such Dreams......

Shootout in Virginia Tech

After around a decade after the Columbine tragedy, The US is shattered but yet another attack on a US university- this time it is more deadly perhaps, most violent in the History of US.

Here is what the AP Breaking News said:

Blacksburg, Va.: A gunman opened fire in a Virginia Tech dorm and then, two hours later, in a classroom across campus on Monday, killing at least 30 people in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history, government officials told The Associated Press. The gunman was killed, bringing the death toll to 31."Today the university was struck with a tragedy that we consider of monumental proportions," said Virginia Tech president Charles Steger. "The university is shocked and indeed horrified."It was not immediately clear whether the gunman was shot by police or took his own life. His name was not released, and investigators offered no motive for the attack. It was not known if the gunman was a student.The shootings spread panic and confusion on campus, with students complaining that the university did not warn them about the first burst of gunfire until more than two hours later.

By this time it is revaled that the Gunman was a student from South korea.

This again raises several question. The ethenic clashes as well as the policy to allow for easy acces to arms. US needs to think of their arms acts.

but I doubt if it has got to do with ethnicity alone- coz, those who are victims include Indians as well.

I'll just pray that, We'll come to know why this all happen.

Things going on in Uganda..

I just saw on TV that there are some internal tensions going on in Uganda. There are protests and riots going on and it's suspected that Indians living there are the main target.

Well it's not yet confirmed who are the rioters and what they are protesting against, but many of the victims are Indians who are living there for generations.

It's too early to conclude anything but we have to keep a watch from things happening in Uganda.

A small Vaccume in a bigger one…

Tired and emptied... That's exactly what I'm feeling right now. my exams finished today and well these were my final year exams. So now, It feels like I have nothing to do- or may be I'm feeling sop coz i've so much to do... I don't know what I'm, where I'm from and Where I'm going.. It's just an empty feeling and a feeling that I'm standing soemwhere mid-air in a vaccum.

An Attack on the Freedom of Expression

Star News condemns attack on office

Tuesday, 17 April , 2007, 09:33, UNI

Star News channel today condemned the attack on its office by anti-social elements today.
Speaking on the ransacking of their office at Mahalaxmi, a release by the channel here said, ''We condemn this attack on our office by certain anti-social elements. They completely ransacked the Star News office in Mumbai this evening, injuring our security and other staff and causing huge financial damage. It is alarming that people are using such means to register their protests. We believe that this is in reaction to our coverage about a young couple who eloped from Surat.''

''As a responsible news channel, we have factually reported the situation surrounding the same. We will co-operate fully with the authorities to ensure that necessary action is taken."

This incidence is highly condemnable. In al my spirits I regret that such things happens in a Democracy of the Day.

I agree that media could be wrong sometimes but there are other ways to cope with it, Violence of this kind is aimed only at distruction and nothing else. The Riot-ers are in search of fame and do anything for it. It's such a shame!

Ferrari on the Podium again..A different feat for Hamilton

“To have finished on the podium three times out of three is fantastic. We have definitely closed the gap to Ferrari and I know everybody will continue to push hard to improve even more in time for the Spanish Grand Prix. “
"I was able to keep up with Felipe in the first stint but I really struggled with the
balance of the car in the second. I had a lot of under steer and wasn’t able to brake as late as I would have liked. However, after the second pit stop when I changed to hard tyres I was able to push again. I really enjoyed the race and with a few more laps I might have been able to challenge Felipe for the lead.”

- Lewis Hamilton, Mclaren-Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton is having a Dream start to his Formula One career.

In the Bahrain GP, Hamilton came second. And with this he achieved another feat after becoming first blak Driver to compete on the circuit. The debutant of this season is playing from from Mclaren-Mercedes. And with his results in Behrain, he has become the first ever driver in F1 history to have three straight podium finishes in his first three Grand Prix.

And not just that, Hamilton now enjoys the joint lead in the drivers’ championship standings with his team mate fernando alonso and Ferari's Kimi Raikkonen, all three drivers are tied on 22 points. This has surely become an exciting season for F1. The battle will get more exciting in coming days.

Where Others Stand in Behrain?

Ferari's Felipe Massa, made full use of his Pole Position and finished first in Behrain. His team man Kimi Raikkonen finished third behind Hamilton.

Fernando Alonso- The man in news for two seasons, and team mate of Hamilton, finished in a surprising- fifth place. BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld overtook the Spaniard Alonso mid-race, and continued with his lead to finish fourth.

The Battle of Surfaces…

On the Second of May, Tennis World will see a new experiment.

The Swiss World No. One and the Master of Grass-Court Roger Federer will face his biggest nemesis- World No. 2 and the King of the Clay Court Spainard Rafael Nadal. Well this won't be on normal Courts.

This Battle will be played on a Hybrid Court in Spain Specially made for the Charity match. The Court will have two surfaces- on its one side will be Grass and on other Clay.

hmm.. I can't wait to watch this Clash..

Exams nearly over..

Hmm Only One paper remains... My Final Exams are nearly over and I'm feeling so tired.

New Internet Connection

Aha! Now I've got a new Internet Connection!

Well My Final Exams are on so I may not be writing here for a few days (or may be I'll?? )

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

My Internet Connection

well welll... There's some problem with my internet connection- it's timed out. And so I may not be writing here for some days.

My Exams are starting this week so I've a lot to study See you all soon!

A call against Global Warming

Only eigth years are remaining to save the Earth, yes, ONLY EIGHT YEARS...

The UNEP studies have shown that the amount of Green House Gases released in the air will go out of control after eight years, the damage will be beyond repairable. hmm, I think the damage is already done, and we need to take rapid action. We can not heal the wounds, we can just put oinment on it, and bear the pain till everything gets fine- which will take so many decades. Otherwise, everything will end in a few moments...

Eight Years is not a big period. For the Earth who's millions of years old, eight years are like a wink of eyes. Oh why people don't understand what horrible things lie ahead of them?

The things we need to do are too many, and time is so less... But anything and everything is possible if we want it to happen.

Miles To Go Before I sleep... Miles To Go Before I sleep...

Trains Delay again…

Oh! this happened once again!

There was a technical problem. and this has happened second time in 10 days. The OHE was plucked down by Nagarkoil Express somewhere near Shelu. But the real problem was bigger one- there was no one- no person or system to give any information. Ah that's the same old problem with Railways.

For the first time in my life I got stranded for so long- 5 hours in Sinhagad! I could have reached home by 2 but reached at 9. oh God! I'm so tired today.. Nice "Experience" on my first day after Birthday..

Laureus World Sports awards

Well what else can be a better Birthday Gift than you favourite people winning glories?

I just came to know that Roger Federer has won the prestigeous Laureus Sportsman of the year award- third time in a row. He won the award beating the likes of Tiger Woods and … the masters of their games in their own way.

It’s a very remarkable achievement indeed and shows the caliber of a man who has dominated his soprt. Not only his game but the whole sports world. And all this is done in his own special way- elegent as his Tennis and his conduct on the court and off of it.

And I feel same for the Elena Isimbieva -the wondergirl of poll-vault.

My Birthday

HaPpY bIrThDaY To Me!!!

It's my birthday today.. So I'll take some rest now and well, my exams are nearing so I've to spend more time on my studies, I guess.

The Fool’s day...

Ah well! seems like Blogger is working! but not yet properly..

So untill It gets back to its work, I'll write here...

http://janhavee.spaces.live.com/

See you then!

The Trains delayed.

hmm. The Trains delayed too much today... Oh, I'm tired. Today, there was a "small little problem" at Kalyan as the Overhead wire broke down the train Schedule. For around 3-4 hrs, there were no trains running between Kalyan and Karjat.

and to add to it, my cousin was with me, she had her exams and I'm so thankfull that it happened after her paper.

It was an experience as we then travelled by an Express and we travelled in the millitary bogie. just got to see the other side of them- quarrelling and trying to dominate over others. well not all of them were like that, only one infact.

I don't have anything else to say, I'm just tired. I'm just too tired.

The End of a Dream, the Biginning of the Next

Around four years ago, it was the same day of March, the 23rd. And Indian Cricket saw a dream... The Dream of winning back the World Cup...

That Dream remained a Dream at the end of the day. It didn't ended in reality... Indian Team lost to Australia.

That dream generated a new hope and a new dream out of it. For four years, every cricket lover in this country nurtured that dream in their heart. but when the time neared, most of them realised, that only dreaming doesn't win victories for us.

And that's what was prooved in the match agaist Sri Lanka, which India lost and is now out of the World Cup.

It's not my job to analyse what went wrong and where with the Team India, no, that's the job of the players and coache. Still everyone, every single fan, and Cricket players and onlookers in this country has his or her opinion and suggestions to give now. I won't add mine to that.

What I'm seeing is the End of a Dream and I hopr this becomes the beginning of the Next one...

Don't ever stop dreaming, sometimes they come true.

India out of WC

Four years ago, it was the same date and India lost to Australia. That was the World Cup Final.
Four Years on, it's 23rd March and India is beaten by Sri Lanka in the group stage itself.

It's hard to believe but it's true.
It's not surprising although it's shocking.

India is out of Cricket World Cup.

Well, this was to happen but it has happened so early. The Dream has ended and it was not to be a reality at least this time.

And I don't know what else to say.

So My Pre- Lim Exams started from Today... Again a Weeklong wait for time to come online..

See you all soon..

The Month

Well, My Web Browser is still having some problem. But, today, at least it started working.. (waw! finally..back to the Networld..!!!!)

It's been a very short month and a half for me- really, I can't believe that I feel it was a shorter one..
I've witnessed so much in so little of the time that I just can't believe!Sometimes, it happens.
You suddenly get into something new, something exciting and all of a sudden it comes to a hault.You seem to have lost something but you haven't. Instead you've got so much..It's simply unbelievable. But it has happened.
I'm not the same which I was a month before. Yet I'm the same one that I was before..

The Month After..

Done with Zee…

It's the NewYear's Day- the Gudi Padwa and it's the Day of a Solar Eclipse.

And it's also the Day when I'm saying Good Bye to Zee Chovis Taas. I've to finish my internship a bit earlier as I've my exams- pre-lims starting next week and the Finals after a Fortnight and a half...

I've very mixed feelings while doing so. I can't explain how it feels. I'm feeling relaxed and anxcious both at the same time. I think I need to take some rest, what you say?

The Solar Eclipse

A fortnight Back, we had a Lunar Eclipse and a fortnight after, today we had a Solar Eclipse..

I couldn't watch it but I watched it throught TV Moniters in the Office- I was in the PCR. but watching it on your own is the most wonderful experience and there is nothing like that.

It's also Gudi Padwa today- and it's the Solar Eclipse.. Well that's a nice co-incidence and although I'm not a strong believer of Astrology, I feel it indicates something. What's it? I don't know- how can I ? I'm not a Jadugar .

So, The Year has started with an Eclipse.. let's see what's there in store for all of us???

Happy New Year!

According to Marathi calander, it's the New Years Day. So wish you all a Happy new year!

The Day is known as "Gudi Padwa" and it's the time to welcome the Spring and Happiness...

There are so many religious mysteries and stories attached to this day. As for me it's always the Day of New Year and something more than that.. It's the time to start new things and the time to start the Studies.

And the time to start a New Life......

Attack on Geo TV, Islamabad: Musharraf's Rule under threat??

Whenever there is anything wrong with the Political System in a country, the media and the freedom of expression are the first targets. and that's what just happened in Pakistan. and that's what I'll always condemn whenever or wherever it happens.

Yesterday, Geo TV Office in Islamabad was attacked probably by the Musharraf supporters.

Geo TV, a Pakistani television Channel showed the reports showing the people protesting against President Musharraf and his decision to sack the chief Justice of Pakistan, ifticar Mohammed Choudhary.

One thing is sure this is not going to stop here and Gen. Musharraf will face a much tougher time, considering the present situation of the country.

Hmm.. Something is wrong with my web- browser.. It's not properly working. But I think I have found a solution to this problem. So I can write here again.. And I can write more often as my internship will end soon. Till then, Bye!

Yes! Back To Blogger!!

There's something that happened to Blogger for a few days.. I was simply unable to post anything. Now the problem seems to be resolved so let's see if I can come here as often again and start posting..

The Problem

Joining Zee...

I'm to do internship with Zee Chovis Taas- The first 24 hrs Marathi News Channel...
I know it's all going to be an exciting experience. But I regret it somewhere...

To be frank, I don't know why I'm joining there. I'm not interested in round the clock news screening. I'd love to work on internet instead.

Anyways, I'll take it as a learning experience.

Let's see what happens next......

And I'm feeling not so good because, I'll have to work in the night shifts and then there'll be no time for blogging and all... So sad

The Film festival: Finally it's the End for this edition

Imagine a day when you go to the college and there are no lectures and no teachers to take lectures... All you have to do is sit comfortabally and watch the Movies all throught the day..

For the past week we enjoyed the same and it was all really so nice! I really loved all the films and I don't know how I'll feel after the festival is over. So much I got involved in it and So much I got throught it...

The film Festival has ended but its memories are still lingering on...

I have been so moved by the films and I feel myself as a lucky person to get such an opportunity. It was just amazing! I've no words to say how much I enjoyed it, how much I got to think... Everything was just like a different world.

I think such festivals should be held over and over again. They are a real opportunity for the students to learn.

The Dark Road.. The Movie that moved us all..

The Dark Road:On The Front lines Of Ache's War

This is the story of how an American jurnalist explores an unexplored world in the Acheh- the Seperatist area of Indonesia. He meets the people over their, understands their lives and is touched by their struggle and so he gets involved in their movement. And Finally, he's extradicted from the country. but not for long.
Soon the Tsunamis struck the shores of Acheh and he gets a chance to go there only to see the devstated land over there. He speaks of the Dark Road ahead and then realizes it's not the road that's dark, it's your way of looking at it. And finally when the struggle ends, there's a loss in the victory for the Achenese.

Oh I don't think I can describe the movie, I'm at the lost of words.

Vietnam Symphony

"Vietnam Symphony". It's the movie that really made me cry… So intense and nice, the film keeps you with it all the time.

The Film is a documentary is based on the Vietnam War and tells the story of "School Of Music" in Hanoi, Vietnam. It tells about little children who grew up into elders during those war-days. The film that reminded me that one should never loose the hope. There's always a better tomorrow waiting ahead of you. The small changes in the simple audio-visuals in this film leave a very deep impact on the eys, ears and souls of the audience.

There are two moments in this film- in the first one- at the start of the film the symphony is lost in the noise of bomber Planes. And towards the end of movie, there is a moment when the sound of bombings vanishes in the tune of a Violine...

Music was the only inspiration for the students at a time they could have been alive for a moment and dead the next.. The Changing Music in Vietnam and the remains of the weapons- both have a deep meaning rooted in them...

Zero Degrees OF Separation

It would have been done differently,
But it was done differently...
-from "Zero Degrees Of Separation"

It's very rare that I like a film so much, but since past three days it's a different story. And today, I watched a film and I'm still under the trans...

As human beings we all keep talking about several good things. I don't know exactly why I'm sharing this with you, but it's not just about a wonderful movie, It's about real people-People, we more fortunates normally don't know much about or rather don't care to know.

"Zero degrees OF Separation" is a film that has won several international awards and it was shown in our college as a part of the film festival. It's about everything- Dreams, Reality, Love, Hatred, Relationships, boldness, all contrasting things, about everything. It's a documentary by Canadian Director Elle Flanders and based on Israeli and Palestinian people but it surely has a Universal appeal.

Frankly speaking, it is a shocking one for me and it really sends several cultural shock waves. The two gay couple showed in it are in inter-ethnic relationships. They try defy all the odds, and in the midst of a conflict emerge as symbols of humanity. and the message is clear: When your lover is most often considered your enemy your relationship has more at stake than the average affair

On technical Grounds- Sound, Cinematography, all is just perfect.I'm finding words to review The Film. It's hard to say anything about it, it's something that you have to experience. And I feel myself to be fortunate to watch it.

Without making any political statement, the movie says a lot. It doesn't blame anyone but sends a message that we have to toil hard to make a difference. It talks on how in the name of something, something else is done. It focuses on ignored issues of the region like women and human rights. The most appealing part is the thesis, the message: Violence can not Stop Violence.

They were promised of a land of their own, a land like the Kingdom of Heavon. have they got it? Does it look like the Heaven?

Who is responsible? Why this is Happening? Why? Why People fight over a small piece of land? Why? Why So much of hatred? Why?

Questions... Questions... and Questions...

I just found the website of the movie: http://www.zerodegreesofseparation.com/index.html

33rd National Games of India

The 33rd National Games will egin in Guwahati on Friday. The Games are expected to attract crowds as the Ulfa have withdrawn its boycott of the games just at the last moment after the appeal from well-known Sorts-persons.

However, Authorities are not willing to take any chances.

At least 7000 sportspersons from across the country will participate in 32 disciplines over the next 10 days.

Hosting this mega event had become a matter of prestige for the state government. The Games have been postponed twice earlier. And the other affecting factor is "Weather".
And to add to this, there are several Well-nown artists who have pulled out f the Games.

Anyways, I wish them all Good Luck!

Film Festival at Somaiya: Day Two

I was feeling too tired today, still I went to watch the films. and to add to my agony, the screening delayed due to some technical problems. Finally the scahedule was cut down from 18 films to 11. Oh God!! I just hate it when anyone or anything gets delayed...

So we had to wait and ultimately it paid off well.. All the films screened today were just excellent. Perfect. And before we started with the films, our dear professor Amma Ma'm gave an insihght on creative writing for script.

The Review:

Of the eleven films shown today, 9 were animation movies, one documentary and one was a short film. All the nine animated by FD, are great ones. They give an idea as to how the early animations used to be? Not only that, such films are also giving a good message throught it. You said it satirically poor on the common man's life. The Thinker shows how Human Being develped over the years, and how they brought pollution in here?

The Balloon condemns the "rumourism" how a small balloon is developed into a big one.

The threads (Unity) Endgame (rising nuclearism) and She could do you proud (female Infanticide) , these three are the films with the message to give. They speak on the respective problems and how people react to it.

Next one to be screened, was "The Inner Eye" by Satyajeet Ray. The Documentary is about Binod Bihari Mukharji a blind artist at Shantikenatan. What else to say???

After Inner Eye, how to get it to the others.

Today's final one was 58 min film :( Jataner Jami ase sangat firvat rahatat.

University of Mumbai: International Film Festival

As a part of its sesquicentennial celebrations, the University of Mumbai has organized the International Film Festival at Somaiya College, Vidyavihar. It's a festival organized in association with the Films Division (Information and Broadcast Ministry of India.)

Being a student of media, I seek it as an opportunity to study some of the finest documentaries and short films made by several notable directors and producers.

The festival began today in a traditional manner. After the festivities, the brief introduction and messages from Principal Dr. Venketramani Sir, Prof. Mrs. Parvati -who spoke as a representative of the University and Prof. Mrs. Sangita Kohli- the BMM Co-ordinator at Somaiya. The Chief Guests Mr. Kuldeep Sinha and Mr. V Packirisami shared their thoughts with the students.

What followed after was a Moviethon for around 6 hours... and it will follow for the next few days till Saturday.

The Review:

All the films to be screened the for the week are specifically chosen ones.

The Festival got a great start with the screening of a great film- perhaps the most anticipated one- ‘Little Terrorist’, a short film by Mr. Ashwini Kumar. The film lasts for not more than 17 min. and in such a short span tells a story of a little boy who by mistake crosses the international Border and enters India- a story on which a 3 hours long Bollywood melodrama was also possible. But needless to say, I am glad that the filmmakers stuck to simplicity and that’s what makes it a good short film. Certainly, it got a lot of appreciation from the crowd.

It was a bit same with 'A Moment of Accepting Life', a 7 min. film by Robert Mclean (UK) It's a story of three souls who reach the sky meet St. Peter. Rest.... You must watch it..

Small or big, Time doesn't matter for a film. That's what this short short film prooved. And so proved another film- "Riding Solo to the Top of The World". This one is a 84 min. travelogue bye A lonesome traveler, Gaurav Jani who travels all the way from Mumbai to one of the remotest areas- Changthang Plateau a place in Laddakh near Indo- Chinese Border. It's a film shot by a one man unit- Gaurav himself and he astonished everyone with all his manners. Don't miss it if you ever get a chance to see it.

There were several other documetntries produced by the Films Division:

Lost Child (27 min) by Mulk Raj Anand is a notable one. It uses no dialogue and still keeps the viewers bound to it. Khilonewala, a film by S Sokhdev, conveys a strong message and is relevant even today.

Through a Lens Starkly by Kuldeep Sinha presents the history of documentary film making in India. A FD news magazine on Bhiwandi Tragedy leaves an impact- a shocking reality in the city- on the minds of the audiences. Lamp in the Niche by Girish Karnad throws light on the Sufi tradition. Moving Perspectives by Mrinal Sen talks about the changing Indian Scenario in the 1960s while Himalayan Wilderness picturizes the prosperous wild-life in the Himalayas. Arrival, a film by Mani Kaul focuses on issues of Industrialization.

However, I'm not so happy as there was a loose management behind the festival. So I'm not happy. Anyways, I'm too tired today, So I'll go to bed rightaway, bye!

Remembering Kalpana...

She dreamt of living in the sky near the stars...
And She's there forever among the stars..

My deed condolenses to Kalpana...


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Mahatma Unplugged

A few days back when I was thinking of who can be the face of India, who is a representative of the Nation, only one name kept coming in my mind- Mahatma Gandhi. Today, it’s the death anniversary of the Great Leader so I decided to post about him.

To be frank, I’m not a Gandhian. I also don’t follow Gandhigiri. In fact, on many issues I have views contradicting to that of the Mahatma. Still I admire him. There is something about Mahatma that is fascinating- something that makes us all think.

Gandhi was a mass-leader of India. How could a person reach to the remotest part of the country in the times when TV was not there, Radio was nearly inexistent and people were not so literate to read the Newspapers? Reaching out to the commonest of the common, that’s where the secret of ‘Gandhism’ lies.

He supported industrialization, but also stressed on the need to look after villages- to make them self-sufficient. If at least 1/10th of the people had acted on it, there would have been no big problems due to urbanization and poverty.

Truly there’s so much to explore about his charismatic character and this exploration is a mesmerizing one.

Mahatma too made some mistakes. And biggest of them was when he indulged into politics. He was a great person and a great philosopher and thinker of the world, but was not as great a politician.

He was a “Mahatma” (Great Soul) yet he too was human.

Like every great thing of great people, their mistakes are great and so they face great punishment. But we have no right to blame them, because we are not great.

And in my honest of the opinion I believe that Gandhiji got the punishment for it.
And the punishment didn’t stop at the assassination.
He believed in non-violence, but his own followers became violent after his death.
He believed in forgiveness but his own killer was sentenced to death.
And it didn’t stop there either. Mahatma was assassinated and is being assassinated everyday. His photo-frames are hanged to the wall in several offices and through it he is forced to witness all the corruption. He is present on the currency and is forced to witness all the black-dealings.

Corus for TATA and Indian Industry Sings a song!

Finally, It has happened. It has happened once again and it’s made us all proud again…
Another Indian company has succeeded to takeover a European giant.
After Mittal Steel, it’s the turn of the TATA Group
After months-long rounds of bidding finally TATA Steel managed to beat Brazilian firm CSN in the race for Corus
This achievement is even more special as it coincides with centenary celebrations of Indian Steel Industry. Over the years, the group has earned credibility and the graceful leader of the Companies- Ratan Tata showed all patience in this deal that took the group and the industry and Economy of the country to a new height- Signs of India going Global in real sense…
Heartiest Congratulations..

A Shining Success which remained unseen

Munich International Air gun Competition:
A good performance by Indian shooters again…

On the first day of the International Air Gun Competition (Munich, Germany) Zakhir Khan has won a gold in the Jr. men's 10m air pistol event. Amanpreet Singh won the bronze in the same event. While Amit Kumar Pilaniya stood sixth.

On day two, Amit Kumar Pilaniya has won silver in Jr. men's 10m air pistol 2nd match. Amanpreet Singh won a Bronze in this event and Zakhir Khan stood fourth.
On Day three, Gagan Narang won silver in men's 10m air rifle event- 2nd Match. He has beaten Matthew Emmons of USA in the shoot off for the silver medal.

Suma Shirur, who finished fifth in the firs match, came to win a Bronze in second match of the women's 10m air rifle event.
Anjali Bhagwat finished 19th, Tejaswani Sawant 30th while Avneet Kaur Sidhu finished 58th.

It’s a moment of glory for India and sadly, it’s not been noticed well by the media. We have performed remarkably well in Munich and these are just snapshots of that success. While there are a lots and lots of hours being spent on so called “News” about Ash-Abhishek, and things like that. Why there is no News about it? I guess it’s because there is no “footage” of it. I just have to imagine what might have happened there… Congrats to the Team.

The King Rules

Roger Won!!!!!!!!

It’s not a surprise that Roger Federer won. Now it’s become a routine. But still every match of him is different. And today, it was slightly difficult, much convincing and really really very special one…

The Match was really A Match and I’m so happy that I could manage to see the telecast live, I’m so so happy that it produced a fight and I’m so so so Happy that Roger Won. Fenna gave a very tough time for Roger in the first set before goind down 6-4, 6-1, 6-4

Roger sacked 10th Grand Slam Title of his career with an Australian Open victory over Fernando Gonzalez, The Hot Chilean- My another favourite. I’m sure when he returns home, he’ll have huge crowds waiting to welcome him, he’s a star over there- winner of the only Gold Olympic Gold Medal for his country. Gonzo along with his partner… won Doubles Gold in Tennis at Athens.

With this win, the same old question will be raised again- Is Roger’s dominance killing the spirit of the game?

NO. It’s Not, certainly. In fact I feel myself to be fortunate enough to live in an era when he’s doing so well. He’s doing so well and it’s not because he has no opponents. Of course, he has very strong opponents. And they do make him struggle to win- like Fenna did it today. It’s sheer greatness of Roger that he has reached to a level so far away from the reach of even Rafeal Nadal- the World No. 2 That’s because of nothing but the fact that all the others are not as consistent as Roger and as fit as Roger. The reason why fenna lost today was also because of his low level of fitness- low as compared to Roger. And also all the others cannot have all the weapons in their armour. Rger has them all and he has shown it from time to time.

And I don’t think Tennis will ever be boring, not till Roger is their in full form and not till records are their and not till he breaks them all.
And this will be more interesting hereafter as I feel his real best is still to come. He’s just in the middle of his career and so we have a feast of Tennis left… So Enjoy!!!

India Poised

I have joined the “India Poised” campaign. I logged on and got printout of my badge.
The campaign now has an Anthem of its own.
The Anthem- “Phalak Pakad Ke Utho” is prepared by my favourite Music Trio, Shankar- Ehsaan- Loy. It’s written by …. And Shankar Mahadevan is the Singer. It’s truly an inspiring one. You must listen it at least once.

By the Way, CNN-IBN has also launched a similar campaign and I’ll soon participate in it. (The site is taking too much time to open now...)

Serena Won:

Wow! What a match it was! Just great! Serena Williams has beaten Maria Sharapova in straight sets to win the Aussie Open!!!

I just watched the match and I’m glad that Serena won. And she won it fabulously. As Vijay Amritraj said, she played it like Federer and Gonzalez combined…
When she won the last point, the usual ‘Celebrations Williams-Style’ started. She has dedicated her victory to her deceased sister who was killed I think two years ago.
Serena really deserved the win. Unfortunately, Maria who’ll be the New World No. 1 coming Monday, couldn’t produce a fight and although she tried her best, the final scores were a disappointing result for her. Serena just crushed her.

With this win, Serena took a giant leap to the top 20 group from World no. 81. She is now World No. 14.

Serena will be visiting India soon to participate in a WTA Event in Bangalooru. And I can’t wait for the tournament to start… I’m becoming a fan of Serena.

In Search of A Republic...

57 Years ago, India became a Republic. A Democracy named India finally came into existance...

57 Years after, we are still in search of the True Republic. And are still searching the Democracy...

There are children who are dying out of hunger in the poverty strucked areas...

There are students without proper knowledge of anything...

There are problems in every area. But there are solutions everywhere. We just need to find them out. This is a journey and not an achievement..

GO GONZO!!!

Ferando Gonzalez, the Hot Chillien, has reached the Final of the Aussie Open. And while doing so, he produced only 3 unforced errors. Fenna, who killed the hopes of giants like Hewit and Nadal to reach the semis, has beaten Germany’s Tommy Hass and will take on Top Seed and World Number on Roger Federer on Sunday’s Mega Final.
OH! It’s going to be a tough one. For Fenna and For Roger as well and it’s going to be toughest for me- I like BOTH of them.

Republican Day!

In about a few minuits time, the Clock on my PC will say, "It's January 26th, 2007"

And I'll cheer as loudly as I can at this hour-(well that'll be in a low voice-)-

"Happy Republic Day!"

Roger Rules-over Roddick

Crouds have jam-packed the Stands... Andy Roddick is all set to turn the tide ... Roger Federer enters the court and the same Story continues... 6-4, 6-0, 6-2.

Top Seed Roger Federer has beaten Andy Roddic in straight sets to enter the Final of Australian Open 2007. He equaled the all-time record of consecutive major final appearances held by Australian Jack Crawford since 1934 :) He is now one win away from winning his 10th grand slam title.

Roddick has won only one of the 13 encounters between the Two. Interestingly, he had said it yesterday that it wasn't statistics that held the key in the match-up at the Australian open semi-final.

However, he couldn't prevent Federer who increased his winning Streak against Roddick have said "I'm shocked at it myself".

It's Maria v/s Serena

Once again the two are up against each other, this time in Aussie Open. Serena Williams overcame Nicol Vaidisova while Maria Sharapova has beaten Kim Clijsters to set this Battle. Actually My Dream Final AO-07 was Vaidisova v/s Kim. But, never mind. :D

Water

Indian films are making a mark at the international stage and latest of the bunch is Deepa Mehta's "Water". The Film has made it to the Oscar Nomination for Best Foreign Film catagory. Well, this entry is not as an Indian film but a Canadian one.

Although it's set in Varanasi, the Film was shot in Sri Lanka. Earlier it was scheduled to be shot in Varanasi in 2000, but following the Protests from Self declared "Hindu Cultural police" Mehta had to stop filming. She then struggled for years to make the film and finally shot it with a new Cast and Crew in Sri Lanka.

Set in 1938, the Film is based on lives of widows living in Ashrams (Asylums) in Varanasi and the miseries they faced. The Situation is not too changed even today.

As a woman herself, Deepa's efforts and determination stand out, in making the film.

With "Water", Deepa Mehta has completed the Element triology- "Fire" (1996) and "Earth" (1998) and "Water" (2005)- all based on Indian backdrop and all featuring women in lead role.

I wish all the Best to "Water" for a Oscar Success...

Sania Out of AO Mahesh Continues to grow stronger.

So after a very impressive start of the New Year, the Party ended too soon for Sania Mirza.

She is out of the Australian Open- from Doubles as well as Mixed Doubles.

The 20-year-old Indian and her partner Anabel Medina Garriques lost in three sets to sixth seeds Ai Sugiyama and Daniela Hantuchova 7-6, 6-7, 6-2 in the women's doubles.

In her Opening Mixed doubles Match, Sania and her partner France's Fabrice Santoro were beaten by second seeds Mark Knowles of Bahamas and Australia's Rennae Stubbs 7-6, 1-6, 10-7

I think she needs to be a little more consistant and rest will follow. What do you say?

Well at the End of the Day, there's something to cheer...

India's Mahesh Bhupathi and his Czech partner Radek Stepanek advanced into the quarterfinals of the men's doubles. They defeated the seventh-seeded Israeli pair of Jonathan Erlich and Andy Ram 7-6, 4-6, 6-3.

In spite of not committing even a single unforced error, Elrich and Ram were broken during the match at crucial junctures and were finally defeated by the unseeded Indo-Czech duo in just less than two hours.Bhupathi and stepanek will next face second seeds Jonas Bjorkman and Max Mirnyi in the quarterfinals

From India to the Moon via the Bay of Bengal.…

An ambitious India is seeing a dream for some time now- The Dream to reach to the Moon... and today, we walked one step ahead on the way to the Moon with the successful recovery of SRE. The Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE) after performing experiments in the Space, returned to the Earth and is successfully recovered in the Bay of Bengal.

I wish to congratulate all Indians on this occasion. And my Best of Luck to the Scientist Friends- May you soon prepare the “Chandrayaan-1” and then say “Oh Moon, you are not far from our reach now… “

It’s a moment of Glory for India... And I’m proud of it…
It’s a dream nearing reality and I can’t wait to see it come true...

But while we are reaching such new heights, one question still leaps up in my mind, is it necessary? Are we rich enough to spend huge money on such dreams? Is it fine to try to decode the space when there are several problems lying ahead of us on the Earth?
I am not confused. Yes. Yes it is required. It’s something we must pay our attention to. We may not be wealthy like some other countries, but we dream big and we toil hard to fulfill those dreams- whatever odds we may be forced to face in the process. A prosperous India must be a powerful one and a powerful India must believe in peace and welfare of humanity, not only in the country but in the whole World. And I believe we are capable of doing it. Just to make us more accomplished, we need to make a mark in the space as well. I’m sure we can make it…..

Once again my heartiest Congrats to all and…. Moon, we are coming…!!!

From India to the Moon via the Bay of Bengal.…

An ambitious India is seeing a dream for some time now- The Dream to reach to the Moon... and today, we walked one step ahead on the way to the Moon with the successful recovery of SRE. The Space Capsule Recovery Experiment (SRE) after performing experiments in the Space, returned to the Earth and is successfully recovered in the Bay of Bengal.

I wish to congratulate all Indians on this occasion. And my Best of Luck to the Scientist Friends- May you soon prepare the “Chandrayaan-1” and then say “Oh Moon, you are not far from our reach now… “

It’s a moment of Glory for India... And I’m proud of it…
It’s a dream nearing reality and I can’t wait to see it come true...

But while we are reaching such new heights, one question still leaps up in my mind, is it necessary? Are we rich enough to spend huge money on such dreams? Is it fine to try to decode the space when there are several problems lying ahead of us on the Earth?
I am not confused. Yes. Yes it is required. It’s something we must pay our attention to. We may not be wealthy like some other countries, but we dream big and we toil hard to fulfill those dreams- whatever odds we may be forced to face in the process. A prosperous India must be a powerful one and a powerful India must believe in peace and welfare of humanity, not only in the country but in the whole World. And I believe we are capable of doing it. Just to make us more accomplished, we need to make a mark in the space as well. I’m sure we can make it…..

Once again my heartiest Congrats to all and…. Moon, we are coming…!!!

Finally, a victory agian!

So it's back to the place where it started all a year back. And this time the results are too Happy... India beats West Indies in the first ODI in Nagpur and all the Team played well ;)

I won't say anything else as I couldn't get to see the match, or at least Highlights, due to the raw between Nimbus and DoorDarshan. So sad!

A comment on Roger's match today...

I just read this article:

Federer wins ugly

Without producing anywhere near his best tennis, world No.1
Roger Federer dispatched 14th seed Novak Djokovic 6-2 7-5 6-3 on centre court at
Melbourne Park to reach the quarter finals.

After closing out the first set in typical fashion, Federer
seemingly became distracted, making uncharacteristic unforced errors and
relinquishing the momentum to his young opponent.

At a set and a break up, Federer was careless, spiking a high
ball into the net giving Djokovic the break back.

The set was evenly poised at 6-5 before Federer turned it on
to secure the break and the set.

The respite from the Federer A-game was brief for the 19
year-old-Serb as the Swiss master regained his composure to close the third out
in just 36 minutes.

Federer made 23 unforced errors for the match and while he
still managed the cruise to victory, he will need to be at his best when he
faces number seven seed Tommy Robredo in the quarter finals.

Source: sportal.co.nz/tennis.asp?i=news&id=93673

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I think the Tennis Fraternity knows it well but we can not expect all journalists to be equally clever. They are there to report and not to give opinions, that's the job of the Experts (I mean really expert Experts)

Let whatever a few mediamasters say, Most of the people agree that Roger is a Great Player in Great Form, He doesn't need to proove it all the time, although he does it everytime with his inborne genius. Saying that Roger won it "ugly", means dishonouring the Talent of the youngesters and for that matter, many other opponents of Roger.
It's something like this: Roddic (or Nadal or Safin or....) is a good player of caliber, but he would have been a great one if it's not The Roger Era. This Man, Roger is of so high quality that he really makes all look less good. Agreed, Roger was slightly sluggish during first round.

Agreed, he himself has reached a level that's not easy to achieve for others even for himself sometimes. Not all days and all wins are of equal even for Roger.

And My question to all those (Journalists ) whoe still doubt Roger's form, Do you still think a straight victory is an ugly performance?

Oh, Please, Please, Please Don't forget, Champions win even when they are not at their Best and Roger is a True Champion. So stop 'worrying' about him in that manner.

Mumbai Marathon 2007

So Mumbai Marathon was flagged off today.
And here are the results:

Winner of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2007: The 42.195 km race
John Kelai of Kenya finished the race in first place in 2:12.28 hours
followed by Ethiopians Gashaw Melese with a time of 2:12.33
and Tariku Jufar with a time of 2:12:50

Video Link:
http://www.business-standard.com/general/broadband.php?videoid=2221

Run, Mumbai Run!

I want to tell you about a race, which has grown up into something more than a Sport. Mumbai Marathon.

The Mumbai Marathon is an annual international event. It is held on a January Sunday since 2004 and has attracted over four thousand Athelets in three short years.

Last year, over 27,500 people participated and the number will increase to 30,000 this time.

Race Categories:

Marathon (42.195 km)

Half Marathon (21.097 km)

Dream Run (7 km)

Senior Citizens' Run (5 km)

The Wheelchair Event (3.5 km)

The prize money

The fastest runners in Men's= $30,000

Women's=$20,000

the fastest Indian citizen in each of these categories=$2,000

The Mumbai Marathon, especially the Dream Run, is a "Run for A Cause".

So at the same time you have lots of Celebrities - from Filmstars to Models, from Sportspersons to Politicians- along with common people running in the Streets of the City of Mumbai. And there are thousands of spectators on the roadsides cheering for the participants. That's what makes it so special.

The Mumbai Marathon is part of "The Greatest Race on Earth", sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank. The other three legs of this four-marathon race are the Singapore Marathon, the Nairobi Marathon and the Hong Kong Marathon.So be there on the this Sunday, January 21st, 2007

Site: http://mumbaimarathon.indiatimes.com/

BTW, Mumbai Marathon means something special for me. I have worked as an Event Executive for MM2005 and also got a Silver Medal as a momento.

A comment Australian Open!

Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Amelie Mauresmo and Serena Williams all posted straight-set victories on Wednesday to advance to the third round of the Australian Open, serving notice they're rounding into form after some opening-match nerves and glitches.

But luck was not on his side for Crowd-favourite Marcos Baghdatis, finalist here last yea. He was defeated by Frenchman Gael Monfils, who won 7-6 (5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-0.

Earlier, top-ranked Roger Federer defeated Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.

Sixth-seeded Roddick beat Marc Gicquel of France, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-4 he'l face 2005 Australian Open champion Marat Safin.
Safin benefited from a rain break to rally from a set down to oust Dudi Sela of Israel 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-0 in a match with 20 service breaks.

So both Roger and Safin have had very entertaining clashes.
I am not gonna forget today's matches. I enjoyed them so much!

I was actually doing some other stuff and then my brother came to my room and screamed: "You wanna miss it?, it's a great battle going on over there." He's a great Safin fan (and even I like him) Thanks bro!

Serena Williams celebrated a 7-6 (4), 6-2 win over Luxembourg's Anne Kremer.

Other Results: courtesy: NDTV

Thailand's Danai Udomchoke upset No. 24 Juan Carlos Ferrero to oust the former world No 1. A former Australian Open champion also tumbled, with 2002 winner Thomas Johansson losing to No. 16 David Ferrer.Veteran Australian Wayne Arthurs beat American qualifier Zach Fleishman, who had his hair dyed in red, white and blue stripes. Other men's winners included No 7 Tommy Robredo, No 9 Mario Ancic, No 18 Richard Gasquet, No 20 Radek Stepanek and No 22 Dominik Hrbaty.Among those advancing on the women's side were former US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, the No 3 seed, along with Petrova, No 7 Elena Dementieva, No 8 Patty Schnyder, No 9 Dinara Safina, No 10 Nicole Vaidisova, No 11 Jelena Jankovic, No 15 Daniela Hantuchova.Three seeded women lost: Lucie Safarova beat No 14 Francesca Schiavone, Victoria Azarenko downed No 18 Marion Bartoli and Anastasiya Yakimova ousted No 23 Ai Sugiyama.

An NDTV Story: Tsunami kidney racket busted in Chennai

Tsunami kidney racket busted in Chennai

http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=tsunami&slug=Tsunami+kidney+racket+busted+in+Chennai&id=21181&callid=0&category=National

Another Day another place another Cheating and Curruption...

Well, what's happening to this country?

AO:Sania through to the Round two

"Well, I feel a lot fitter, I'm moving lot better.
Probably my serve obviously is the weakest point in my game right now but
it's not exactly a weakness, but it is not a strength.
So it is just a matter of consolidating on that playing.
I guess playing some quality games against some quality players,"

-Sania Mirza.

Sania Mirza started her Australian Open Dream with a straight set victory over Olga Savchuk of Ukrain.
Sania defeated Olga 6-3, 7-5

In other major mathces:

Top-seeded Maria Sharapova got over the heat, the cramps and her own mistakes to enter the Round Two. She beat Camille Pin 6-3, 4-6, 9-7.

Third-seeded Kim Clijsters to beat Vasilisa Bardina 6-0, 6-0 rout. Bardina won only two points on her own serve.

Sixth-seeded Martina Hingis, had a 6-0, 6-2 win over Nathalie Dechy on the second show court.

13th-seeded Ana Ivanovic advanced with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Vania King.

Second-ranked Rafael Nadal bt. American Robert Kendrick 7-6 (6), 6-3, 6-2. He played on Center Court with Roof on.

Eighth-seeded David Nalbandian advanced to next round as Janko Tipsarevic retired with heat exhaustion in the fifth set, final scores were 6-7 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-0, 2-1.

Robby Ginepri advanced in five sets over Spain's Nicolas Almagro, seeded 32nd.

No. 13 Tomas Berdych beat South Korea's Lee Hyung-taik 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

No. 31 Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland beat Kevin Kim in four.

AO: Roger Through to the Second Round

Top seed Roger Federer, began his 2007 Grand Slam Journey in a great fashion beating German Bjorn Phau 7-5, 6-0, 6-4 and clouded away all the doubts raised after his Saturday defeat to Andy Roddic. (Who raised the doubts BTW?)

After a patchy start in the first set, the Swiss Maestro managed to keep his nerves. In the Second set, Federer put a bagel on an edgy Bjorn and won the third set to register a straight win.

Andy Roddick too, advanced to the next round beating French wild-card Jo-Wilfred Tsonga in the marathon opening tiebreaker and rallying from 2-5 in the second set to win 6-7 (18), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-3.

In women's, Amelie Mauresmo started her title defense with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Shenay Perry.

Other important results are as follows. (Courtsy: NDTV)

Seventh-seeded Elena Dementieva of Russia advanced 6-1, 6-2 over Stephanie
Foretz of France.
No. 16 Shahar Peer, No 20 Tatiana Golovin and No 26 Maria Kirilenko also
advanced to the Second Rounds

No 18 Richard Gasquet, the 2002 world junior champion, won his first match
in four trips to the Australian Open, advancing 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 over Italian
Filippo Volandri.
Ninth-seeded Ancic beat Japan's Go Soeda 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.

Spaniards Juan Carlos Ferrero and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez progressed to the
second round as well. Former top-ranked Ferrero, was leading Jan Hajek 3-0
when the Czech player retired because of stomach illness. Garcia-Lopez was 1-1
with Joachim Johansson when the 6-foot-6 Swede pulled out because of severe
blisters on his feet.

Sania Rising High

After a semi-final appearance at last week's Moorilla International in Hobart, Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has jumped 13 places to 53 in the latest WTA rankings.
The 20-year-old Sania had beaten world number 29 Maria Kirilenko en route to the semis.
However, she's is down one place to 25 in the doubles ranking though.

Sania's AO journey will begin from tomorrow, with a first round match against Olga Savchuk of Ukrain. Come On Sania!

Australian Open to start tomorrow:

Two weeks from tomorrow,

Melbourne will be again on toes to cheer the game os Tennis...

Two weeks from tomorrow,

The Players will toil hard to perform on the heated Courts in the City...

The year’s first Grand Slam Tournament is back again!

Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova are Men’s and Women’s Top Seeds respectively, while Sania Mirza will try to improve her record Down Under.

Well, the Matches will be shown Live on Star Sports in India and I don’t want to miss the fabulous Commentary by my favorite duo, Alan Wilkins and with him, the One and only- Vijay Amritraj… and I don’t want to miss it.

So Good Night!

Makar Sankranti

It’s Makar Sankranti today …

More than a religious event, Makar Sankranti is The fiesta of Nature. It’s a day when Sun starts its virtual journey in the Northern Hemisphere, ginimg the message that the chilling days will soon go away and Spring will come again.

So during this time of year, one is supposed to be dressed in Black or other dark sheds. The colour Black has a special importance on Makar Sankranti and it’s considered auspicious as it absorbs heat and keeps the body warm. And we also have a special diet for this season, which consists of food rich in calories to help protect from cold outside.
You know what? Today, I have eaten so many of those Sweets that now I’m feeling Sweet...

Shubh Sankranti!

National Youth Day Vivekanand Jayanti

"Beware of everything that is untrue. Stick to truth and we shall succeed.

Fifty centuries are looking on you, the future of India depends on you.

Work on.."

- Swami Vivekananda

It's the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananad and the day is celebrated as The National Youth Day.

As a young Indian, I have many things to face, many things to overcome and many things to do.

I have many Dreams and Need to toil hard to make them come true..

And I have many things to earn and many more to give to my society..

Bangladesh: State of Emergency

Another Country... Another Democracy being encroached... or Democracy to be restored

I just heard on TV, President of Bangladesh Iajuddin Ahmed has announced the State of Emergency in the country. He has resigned as chief advisor to the interim caretaker government.
There's the Press Censorship and night curfew imposezd in the country. Bangladesh is to vote in a few day's time and a declaration of Emergency at this hour is surprising (though not unexpected) for me.

So I'm waiting for the President's Address...

From Sky, with Love: Sunitha Williams talks to the Students in Delhi:

Today Sunitha talked to the Students in Delhi via video-conferencing through the International Space Station. Joining the Students were several others including Rakesh Sharma- the First Indian to enter the Space.
The report on this came on CNN-IBN and they also showed the reactions from children allover the country. She is an inspiration, a real inspiration for the little children who aim high…
As I watched on television the report about this conversation, I felt proud and a strange joy filled me.

It's been my childhood dream to enter the Space, and given a chance, I'll choose to be an astronaut.

PSLV Launched

India's ninth PSLV (polar satellite launch vehicle) successfully took-off from Sriharikota on today. This will serve as a launchpad for loads of technological and commercial ventures.

After the dismal failure of the GSLV(the geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle)in July 2006, the success with the PSLV-C7 has helped boost the morale of the Scientists in India's space research organisation, ISRO.
This is for the first time that ISRO has sent up a launch vehicle into space, with four payloads at a time, two satellites from India and one each from Argentina and Indonesia.
Cartosat-2, India's second earth imaging satellite put up in Orbit by PSLV-C7, will serve as an eye in the sky that will transfer images with high spatial resolution. Cartosat's images would be finer at 80 cm resolution than those of US satellite Ikonos which are of one-metre resolution.