In The Sleep Mode

Last weekend was quite eventful. Watching 3 latest movies, back to back, was the highlight. But after The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Tere Bin Laden and all that jazz, “Inception” was on my mind.

An atypical thought provoking concept, it had similarities to that of “The Matrix”.

Matrix, as I remember, was rubbished by many at that time. The 'Scientifically Challenged' specie, as I call them, couldn’t comprehend the avant-garde poetry of Wachowski brother’s sheer brilliance. People, who never understood it, used to debate about the hypothesis the movie is based upon. And I still pity people who ask me, “What is neomatrixite?” And why am I called so?

Alike The Matrix, Inception provides a self-conscious metaphor of digital technology as dreams glower morosely through the exaggerated flash of events; a spectacularly factual perception of psychic truth.

But if Matrix was about realizing a truth, Inception is about conceiving a lie. A structure of dreams within dreams, stacked on multiple levels. It is a nifty, visually astounding, wickedly implemented venture but pulverized with melodramatic moments, overloaded action and a convoluted construction like the Byzantine.

Overall, a stimulating contemplation about closed eyes, it is a must watch for people who are true blood fiction aficionado!

What an elegant solution for keeping track of reality!

Divine Intervention in my Life!

Not completely though, yet to quite an extent. That’s what I call my family trip to Vrindavan couple of weeks back.

The idea crossed my mind one hot weekend to plan a long drive in my car (it was Shabbo’s first long drive too!) to Vrindavan. My folks, always keen in spending hot summers at home, were as usual reluctant due to excessive heat, but to my utter surprise, soon they packed for a go!

So here we started off to a 150 kms journey unknown.. we left not too early in the morning and being a weekend we didn’t get much traffic congestion. The route was relatively smooth but the temperature was rising. We had a journey break at ‘Apni Haveli’ in Srinagar. Post a decent lunch & rest, it took not more than 50 minutes from the toll to reach our destination.. the land of the bliss - Vrindavan.

Vrindavan. A place said to be illuminated by myriad moons of spiritual ecstasy. Cooled by the sweet nectar of divine love, it is full of desire trees and several hosts of madly cooing birds. And whose heart will not run to ‘Radhe Krishna’, who enjoys interminable transcendental distraction in the expanse.

We acclimatized with a holy visit to Katyani Devi Mandir in Radha bagh. It was so tranquil that we spent the entire afternoon there. It was actually like unearthing your soul. By the sunset, we moved further to explore the divinity of the place. Banke Bihari Mandir was crammed full beyond our expectations. Yet the theology of the site was worth experiencing. The embellishment of mogra & rose buds that are said to be done on a daily basis was irreplaceable. Done with the darshans, we re-energized ourselves with famous chilled sweet lassi. After some casual shopping, we proceeded towards MVT where we had our night stay. The lodge being right next to the ISKON Temple gave an impressive feel, as ‘Hare Rama, Hare Krishna’ purred from a distance. But the unpolluted, undisturbed place and exhausting past day, made us retire for the day early.

Day 2 morning had a serene essence. The MVT property itself was titivated attractively. The artifacts used around were virtuous. The visit to ISKON was full of quintessential mysticism. The prasad was as enjoyable as the sanctified ‘Hare Krishna’ ambiance. But my heart was pounding for a charming, Katrina Kaif look alike devotee who’s invigorating smile left me stimulated. I deemed my trip was an accomplishment.

We left the place with a consecrated impression that would surely make us return soon for more saintly rejuvenation.

Tou Bolo Radhe Radhe!

The Night of Redemption

Scene 1:

DhyanChand Stadium, 1982 Asian Game Final

India crashed to arch-rival Pakistan 1-7

It was the very day of point for no recovery for the National Sport of Indian Subcontinent. “Indian hockey is dead” was a proclamation!

Scene 2:

DhyanChand Stadium, 2010 World Cup

India slaughtered arch-rival Pakistan 4-1

About 16000 strong Team India fans went home sated. It was the very stadium where they had pushed the national game into a well-nigh oblivion. The win was like washing away the 28 year old resentment. Soaring Tricolor and a restless crowd roared to the aggression, variation, plunge, stunning magical feat of the Team Blue. Indian supporters went noisier, slipping Pakis into a desperation mode as the game progressed. India, with no lack of effort on any count on the turf, relentlessly dominated the game and kept the ball in possession to dictate terms throughout.

Indeed a night of goose-bumps but Indian Hockey has certainly acquired a new flavor!

Stadium mein baith ke match dekhoonga..

Jhanda bhi lehraoonga..
Aur India India chillaoonga..
Game ki tension mein nakhoon chabaoonga..
Face pe Tiranga bhi lagaoonga..
Apni team ke saare match dekhne jaoonga..

Now who can say “Indian hockey is dead”,

when the national catchphrase is.. Phir Dil Do Hockey Ko!

Oh God..I am LEGEND!

* 442 Matches

* 17,598 Runs

*46 Centuries

* 200 not out!

* 20 years & still goin' strong..

Sach is Life!