Tomb of Sand - Geetanjali Shree

It won the 2022 International Booker Prize and the Warwick Prize for Women in Translation with Daisy Rockwell (Ret Samadhi is the title in Hindi). Geetanjali Shree has written four other novels 'Mai', 'Hamara Shehar Us Baras, Tirobit and Khali Jagah. Daisy Rockwell, an American artist, translates from Hindi to English and has translated many works from Indian Hindi authors like Krishna Sobti, Bhisham Sahni, Upendranath Ashk, Khadija Mastur etc.

The book is 739 pages long which is intimidating but the writing is breezy, playful and actually easy to read. It's a bit like James Joyce's 'Ulysses' in that sense that both are huge tomes and both went by without making much sense to me. The family has a Mai, Beti, Bade, Bahu, KK, Sid and such - a mother, a son, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, a grandson, and that's how we know them. They live in Delhi perhaps and its about the time when the mother's husband passed away and she is lying on a cot in her son's house hardly moving.

Over a period of time her old friend, a transgender who has a name Rosie-Raza, comes into her life and she, at eighty finds her spirit and dresses different and does things differently. She moves from her ultra conservative son's house to her liberal daughter's house and surprises the daughter with her clothes, her plans. At some point Rosie-Raza, the instigator of her change perhaps, dies. Mai decides to go to Pakistan to find her husband Anwar. It appears that she and her daughter go across without a valid visa and try to find Anwar. Somewhere then towards the end of the book we find that her name is Chanda. Anyway somewhere there the sand buries the tomb.

I breezed through it looking for points of the story where it turns - found a few, missed many - read the story up on the net and filled in the missing pieces. I am not a great follower of such books and need to be explained. I guess if one reads it patiently and lets the mind absorb it fully, it probably has a lot to offer.  Interesting premise, interesting tone and great conviction.

How to Win Any Argument - Robert Mayer

Harsha got two box loads of books to give away and I kept a few aside to browse through. One was 'How to win any argument' a slim self-help by Jaico and I decided to browse through for any tips on winning arguments. I liked a few.

Firstly he says that to win an argument we must not act under influence (bias),see things the way we want to see them (getting stuck in a rigid stance), color things with our expectations (bias), make assumptions (fixed ideas that are not rooted in fact), say I know what I know (which could be inadequate and limiting), being stubborn and getting personal. One must watch for the other person's body language, listen, be alert to verbal cues about what they really mean versus what they are saying. Keep a still centre he says - don't act (or react) under influence.

Once you have some semblance of self-control, he says we must build a Consent Zone by getting them to buy into you as a person - be yourself, don't be a know-all, show appreciation, be enthusiastic, don't complain or sulk, don't look back, don't judge, don't make them defensive. My take - don't make them defensive by pushing them back - go the other way and make them feel secure (by being open).

To build trust, let your guard down a bit, be the first to introduce yourself, use humour, loosen up, be vulnerable, listen 75% and talk 25%, ask about them, build credibility and trust. Keep your messaging simple and relevant and interesting to them, share what's in it for them. 

To sell an idea, create choices. Be precise. Get testimonials, tell them if-i-can, so-can-you stories. Don't over repeat a story -   once or twice and that's it. Don't seem desperate. 

When pitching your idea use the business card test - bring your core idea down to what you can write at the back of your business card. Bring down facts and analysis down to that much - then its clear. Stick to the rule of three - not more than three main points.

Use magic words, phrases, analogies, use words that create images, use good story telling, reinterpret ideas. To close the deal you must call for action - straight to the point, create scarcity of time and opportunity, address their innate need of recognition, nostalgia or whatever. And the best way to negotiate he says - is to be silent.

Many times writing is better than talking to win an argument - and while writing, the less the better. 

Final points for winning arguments - keep it short and simple, create mental pictures, use silence, create a harmonious space, watch your tone and voice, be patient, listen a lot, count 1-2-3 before your respond to what they are saying, it's better to call back than to pick up the phone if you're not prepared and finally sum it all up so there's no confusion. 

Liked a few ideas - business card, still centre, silence, 1-2-3 before responding, introducing yourself first, listening etc. Thanks Harsha.   

1975, The Year That Transformed Bollywood - Pratik Majumdar

Tarun was sweet enough to have his friend Pratik Majumdar, the author of this delightful book, to sign a copy for me and gifted it to me. I propose to gift it to a few worthies myself. Pratik worked as an advertising professional, now runs his family owned homeopathy business in Kolkata, is a passionate cinephile, music enthusiast and a published author of a collection of short stories.

A look at the list of Hindi movies that Pratik listed blows your mind - all in one year! What was happening? Funnily it was also the same year that Emergency was imposed on India! Anyway, the list first.

1) Aandhi
2) Amanush
3) Charandas Chor
4) Chhoti Si Baat
5) Chori Mera Kaam
6) Chupke Chupke
7) Deewaar
8) Dharam Karam
9) Dharmatma
10) Faraar
11) Geet Gata Chal
12) Jai Santoshi Maa
13) Julie
14) Kaala Sona
15) Khel Khel Mein
16) Khushboo
17) Mausam
18) Mili
19) Nishant
20) Pratiggya
21) Prem Kahani
22) Qaid
23) Rafoo Chakkar
24) Raftaar
25) Sanyasi
26) Sholay
27) Uljhan
28) Warrant
29) Zakhmee
30) Zameer

I am rather ashamed to say that I have only watched 12 of the above and have decided to quickly correct the anomaly. (However, I watched many of the 12 movies repeatedly which probably makes up a bit.)

The book is delightful especially for those who grew up in that era - can remember those huge painted posters when these movies came out. Lovely trivia, narrative, insight into each of these films. Such creative people - Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Ramesh Sippy, Gulzar, Basu Chatterjee, Salim-Javed, the acting talent, the singing and music talent, unbelievable stuff. Good to see 'Jai Santoshi Maa' in the list - always nice to know Parag's mother played that role. Loved the trivia part - a gory one of Brij Sadanah who directed 'Chori Mera Kaam' who shot himself and his wife and daughter and injurd his son Kamal Sadanah whose birthday it was, Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan not taking money to act in 'Chupke Chupke' because they so wanted to act in that film, Rajesh Khanna being signed for Vijay's role in 'Deewar' and dropped because he missed three reading sessions, Danny being the original choice for Gabbar but could not take it up as he was shooting for 'Dharmatma', Thakur killing Gabbar in the original ending of 'Sholay' but censors changing it to a law abiding end, Harindernath Chattopadhyay penning the lyrics of 'My heart is beating' for Julie. And so on and on.  

Brilliant job Pratik. Thanks Tarun for the book. Thanks Pratik for signing it for me. And Raja - you'll get a copy from me for sure! 

  

 

  

Hyderabad by Walk - Qutb Shahi Tombs

Deccan Archives has a slew of interesting walks this month and though i have been to the Qutb Shahi tombs before I decided to join. It was an evening walk, the place is one of my fav places in Hyderabad, and Sibgat always has an interesting perspective when he leads these walks. 

Hayath Baksh Begum's tomb

We met up at 4ish and waited for some other to join. Safwan was missing but Wahaj was there and soon Sibgat joined. Two familiar faces from earlier walks, a family of Malayalis - three, one solo lady who is also a regular I think, one new gentleman and two young ladies who came by themselves and with me that was ten in all. 

Another perspective

We went straight to the Hayath Baksh Begum tomb which is the first one we see to the right - a very impressive structure. Hayath Baksh Begum was the daughter of the most popular Sultan Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth Sultan who established Hyderabad city. Also known as Ma Saheba, Hayath Baksh Begum was the daughter, wife and mother of three powerful Sultans and was known for her diplomacy, courage and administrative acumen.

From one side

Aurangzeb's mosque

Original Qutb Shahi mosque

The point of interest was however a small mosque which is to the left of the tomb, as you face it. Apparently when Aurangzeb conquered Golconda he refused to pray at the mosque behind the tomb which was the biggest one in the necropolis because he found some shapes like a squirrel and had this new one built in 24 hours and prayed there. 

Another view of the original mosque

We then went to search for the squirrel shaped motif in the mosque and could not find it until Sibgat pointed it to us. Interestingly the floor of the mosque was dug up which I presumed was for renovation but apparently its been that way because the Moghuls dug up the floor to search for treasures.

Mohammad Qutb Shah - sixth Sultan's tomb

Tana Shah's unfinished tomb

A touch of the sky from Tana Shah's tomb - apt for his free spirit

We then walked past the tomb where he showed some original tiles on the minarets. We looked at the tiles on the tomb of Mohammad Qutb Shah, husband of Hayath Baksh Begum, which is very different from the rest with its green dome. 

Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah's tomb - fifth Sultan and founder of Hyderabad

Golconda to the left behind

We walked to the unfinished tomb of the last Sultan Tana Shah or Abul Hasan who ruled for 14 years before being captured by the Moghuls and sent to Daulatabad where he passed away after 14 years. Tana Shah was a colourful character and had spent much of his childhood with the Sufi saint Raju Qattal and his ways were different. His two ministers Akkanna, Madanna held important positions and so did many Hindus - one of the grievances that the Muslims had against the ruler. Akkanna, Madanna were beheaded and their heads sent to Aurangzeb before the fall of Golconda.

The step well

Tombs of the first Sultan Quli Qutb Shah and others

Sibgat and heritage walkers

From there we walked to the Serai or Hammam which Sibgat said was the oldest part of the necropolis and where travelers from Surat to Masulipatnam would rest (and avail of free massages sponsored by the Sultan). We walked behind the Serai and saw a step well which was full of water. Behind the step well was part of the mud wall that was originally built.

Emerald dome

A tomb

From there to the place where Mohammad Quli's tomb is and from where the tombs of first Sultan Quli Qutb Shah, his son Jamshed, his grandson Subhan can be seen. Also can see some ugly structures coming up behind which is a shame. By now the guards were actively telling us to leave - it was 530 and we started heading back.

As always, an enjoyable, learning experience.          

Excellent Insights - Handling Difficult Conversations

 This is very good. Good practical insights which can be used right away.

Some points I remember. I'll get some more after I listen again.

....

Listen to the end of the sentence. Make them feel understood, heard to.

You don't have to respond to everything.

You don't need to have a conversation about what you don't have to say. Just say what you have to and stay quiet.

When somebody says something to belittle you - ask them to repeat it. You take the fun out of them wanting to watch your reaction. Or say 'did you say it to embarrass me or did you say that to offend me

When somebody says something disrespectful - pause and do not respond. Silence. Or you can say 'What you said is beneath me or my standard. I will not respond to that.'

When you disagree with people don't say - why are you doing this? When you ask why, they get defensive. Instead state what the problem is and ask how you can help them.

...

His idea is to get things going, to communicate so we get move forward. And the best way to do that is to understand that insecure people come with their insecurities and we must understand them and go past them. We must be compassionate, kind.   

Drawing the Line - Edited by Priya Kurian, Larissa Bestonasco and Ludmilla Bartscht

I found this in Anjali's collection - a graphic short story collection compiled and edited by Priya Kumar, Larissa and Ludmilla. The byline for the book - 'Indian Women Fight Back' - says it all. Fourteen contributors feature in it and its quite a read. I loved it.

'That's Not Fair' by Harini Kannan is about the deep bias for fair skin and how everyone is trying to get their daughters to be fair so they have to pay less dowry. 'Mumbai Local' by Diti Mistry is about the world of a women's compartment in a Mumbai Local - all emotions on display including how they stand up and care for one another. 'The Photo' by Reshu Singh is about a girl who does not want to get married but everyone has a take on it. 'An Ideal Girl' by Soumya Menon compares the Ideal Boy with the Ideal Girl and we realise that the Ideal Girl has much loaded against her - job, family, children food etc. 'Ever After' by Priyanka Kumar is about the life of an average Indian woman - boredom, TV and the mundane dinners, conversations and acts. 'The Prey' by Neelima P Aryan gives the metaphor of a hawk and how the woman traps the predator.

'Melanin' by Bhavan Singh is about the Indian obsession with fair skin. 'The Walk' by Deepa Sethi takes us on a walk home from the protagonist's work place - a beauty salon worker in a small neighbourhood - from the beauty industry to everyday problems of women it captures everything. 'The Poet, Sharmila' by Ita Mehrotra is about the writers experience of meeting Irom Sharmila Chanu in Manipur and the impact it had on her. 'Asha, Now' by Hemavathy Guha is about the real life experience of a woman who had been sexually abused by her older brother since her childhood leaving her traumatised even now. 'Basic Space' by Kaveri Gopalakrishnan questions the idea of space for a woman - gives the constant alert on battle stance in every space to safeguard herself. 'Broken Lines by Vidyun Sabhaney' is about a story where a woman's fingers are chopped off as punishment to appease the family cows - a story from the pata chitra tradition of Bengal. 'Ladies, Please Excuse' by Angela Ferraro' is about how the job scene for women is loaded against them despite their qualifications. 'Someday' by Samidha Gunjal is about how the woman will someday become Kali and consume the males who have for centuries subdued and subjugated them.

Loved it.  

Tsojhe Kunphen Menkhang - Dr Tenzin Dhundup's Tibetan Clinic

I have known Tenzin for a while now - perhaps since he joined the Medical school in Dharamshala. He stayed with us a few times when he came to visit his sponsors Gowri and Raju. 

Dr. Tenzin Dhundhup

I have written about his journey from Tibet to India as a 14 year old, his schooling, his medical training, internship and finally his setting up his own clinic 'Tsojhe Kunphen Menkhang' in Mysuru. Tenzin has always been focused on healing people as much as he can and considers that his life mission.

Tenzin chose Mysuru as the place to set up his own clinic and started searching for the right place in earnest. So when he sent me pictures of the clinic, I was quite impressed. It was really good work - the clinic looks organised, clean, professional - exactly how Tenzin is as a person. 

The Clinic

Inside the clinic

Tsojhe Kunphen Menkhang is the name of his clinic - which means “Clinic of Life-Sustaining Universal Benefit.”. Tenzin says that he is deeply honored that this name was personally blessed by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. He also explained the meaning of the clinic logo:

The Bowl – represents the alms bowl of Medicine Buddha, symbolizing the compassion of the Healing Buddha.

Water from the Bowl – water is regarded as the first medicine, and here it symbolizes pure water as well as the ambrosia of healing.

The Flower – represents Triphala and all other herbal medicines.

The Hands – symbolize the compassionate hands of Yuthok Yonten Gonpo, the father of Tibetan medicine.

The Bending Posture – expresses readiness to serve and help patients at all times.

The Rays of Light – represent the universal spread of the benefits of Tibetan medicine.

...

That's the thought behind the logo and the name. Tibetan Herbal Medicine offers holistic healing through herbal medicines which are natural herbal medicines which treat the root of the problem and looks to offer holistic health. Tibetan Medicine is one of the world's oldest medical systems. I have known many people I know who swear by it - specially cancer patients. The medicine cures the range of illnesses but to mention a few - asthma, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, neuro issues, gynaec problems, psychosomatic illnesses, cancer among others.

The diagnosis, apart from any allopathic diagnosis one may have done, is done through the pulse and urine examination to give a holistic picture. Apart from the herbal medicine which is quite cheap, they also offer the Golden Needle Therapy, Moxa- Bustion, Bronze Cupping, Acupuncture etc to complement the treatment. 

Tibetan Clinics are quite popular as alternative medicine systems all over India now and one can access them in all major cities and towns. That Tenzin has set up his own clinic in Mysuru is a wonderful thing because he makes it accessible to people of Mysuru. 

Tenzin's clinic is having a grand opening on Sep 23, 2025. Do visit if you're in Mysuru. I am sure that Tenzin's clinic will be very successful and will provide healing and good health to thousands of people. My best wishes to you Tenzin.

Contact Address:

No1, No 2961/142 New CH-1 7th,Main Swimming Pool Rd, Saraswatipuram, Mysuru, Karnataka-570009, Phone No 7807723097/8091732309

Thought for the Day - Stress and Watching Life in Replay

 Another way to handle stress that I discovered - is to watch life as if it already happened - what is playing out is in a replay. What has to happen will happen and this moment will only be seen as part of a bigger story - you may win or lose, things may go well or not, but it will be over. The story will play out as it has to.

Watching the present as if it already happened helps keep unnecessary thoughts away and we can focus on the process (perhaps even on the priorities) instead of worrying about unnecessary stuff and overdoing or underdoing things under pressure. Something is playing out and we watch it like a movie we already saw and its not as bad. We can handle it in a relaxed state of mind. It gives you a slight gap.

More on such stress handling techniques coming up (as I figure them out).  

Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kine Ghazi Gaye - Lt Gen K J S Dhillon

 Mythily gave me this book and asked me to read. It's the life story of Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, known as Tiny, in the army circles, written with a view to encourage those who wish to join the armed forces. It is well written and honest and gives a good insight into the army life.

Lt Gen Dhillon has pretty much grown up in the shadow of the armed forces - thought his father was a civil engineer who settled down in Nepal, he lost his mother at a young age as she fought off a tiger which attacked his father. She lost her life and he feels much of his courage seems to have come from her. Sent away to live with his granny he grew up watching his Mamaji who was an army person and slowly moved into the armed forces writing the NDA exam, life as a cadet in Pune, and then joining the Rajputana Rifles. He served almost entirely in Kashmir and pretty much saw the whole story from up close - the rise of terrorism to the abrogation of Article 370.

The title refers to the terrorist Kamran who was involved in the Pulwama attack and who was eliminated within 100 hours of the attack. His nickname was Ghazi and this title comes from the author's childhood line when he would tackle an adversary in a game of marbles - he has seen many such. He writes about the family life in the army, how the discipline helps, how they all look out for one another, seniors taking care of subs and subs fully devoted to their officers, the fun and games, the dangers, injuries and death - they handled it all together. There were times when his wife mistakenly thought he had passed away in an encounter when the media reported it mistakenly but held on. He writes extensively about Kashmir, its people, culture, the rise of terrorism, Pulwama, the initiatives to integrate the society and stop young men from joining the terrorists, how they handled the post-abrogation situation and kept it peaceful. 

The Fourth Battalion of Rajputana Rifles has a fierce reputation and they say - sirf naam his kaafi hai. Also other mottos like their commitment to - naam, namak and nishan and such stuff are well brought out. There's a lot of humour, compassion, humility and insight into leadership and team building and dealing with tough situation. Leader being sabse aage being one of their principles.

I enjoyed reading it. Thanks Mythily.  

Featured in Chat Masala - Chatting with Raja on Cricket Selection

 Raja has this YouTube channel called Chat Masala where he chats with people on topics that may interest his viewers. We chatted about Cricket Selections. If I remember right it was sometime in May/June this year. At that time I thought I was done with selection work but then destiny intervened and I am back in the selection job. Thankfully i still hold on to those views.

Thanks Raja for having me on the show and Prarthana for recording, facilitating and producing it.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5q281OuHR4

Enjoy watching!

Anjali - And Another One for DU Beat on Gay Pride March

 This is co-authored by another Anjali.

Source: DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper https://share.google/kEEQSFfwyYRjeZtZ0

Anjali - Her First Article for DU Beat

 So Anjali interviewed for an got in as a contributor for DU Beat which is Delhi University's student paper. This is her first article.

Desi Aesthetic Core

And a nice setting too!

Another Cherished Memory - Hyderabad Defends Buchi Babu Invitation Cup 2025

Perhaps for the first time, Hyderabad has won the Buchi Babu Invitation Cup for the second time running. The team beat Punjab, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh outright to reach the semis, beat Haryana outright in the semis and won on first innings lead against Tamil Nadu President's XI. Led by Rahul Singh both times, the team was without the services of as many as five star players by the semis excluding Siraj - Tilak Varma, Tanmay Agarwal, Tanay Thyagarajan, CV Milind and Abhirath Reddy - and managed to convincingly win four outright games leading to the final where they beat Tamil Nadu President's XI on first innings lead.

Hyderabad Team - Champions Buchi Babu Tournament 2025
From l to r - Rohit Rayudu, Nitin Sai Yadav, Rahul Radesh, Himateja (Vice Captain), Denzil Balm (Manager), Prithvi Reddy, Avanish Rao, Mikhil Jaiswal, Aniketh Reddy, Ashish Srivastava, Saranu Nishant (behind), Nitish Reddy, Aman Rao, Rahul Singh (captain), T. Ravi Teja, DB Ravi Teja (Coach), Santosh Physio, Ronnie (Fielding Coach), Ranjith (Trainer), Varun Goud (missing from pic are Tanmay Agarwal and Tanay Thyagarajan are with the Duleep trophy team while Abhirath Reddy is injured)   

Everyone contributed to the effort. Varun Goud, Rohit Rayudu, Nitin Sai Yadav, Himateja, Tanmay Agarwal, Tanay Thyagarajan, Nitish Reddy hit the headlines and were well supported by Aman Rao, Aniketh Reddy, Rahul Singh and Rahul Radesh. A huge congratulations for the team for pulling it off, staying focused and playing as a team. Wishing them many more successes in the future.

Hyderabad team after receiving the Trophy - old friend Robin Singh on dais

And this one before the semi finals with Tanmay and Tanay in the squad.

Very satisfying.

Akela Diaries - Nature Knows Best (Or Rather, Akela Knows Best)

 Akela got some infection on its tail. With Anjali now in Delhi we now have to  look after it - and I must admit I am not very good with it. But I noticed it gnawing away at its tail and went and took a closer look and found that it had some infection on it and it turned black. I sent a pic to Anjali and she contacted the vet and they said - bring her in asap.

I know what to do!

The good vet told me that it was an infection probably caused by a flea bite and which Akela aggravated by biting and scratching. He cleaned it up and gave medicines and a collar to keep it from scratching the wound. It should heal he said, but tails are always tricky since there is less blood circulation there. If it not get better they will have to debraid it or something, which meant taking off the dead skin which they said would be a painful affair and would involve multiple dressings etc. The last option was to amputate the tail.

By the next visit the tail looked worse. The doctors seemed in favour of an amputation which we said would be the last option - let's try all else before. We went back home fearing for Akela and its tail. It did not look good.

Told you didn't I?

The next morning I woke up and to my horror found that Akela had somehow got her collar off which means that she would have scratched or bitten her tail. I checked the tail and found raw, pink skin instead of dead skin.  did not know what it was - good or bad - though it looked good. I took a pic and sent it and then took her to the vet.

'It's healing nicely,' he said. Akela seemed to have figured that we would in all likelihood mess it all up and somehow got her collar off and self-medicated herself. She is much better, the tail does not seem under threat and I suspect that in a few days her collar will be off and she will be fine.

Nature, knows best.   

Thought for the Day - Stress and Understanding Responsibility

 Everything about stress is about understanding what we are responsible for and what we are not. In a way, it is about clarity about what we are supposed to be doing (what we are responsible for).

For example, our team is playing and we feel tense and stressed out. It makes no sense because we are not responsible for how they play. Whatever had to be done until then had been done and the team is now playing. Whether they play well or not is upto them, a factor of their preparation. It has nothing to do with you. You are only responsible for what you are responsible for - your thoughts, your actions. Support your team, believe in them, encourage them whatever the outcome. That's all.

Same with parents and children. Whatever had to be done is already done. Its now up to the child to practice what he or she has learned. Let the child practice, fumble, fall, get up and grow. Don't feel responsible for that and stress yourself out.

Most of us however feel we are responsible for every action of theirs, every mistake they make, every failure of theirs. No your responsibility has ended as a coach, as a supporter - now just send them good wishes and enjoy the game. Don't stress yourself thinking you are responsible for things beyond your control.  

The world keeps going whether we get stressed or not. We are not responsible for it. So chill.

Darshan of Khairtabad Ganesh

I have known my friend Ravi for more than four decades now and for most of this time he had been asking me to come and witness the fervour of Ganesh  immersion at Tank Bund. As the owner of Ravi Cranes, he and his team has been handling the transport of the Bada Ganesh at Khairtabad, at times, the largest in India, to Tank Bund and the subsequent immersion. I have for so many years stayed away from the Ganesh Immersion for reason unknown (perhaps Bada Ganesh did not feel I was ready), but when he called yesterday and said I should come I said I would.

Khairatabad Ganesh

So I headed out at 11 pm to Khairatabad hoping to walk around Tank Bund and see some fervour and noise from the devotees. Having been cooped up all these years at home I was not prepared for what I saw. Right from my home, there were trailers and trucks going in processions towards Tank Bund on the Main Road with people dancing and celebrating. Many wore coordinated clothes, had music (not very loud though thankfully). An the number of police on the road was crazy.

Perspective of size

At Khairatabad the road to Imax over the flyover was shut so I headed towards Secretariat and took the Mint Compound road as advised by Koni. I found a crazy amount of people there and somehow managed to squeeze the car into a parking lot by the road. Then I called Koni because they had shut the road to the Khairatabad Ganesh - darshan over. 

Khairatabad Bada Ganesh - Puja

Koni however was operating the crane so they allowed me in. There were a lot of police there, the crane and trailer operators, workmen, some devotees. The work of dismantling the structures around the 69 foot idol was going on. 

Flower bedecked trailer

I could hear names like Shakeel, Yousuf and asked Koni whether many workmen were Muslim and he said yes.

The crane 140 ton

The Khairatabad Ganesh holds pride of place in all the Ganesh pandals in Hyderabad for sheer size. Singari Shakaraiah, a freedom fighter and corporator, started the Khairatabad idol in 1954 with a one foot idol to emulate Tilak's idea of fostering a spirit of community. From then on it grew at the rate of one foot per year until 2014 when it grew to a height of 60 feet. In 2019 it was 61 feet and was then the tallest in India. Though there is a High Court order restricting the height of idols to 20 feet, it stood at 69 feet this year.

On Tank Bund

The theme this year was Operation Sindoor and Vishwashakti and Mahashakti. They say that the budget is about a crore. The size apart, the Khairatabad Ganesh was also known to have a laddu in its hand. Until 2009 it ws a 50 kg laddu and between 2010 and 2015 it grew into a 500 kg laddu and at some point the makers from Tapeshwaram Sweets made a 6000 kg laddu. It seems to have settled between 500 and 1000 kg now.

Cranes on Tank Bund

I watched the puja, the removal of the bamboo supports. The police sent away the small crowd of devotees, less than a hundred, and the decommissioning began. I left and drove into Tank Bund where there were many idols being immersed and lots of crowd. It was past one in the night but it was like  a festival. People in cars with open boots, two wheelers, on walk, on trailers were all over. In Secunderabad processions kept coming one after another, 100 meters apart far as the eye could see.

Procession going towards Tank Bund - at James Street

The entire city was filled with a festive fervour and even at 215 when I reached home, the action was very much on. Ravi told me that the idol will start from Khairatabad at 6 am and travel the distance of 2.4 kms in five hours before immersion at 1130 am. 50 k idols are supposed to be immersed in Hussain Sagar lake today.

The color, the pomp, the energy, the planning, the devotion...its just crazy. One should certainly go and just hang in there and watch. Its just so beautiful. So Indian. Thanks Koni. Next year I will stay all night brother.           

And Some More Good Words - From Mr Maheshwar Singh

Tarun sent me a link this morning titled 'Well Done, Ravi Teja and Selectors'. I opened it and found that it was written by Tarun's uncle and a highly respected figure in Hyderabad's cricketing circles Mr Maheshwar Singh who had been a first class cricketer and selector and continues to be a coach.

In fact Mr Maheshwar Singh was a selector when we won the Ranji Trophy in 1986-87, Hyderabad's last win at that stage. I had played the first two games in that season and was dropped for the third after a rather uninspiring show (I will attest that myself). But what I will always remember of Mr Maheshwar Singh was that he called me at my home residence number and spoke to me. He told me that I should not feel dejected and should work hard and come back. I did not heed his words and went on to study Engineering but to this day I remember that he called me. It showed a human side to an otherwise heartbreaking time for a sportsman - competitive sport is ruthless. I aspired to be someone like that as a selector - but sadly I am not. Another aspect of Mr Maheshwar Singh was that he was always approachable with a warm smile and an open heart, had no agenda and was always keen to give good feedback to help you improve.  

So when someone of his stature and understanding of the game writes some good words about your work its worth its weight in gold. I remember how keen a student of the game he remains - just a few years ago when Mr Baig was coaching in ML Jaisimha Academy, Mr Singh came one day to ask a few technical questions and discuss the same with Mr Baig. They were almost contemporaries, perhaps Mr Baig was slightly older and perhaps more experienced as a coach, but the humility with which Mr Maheshwar Singh approached him and the intense conversation they both had was worth recording. 

Anyway, here's what he wrote about the Hyderabad team's performance so far in the Buchi Babi tournament where they have entered the finals. All pertinent points, expressed articulately, fearlessly.

https://orangenews9.com/well-done-ravi-teja-and-selectors/

I called him up and spoke to him and told him that he was one person who would understand the pains of selectors. He was modest as always - said he wrote what was factual. In a world where we are used to people twisting truths, stating facts is an act of rebellion. We had a nice chat.

Thanks Maheshwar Singh sir. And thanks Tarun for sharing.

Some Good Words

 And finally some good words for our work...I'll treasure these

https://orangenews9.com/is-hyderabad-cricket-finally-limping-back-to-form/

Anjali - Om

 From the day she joined Obul Reddy Public School and started taking the bus to and fro, Anjali found a new bus friend - Om. Om lived near Czech Colony so he would sit at the back, and Anjali would join him and they generally got along very well together. As they grew older and more familiar, it was common for Anjali to say Om was coming and they were going to eat Shawarma (Shobhs saved Om's number as Om Shawarma - that's how much Shawarma they would eat).

Om and Anajli

Om had a Bullet and would ride it to school and stuff. Anjali would hop on with him. My concern was that he probably did not have a license but that did not stop him. They shared an easy friendship. He would drop by at home and hang out - they would draw, sketch, dance sometimes, just poke fun. Then she would go to drop him on the Kinetic.

Anjali's way to handle any off day was to take out the Kinetic and say - I'm going to meet Om. It was Paani Puri or something and then she would come back when she felt better.

Another one - maybe Student Council days

In the second year Anjali became Head Girl and Om became the Sports captain of their house. And they were part of council and its many politics so there was always more activity and intrigue. More friends came and went but Om remained constant. I'd tease Anjali about Om but then would be assured that if she was with him she was fine. When Anjali had to apply for Delhi University he was with her helping her.

Almost prophetic

The two years seemed to fly and it was time for Anjali to go to Delhi. Om had got admission in BITS Pilani, Dubai. Anjali was pleased as punch when she heard that. As the days for Anjali's departure to Delhi grew closer Om would drop by. One day he apparently just sat with her in our front room and sketched a few nice pics of their time together in the last two years. Just quietly sketched them and went away.

He came when she was packing and they both did a good job of it. And then the D Day when other friends showed up - Mohnish, Tanmayee, Mansi. Om had originally planned to get his car but then could not, so we asked Shrinjay and Shashank to help us along with their cars. What are nephews for if not to help out? 

At the airport things were a bit intense as Anjali started bidding farewell to everyone - to Ram, Shrinjay, Shashank, then hugged her cousin Vajra who she is close to, and they both broke down, then Mansi and  last of all, Om. I was tearing up too, seeing them all like this so I looked at my phone busily to hide that. As we left, Om gave me a hug as well - perhaps he sensed my distress as well.

Om met us when we came back after settling Anjali in Delhi and once more before he left for Dubai. Shobhs was teary - you're all going off - she told him. I gave him a couple of my books which I said he could read in the new place.

Om and Anjali

Of all the images I have, the one that most moves me is the one of Anjali and Om hugging at the airport. There's something about it that brings to life all that's pure, innocent, idealistic and youthful.

Good luck you two.   

Talk at Sports Meet of National Public School, Gopalapuram, Chennai

I was invited by our good friend Lalitha Das who is Senior Principal of National Public School, Gopalapuram, Chennai to be the Chief Guest at their 56th Annual Meet. I agreed immediately. I always enjoy meeting up with Lalitha, Anil and Nandita, having known them for over thirty years now. Lalitha said there would be about a thousand children parents, teachers, Principal Ms Sujatha and CEO of the NPS group Mr Hari Krishnan. 

Welcome - Mr Harikrishnan, CEO, NPS, Ms Sujatha, Principal

Mr Harikrishnan and me

Sports Meets normally are rather noisy because they are outdoors and also because there are large numbers of children. So when I told Anjali I would give a short speech because no one would listen, she said that as a student who had attended many school sports events, she expected me to to give a message that is relevant to students. Most students like to listen to good words of advise. She also told me to take my time, pause and stuff like that, which I know I normally do not do. Hopefully someday. But most importantly, make the messages relevant to them and their life.

A lovely gift

And flowers - Lalitha to the left

Thanks to Anjali's direction, I wrote down my speech and made it more student relevant. I added two or three things - one was that imagery and famous people and incidents to drive home a concept, another was to share an insight into an abstract concept and most importantly how it can help them.

So the speech began with me congratulating the school on organising such a large and elaborate event (it really was done very well) and that its one of the big lessons that sports teaches us - team work. The Indian cricket team can achieve great things only as a team - not because of one or two stars. Anything big can only achieved as part of a team - so it makes sense to be a team player. How do they relate to this - the common dilemma of should I play for myself or for the team is easily addressed here - play for the team and your performances get better and bigger. More importantly, when you play for the team there is less stress on you. So lesson number one from sports - play for your team if you want to achieve anything big.

A very cute event

Another one

Another one

Second lesson was about the concept of winning and losing in sports. Winners are those who prepared better for this day. It does not mean that the losers can never win. The losers have to prepare harder and better and come back to win. Our results are all about our preparation. Preparation includes - physical, skill, mental and emotional preparation. So don't take a win or a loss as a final thing - it is about today and only today. One win or loss does not define you. You can go back and prepare and come back. Nothing to feel bad about or give up on. Just about preparation. (I had Sachin Tendulkar as an example of preparation, but I forgot to mention his story).

March Past

March Past

Each house being marked for March Past

The third lesson to take from sports to life is resilience. All champions are champions because they lost more times than they won. (I had Michael Jordan in mind and forgot about him too) The only difference between them and us is that we give up but they keep coming back. Do not let a failure or a rejection bother you. Come back and try harder the next time and in time, you will also win. Winning is all about coming back and not giving up.

Flag Hoisting

Speech

Winners

We are all blessed with different talents - some are good at running, some at cricket, some at studies, some at art, some at dance - find your passion and give it your 100%. Enjoy the process, give it your best shot and results will show.

A lovely performance

Pyramid show

Another formation - awesome stuff

My congratulations to the winners and my best wishes to those who participated. You are all champions inside - all you need is to play for your team, prepare, never give up and give your 100%. No one can stop you.

Thank you

Winners

It was a lovely program and I ended up staying from 830 am till 130 pm - till the every end of the program. The students were fully engaged in their house competitions and I had a great time. I hope they did too.

And again

 And thank you Anjali for a timely piece of advise and also for making one important aspect of public speaking fall into place for me. Make it relevant to the audience. Give them insights. Take yourself seriously. Present it so they remember the points. I visualised speaking to myself when I was their age in school and perhaps having lost a race and spoke to that me. I think that will work every time going forward.

Thank you NPS. And thank you children. Wishing you all the very best in your future.