Thought for the Day - Just Do What's In Your Control Well

I think I have finally found the mantra to success - in my head I mean. After years and years of trying to figure it out, I have finally come to the conclusion that the secret to doing anything well, the secret to feeling good and happy, the secret to success and health, lies in only one thing - knowing what is in your control and doing it well. That is all.

Stop worrying about the rain, keep at it

Know what you need to do. Do all the things that you need to do - that are within your control - until there is nothing else left to do in your control. And then look up to see where you have reached. My bet is that you would have certainly progressed much further on your journey than you would have otherwise.

Most times we expend all our energy on worrying about things we cannot control, things that are not related to what have set out to achieve, and spread our energy thin. In fact this keeps all our energies diffused and keeps us worrying about all the things that could happen (that are out of our control anyway) and we never get to start on the one thing we should be working at - what is in our control. What it also does is that it keeps us from working so this is also the mantra for lazy and shoddy and bad work.

From jobs to games, health to relationships, this is the secret of preparation. Just know what is in your control and do them fully, and well. When we do that (the little things normally) we find that we have learnt something that makes us expand our area of interest and expertise. And we grow. And by doing that well, we grow some more and on and on. But its always about doing what is in our control well.

For example a cricketer who wants to play higher grade cricket can always sit and worry about competition, about lack of opportunities, about bad selections, bad coaches, bad umpires and so on and on, but how does that help? He could instead be spending his time working out, finding a good coach, practising hard, developing his skill, his mental and physical ability and become more and more match prepared. Similarly young professionals in jobs also blame the entire environment for not doing their jobs well instead of just getting the things in their control done. When we reach the 100% of what's in our control, we normally find things changing for our own good. We are already well down the road.

This keeps focus off unnecessary stuff and on what is important. Real work gets done, however small, and energy is not wasted in blaming and worrying and cribbing. And we grow and we are happy with our growth and action and progress, and we are healthy and wealthy, and it spreads all around. Simple huh?

The Cricket Series - Spin Advise from Shivlal Yadav

While chatting with Shivlal Yadav, an exponent of off spin and one who has done well for India, some gems came up yesterday. I asked him how a spinner who seems to have lost the art of getting wickets gets more penetration.

On being more penetrative:
'Slow it down in the air. Then you get more revolutions on the ball. When you get more revolutions on the ball you get more bite, and then you are difficult to play.'

On practice.
'All spinners need to practice at least three hours a day. For them that is the only way to bowl consistently. And that is important to bowl six balls consistently. Three hours of bowling on the spot. But for fast bowlers, they should only focus on getting their rhythm right in practice and not go full out.'

On thinking batsmen out.
'The approach needs to start right from the pavilion when you notice where the batsman is wearing the thigh guard - is he right or left handed. When he comes to bat see his grip and check whether he is top or bottom handed - that shows you whether he is good at the drive or the cut. Then you can bowl accordingly.'

On setting fields:
'I'd rather bowl without a cover fielder or a point. I'd go with a silly point. short leg and backward. Let the batsmen convert and drive to the offside. I always have a chance of getting a caught and bowled or a bat pad against him.'

V.V.S. Laxman - Indian Cricket's Mr. Rescue

If there is one thing V.V.S.Laxman will be remembered for, it will be for his rising up to the occasion whenever the challenge got tougher. Some people are made that way, they give their best when the going gets tough. And Laxman did it so many times in his long and illustrious career and one always knew that when a rescue act was needed, he would always be there.

Very Very Simple Laxman at the book launch of 'The Men Within' in 2007, with Mr. Melkote

There are players who play the same way in every situation as they have prepared so much and so well that the game is merely an extension of that practice. Dravid was like that. There are those who improvise and challenge the game and the technique and try to constantly rise above it. Tendulkar is that way. And then there are those who are content to lay in their lair and let the boys have fun when the going is normal, and wait for those times when the other boys have no answer. In those times they come out of their seemingly complacent environs and take on the mantle of setting things right. It requires immense confidence, a great sense of responsibility and drips with all the things that competitive games and sports are about - a big heart, steely nerves and a resolute and determined mind that gives everything for the team. Laxman falls in the third category for me. He rose only when the call was worthy and when it was done, he retired into his lair. A bit like Achilles did - when he went to fight the war against the Troy - rising for the battle he believed he was born for.

Laxman with Anil Kak and Ifti at the book launch, Bro. Joseph in the background

Tough competitors like the Aussies quickly realised that here was one of those players who was above them - he not only had the game but the heart - and they respected him immensely for that. They knew that with this Hyderabadi there would be no half measures if they threw the challenge (and they being Aussies could not resist throwing it) - and to their distress - Laxman picked it up each time and made their life miserable so many times.

It's a bit of an enigma really that his career had to have so much doubt and mystery around it. One would think that his talent, his record and his sheer contribution to the game would have automatically conferred on him a status of the legends. But though he earned immense respect all over the world from players and critics alike, he never found the complete acceptance from the system somehow. He was always just short of that legend status in the establishment when in fact all that he did proved otherwise. An irony that he never played a single World Cup game! I thought much about that and my only answer to that is that perhaps the unassuming Laxman himself was uncomfortable with such adulation. He probably believed he was doing his job - never threw starry tantrums nor did he create an air of the star around him. He was just that - simple and straightforward as he was the day you first met him. Quite unlike several others I must add. And to me that is truly the hallmark of a great man - to be humble and true to himself - secure and confident in what he really is and was.

One for the album - Me, Vidyuth, Baig saab, Anil Kumble, Noel David and Laxman at the MLJ Cricket Academy, 2009-10

I first heard of Laxman when he was really young - in his Under 13s perhaps - and I was a college student who was just then playing Ranji Trophy, two decades ago. Much talk was heard about this youngster but when I finally got to bowl to him a couple of years later (I had lost all the skill and interest in bowling by then). But I was amazed at the young 15 year old's soundness of defence - his bat appeared to be like a wall - and I felt a sense of hopelessness as I ran in to bowl to him. A feeling that I felt only against Sanjay Manjrekar earlier. Laxman rose higher and higher and played great knocks for Hyderabad and then for India and is perhaps one of the best sportsperson to have come from the city which is fast becoming a hub for some premier sportspersons.

So unassuming is he that he agreed to read the manuscript of my first novel 'The Men Within' when I met him at Gymkhana some six years ago. No starry airs even though he was one of the premier batsmen of India then. He was known along with Dravid and Kumble as one of the few cricketers who reads! And then when I really had the book published, he walked into the crowded Akshara Bookshop just like any other cricketer did that day with no airs again. Unassuming to the core. Unfortunately the copies got exhausted and I could not gift him a copy then. But I was so impressed with his humility and his down-to-earth manner that day. When I met him later at Vidyuth's Academy I gifted him a copy of the book. We bumped into one another many times later, the last time being when we met at Bro. Joseph's farewell in All Saints High School, a few months ago.

Older and wiser - Laxman and me and the All Saints Rector and Principal, June 2012

When I spoke to him after my appointment in the Selection Committee, the first thing he told me after congratulating me, was that he saw 'Golconda High School' the movie made on 'The Men Within' on the flight to America. He dwelt for a while on the movie and how he really liked it and how it made him reminisce his own days as a school cricketer in his Little Flower days and how it actually made him emotional. He had  just come back from the NCA, preparing for the season ahead, played a league game and got a hundred, played a state game and got a hundred and when he was all set for the Test match against New Zealand, he announced his retirement. There is more than what meets the eye there and the man who was simplicity, humility and politeness personified had to probably put up with some shabby treatment from the cricketing system for one last time. And believe me, the cricketing system is full of mediocre and shabby people who lack grace and heart - something that many associate with sportsmen ironically. But his big heart showed even in the way he took the decision - with the swiftness and decisiveness that would have shocked many for its aggressiveness and finality when such a big decision is involved - and in the way he bowed out gracefully and quietly. But Laxman, for all those who really love the game, who are real sportsmen, you will always remain high on the pedestal with your unquestionable credentials.

I was also immensely glad to hear Laxman state that his dream was to win the Ranji Trophy for Hyderabad and it fits in perfectly with our campaign to win the Ranji Trophy this year. He adds 50% or more to the team as he induces a hopelessness in opposition bowlers and fielders by his sheer presence, gets his leadership abilities and is perfectly placed to achieve his ambition.I have a good feeling about it and I am sure Laxman will achieve that feather for Hyderabad too. But all that apart, thanks for the great memories Laxman and for proving with that 281 that anything can happen if one hangs in there, and for leaving the game and the world around you richer by your presence. Here's wishing you great peace, joy and satisfaction in all you choose to do with your life.

The Sad Sad North East Story

It is something that we as a nation should hang our heads in shame for. That thousands of our own countrymen have to flee for fear of injury and death thanks to or jingoistic few. We can hold no one responsible but the administration for being so ham handed and slow in its reaction and for not being able to give enough confidence and security to these citizens. Across the country we have seen the administration wring its hands or say empty words after our countrymen from the North East left. Too little too late and too shallow - we can all see the sham behind it all.

For the past few years it was nice to see so many of these youngsters come so far away from home and study and work in these parts of the country. Their numbers grew and they retained their identity, mingled well with the locals, caused no trouble, and won many hearts with their hardworking ethic. In fact I found the young men and women from the North East far more affable and polite in their behavior and demeanour than those youth from other parts of the country. I did hear that they worked for wages that were less than normal and they lived on a tight string, but they never let it show and always put their best foot forward. And their best smiles too. Its sad to see them all return to their hometowns for no fault of theirs.

I do hope these young men and women from the North East come back and stay back and fight for what is their right - the country is as much theirs as it is ours - and they must weather these storms. I also hope that the Centre passes certain laws which make such targeting of 'outsiders' on whatever grounds strictly punishable and not let a few political outfits get away with such petty agendas. It is time some one showed some spine. It is time we also realised that the King is wearing no clothes. Let us not delude ourselves with our silence - we are as much party to this as everyone else who was involved.

Drive to Shivthar Ghal

On our recent visit to Pune Malay and Kalpak landed up at Kothrud and we proceeded to Shivthar Ghal in their Maruti Swift as per plans. Apart from knowing that there was a waterfall and a cave, I had no clue what this place was about. Anjali decided to join us at the last moment and we started the drive of over a 100 kms. Fifty kms were on the Pune-Bangalore highway and we turned at the Bhor phata and hit the state roads which were not too great. We drove on and on, past the Neera Davghar dam, up into the hills, the Varandha ghat, and through miles and miles of rich greenery.

Elephant's back

The first sight that makes you catch your breath is the hill that is shaped like en elephant's back. It is a lovely sight, more so on monsoon. We stopped and clicked some pics there.

View from the top

Across the hill ranges one can see several waterfalls pouring down the hill ranges.And then sometime after about 3 and a half hours from Pune, we started descending down into the valley where the waterfall was. We parked in the small parking place and joined other tourists as they made their way to the waterfall.

The waterfall is not too big or imposing like the ones you see in Karnataka but there are several and thee is much water. There is a cave where Swami Samarth Ramdas, wrote the 'Das Bodh'. Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha king, also came to Shivthar Ghal to take Swami Samarth Ramdas's blessings. There are paintings that show the scenes, both inside and outside the cave.

The waterfall and Anjali

There is no fee to go in and if you are at lunch time, you get to eat some prasad. The place is maintained by Shri Samarth Seva Dal and Sundar Math Seva Samithi and they do a fine job of it.

Kalpak exiting the cave

Out in the open there are several vendors selling American corn, chai and some other stuff to eat. After a half hour spent at Shivthar ghal, we ate some bhutta and started our journey back.

The waterfall in the background

The road is not in great condition but the ride is worth it if you are in no hurry and if you get the right weather. Overall it was well worth the ride for me because the return journey had the mountain tops swathed in clouds that reduced visibility to about 10 meters and gave me the Mani Ratnam movie kind of an experience.

Bhutta by the stream

 I loved that - a first really. Back home to Pune for some hot wonderful lunch and another story to tell. Would I have ever been to Shivthar ghal on my own - I doubt it. So thanks a ton Malay for the ride and prompting the trip. I had a great time and I suspect so did Malay, Kalpak and Anjali as well.

Osho - The Book of Man

Osho'a 'Book of Man' took me many months to read for various reasons. Too muh has been happening and I was reading it and savoring it like any other Osho book makes me do, always springing something new and always making you laugh with his irreverent jokes. Osho takes on all that is fear and tradition based, cuts religion and priests and politicians to shreds and invites everyone to be one self an to find the truth themselves. He explores the many facets of the man - the father, the warrior, the new man, the Buddha and so many more roles and argues each case with his typical brilliance. Wonderful stuff.

I especially loved the bit about the warrior and how we are all losing the ability to be fearless and to live in the moment as the warrior does - risking everything so one can live really. And of course his take on Zorba, the fictional character who is really a masterpiece, one who is true to himself and his feelings, one who dances with his whole body and one who is completely  passionate about all he does in his life.

As with all Osho's books, a wonderful read.

Hugo - Movie Review

Martin Scorsese's Hugo was a disappointment to me. It came highly recommended by a couple of friends but I found the movie too slow and the plot too convoluted. Hugo is a young boy who lives in the railway station in Paris repairing clocks sometime in the early part of the last century. He has lost his father who was a master clock maker and his uncle, a drunk, puts him at the railway station. Hugo lives alone, stealing food and trying to repair an automaton that his father was trying to repair, one which he believes has a message to him from his father. Conflict appears in the form of the station inspector and his dog, who is looking to capture orphans and turn them over to the state. Also the toy store owner who is the source of many mechanical parts for Hugo's automaton. He catches Hugo and confiscates his diary full of drawings and sketches of the automaton and its workings.

Anyway Hugo befriends the toy store owner's adopted child, an orphan again, who promises Hugo she's save his book. She does, but toy store owner tells Hugo he will return the book only if he works for it. Hugo agrees. He also takes the young girl to the movies - something which her adopted parents deny her always. Hugo finds a heart shaped key - the missing link in his automaton - with the girl and asks her to lend it yo him. It is the final key in the automaton which then proceeds to write and draws a picture that makes no sense. Later  in the library they find that the picture is the poster of a movie of a movie called 'Voyage to the moon', a movie that Hugos' father loved watching. The movie was made by George Melies who incidentally is the toy store owner. And then the toy store owner turns out to be some one who made 500 movies and stopped when the war came. He lost all his films and his money and started the toy store. Finally they all end up with his films being restored and all ends well.

I found no logic in the film. Why is the automaton there? What is the connection between the automaton and the film maker and the toy store and the boy? Did Hugo find the message form his father? Is the story of Hugo or of the movie maker who became a toy store owner? Yes, there is a connection, but its all too far fetched and convoluted and bored the hell out me. If one had to make a film about a film maker I would want it to be like Harischandrachi Fcatory which was made in Marathi with its simple, linear and yet wonderful way of story telling. Here everyone's motives and actions are too complex and what they finally achieve I don't know. Hugo gets the automaton moving and then what happens? Is that it? Did his father want him to find George Melies and was that his growth and life purpose? What of all the clocks and the boring characters on the railway station? Save the technical brilliance perhaps, the story is one that never dragged me into it, and in fact, bored the hell out of me. I'd avoid it if I were you. Now, to find the guys who recommended it to me.