tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66236395892844913302024-03-18T14:45:24.347+05:30Vishal's BlogHi. Thank you for visiting my blog. I am a full time banker, a freelance writer, an amateur photographer, a Karateka and an avid traveller. I would appreciate your comments on these articles as they'd keep me motivated to always.. give it all.Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-44709025845813525042021-08-22T08:39:00.004+05:302021-08-23T16:07:56.702+05:30Reminiscing India’s maiden test win at the Lord’s<p><b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Reminiscing
India’s maiden test win at the Lord’s<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last week the
Indian cricket team kept us glued to the television sets like a reader to a thriller
novel. The cricket especially on the fifth day of the Lord’s test made the
match intriguing and fascinating. The snobbery of the English players in the
second innings was evident and perhaps resulted in their own demise. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Joyously for
us, the win at Lord’s had succeeded another famous win at the Gabba against the
Aussies earlier this year. However, off the 19 test matches India has played at
the Lord’s, this was only our third win after almost half a decade of trying. The
victory at Lord’s was a rare win which we as fans would remember for a long
time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When I
rewind my memory further, India’s first ever test match win at this venue comes to my
mind. The world cup victory in 1983 gave us something profound than just a
world cup win. It gave us an identity. Likewise, the maiden test match win at
Lord’s in 1986 gave the Indians a belief that they could compete against best
teams playing away.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Moreover, this
victory mattered more because it was from an erstwhile era. It was the time
when Indian cricket didn’t have the IPL glitz. Unlike Kohli, Kapil Dev was quieter
but the hunger to win was no less. That was an era of black and white television,
watching a live cricket was a dream and the latest scores were available only
in the newspapers the next day. Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar formed the
backbone of the Indian team and these heroes were passed onto us by our
respected elders. Such was the fascination that it made us paste their pictures
from newspapers in scrap books. I am really glad to thus reminisce the first
ever test match win at the home of cricket.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On the
first morning of that test match, Kapil Dev and David Gower walked in for the
toss. As Dev stepped on to the turf, he gave a customary look at the English
skies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Grey clouds
or not you always bowl first at the Lord’s!!! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Having
called correctly, he sent England in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
twenty-year old prodigy Chetan Sharma troubled the batters by constantly bowling
outside the off stump. It is amazing how bowlers do that all the time. The
margin is tiny but they keep at it. The experts call it the corridor of
uncertainty. It is like a flickering light inside a dark tunnel which the
bowlers chase by switching off everything else.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That day the
English openers Graham Gooch and Tim Robinson <b><i>almost</i></b> touched the
truth outside the off stump on a number of occasions but didn’t nick it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After
Maninder Singh got Robinson, Gower was removed by Chetan Sharma. Against Mike Gatting,
Sharma bowled an unplayable delivery which castled his off stump. Allan Lamb, a
fine player of fast bowling would always look to attack but that day he gifted
away his wicket to Sharma too. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">England
were 98/4 at one stage and by the time Sharma got Gooch after a careful hundred,
the score was 245-5. The English tail wagged a bit and they managed to score 294.
Sharma got a fifer and Roger Binny snarled three. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Indians
lost both the openers Gavaskar and K Srikkanth when the score was 90/2 while Mohinder
Amarnath was trying to settle down.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As I watched
the video of this match on YouTube, I notice Dilip Vengsarkar fondly known as the
Colonel walking onto the crease at the fall of the second wicket with a stoic,
determined face.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After some
playing and missing, he started playing his shots. Our man belonged to a unique
clan of Indian batsmen who can make difficult look effortless. Not paying any
heed to temptations, he went after those deliveries which most batsmen would leave.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When India’s
last wicket fell on 341 and Vengsarkar’s wonderful effort of 126 enabled India
to get a handful lead of 47. With this century he earned a rare feat of scoring
three centuries at the Lord’s.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At the
outset of the England innings, the drift Dev provided to the ball made him unplayable
and in no time Robinson, Gooch and Gower were back to the dressing room. England
were reduced to 35/3. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With Kapil
grabbing 4 and Maninder Singh taking 3 wickets, the Poms were all out for 180.
At 31/2, and requiring 134 to win, Vengsarkar rose to the occasion yet again. He
was little restrained this time around putting a value to his wicket but without
losing elegance he played he wanted to, to ensure India get the required runs. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Kapil Dev
for his brilliant spell that morning to remove the English top order won the
man of the match award. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It was a
sweet victory which would last forever in my mind. Such victories show why we
adore test cricket. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With India
winning another one at the Lord’s last week, to everyone who has been calling
for test cricket’s obituary, the writing is on the wall - Test cricket is still
hale and hearty.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-60078451029255960152021-07-09T19:55:00.010+05:302021-07-09T20:20:49.227+05:30 What would I want to tell my daughter about Diego Maradona?<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I try telling my daughter about Diego Maradona but she shrugs
and continues playing with her dolls. She escapes when I persist. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">She never returns so I catch hold of her to tell her about Maradona's dribbles,
his audacity, his shrewdness and the ‘Hand of God’. She listens as if un-listening.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">She enquires about her birthday gift. I tell her I would buy
her a no. 10 Argentina jersey with Maradona’s name printed at the back. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">She makes faces and is not interested.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Knowing well that lives of great sportsmen can inspire, I hit the keyboard to draft a letter for her to read in the
future… to tell her about Maradona hoping she would seek inspiration
from it few years down the line. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">That letter goes this way…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">My dear Vidita,</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Diego Maradona? Who? You’d wonder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Different things to different people, I’d say. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">To some he was like a graceful dancer with the ball at his
feet. To others he was a brilliantly gifted footballer but also flawed. To many
like me, he was a genius who would sway, dribble, terrorize, twist, fly... <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">He tormented defenders and weaved magic to singlehandedly win
his country a World Cup title in 1986. With that he struck an irreversible bond
with fans providing them with immense joy. They would celebrate when he
celebrated and would weep when he wept. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">More so, he made them fall in love with
football all over again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Now, let me tell you about the Hand of God incident.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It so happened that when Argentina played England in the
quarterfinals of the World tournament in Mexico, the diminutive man rose above expectations
to blatantly punch the ball into the goalpost and began celebrating exuberantly. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">The referee inadvertently awarded the goal to Maradona and they eventually won
2-1.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Did he cheat? Yes… but let me also tell you why he did so. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">In the year 1982, Britain fought a needless war with Argentina
killing many innocent people. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Did you get it now? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">This was his way to get even. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Please don’t get believe if someone calls him a cheat
because when asked if he would like to score another goal against England, he
said – Yes, with my right hand. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Such statements of his gave only punch lines to the media.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">But then… why was he called the best to have ever played the
game? You’d ask…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I suggest you to watch the next goal he scored in that match.
You can google and check it out for yourself. It’d be worth it even if you grow
up being a non-soccer fan. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Collecting the ball mid-way, he exploded towards the
opposition goalpost to beat six English players and score a spectacular solo
goal. With my poor control over this language, I am unable to describe that
run… and the way he darted into the opposition area with the ball... it was
magical. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It appeared as if the English defenders were making way for
him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">That my princess, was voted as the goal of the century.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">More so on his being people’s champion… <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">As he was born in the ghettos of Buenos Aires, he was able
to connect with the poorest of the poor. When he could have signed for many big
clubs and earn millions, he signed for Napoli, a club whose fans mostly were poor
people and helped the club win trophies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">He was audacious to such an extent that in a World Cup semi-final
match against Italy in 1990, he asked the Napoli fans to support Argentina
against their own country and they obliged. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Let me tell also you about his ugly side which emerged
later. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Maradona was an eccentric and his later life was disappointing.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">He wanted to perform miracles every time with the ball and
acted in a self-sabotaging way. He saw the world through a self-created prism
and thought his way was the right way. He did drugs which doused the once
blazing fire inside him. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Argentina lost to West Germany in the final of the 1990
World Cup but instead of working hard to reclaim the lost glory he was thrown
out of the next World Cup in 1994 after testing positive for steroids. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Getting stuck with their own identity is a tragic habit of
most geniuses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here then… my dear, is an important lesson for you...<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Your body is a temple... go granular… listen to it… respect
it… trust it… acknowledge it… rest when you have to. Things may not be rosy all
the time and at every stage you would need to fight a battle raging inside your
heart. You need to evolve and not succumb to personal demons. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Just like how he did, you got to surprise everybody like how
you surprised us by doing things when we thought you were too young to do them.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Lastly, please do remember him as someone who made mortals believe
that anything that is humanly possible to think, is possible to achieve.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It was just that… <i>the belief</i> … that made him <i>immortal</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">I am sorry sweetheart to have written such a long one… your
papa sometimes really gets long-winded. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Here’s one last time just so that you don’t forget… <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">the name is Maradona… Diego Maradona!!! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">And he was the best ever!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Yours always <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">Loving Papa<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-56942130030080570972021-01-01T07:53:00.004+05:302021-01-01T07:54:36.975+05:30<p> </p><p>In the SPOTLIGHT</p><p>1) This picture is from the beautiful Tadoba WLS clicked in 2018. This guy is a celebrity cub and is known as Chota Matka. The name is derived from Matkasur, the tiger who fathered him. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPzAJ3BMgLv0cJ2qpdx6OdtN4zL3Pb5Vz_aKUSZrd-2oYLsN5dCY2AH0_JIj20phksR7ZRcKd2p4dIemLhOTIfdJKx6md_qxeWiuFyaPHUTDh3T_peCt8yHUhyphenhyphenGLlgh_CInG1YcQIRohX/s1216/IMG_0070_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPzAJ3BMgLv0cJ2qpdx6OdtN4zL3Pb5Vz_aKUSZrd-2oYLsN5dCY2AH0_JIj20phksR7ZRcKd2p4dIemLhOTIfdJKx6md_qxeWiuFyaPHUTDh3T_peCt8yHUhyphenhyphenGLlgh_CInG1YcQIRohX/s320/IMG_0070_Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) This picture is of the beautiful Tigress Noor clicked in Ranthambhore in 2020 sighted on the fourth safari followed by three luckless trips on that weekend</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7hw5UXqBtPV4jFyTMhklFhZxJofEENKV6Hp5xnNjQ_BN5pCF8ACyDbrqmtVgp7jyCxmhlGWj133bt0jT60GPSD3G8y6zYSbOcMuMS4W8nz94xi2C0IM3gsI65a-6ZDw2jvX8Fhtotx7B/s2048/IMG_1604_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7hw5UXqBtPV4jFyTMhklFhZxJofEENKV6Hp5xnNjQ_BN5pCF8ACyDbrqmtVgp7jyCxmhlGWj133bt0jT60GPSD3G8y6zYSbOcMuMS4W8nz94xi2C0IM3gsI65a-6ZDw2jvX8Fhtotx7B/s320/IMG_1604_Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) This again is Noor. As I mentioned, she was sighted on our fourth safari and stayed with us for a good 45 minutes presenting infinite opportunities to go berserk with the camera</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8NBASJYx1RWeGjtkeI9dYstwJ7StW9_3iwuR5Pj14a9TKYVLQXJeGGlzx56nCwoDYOaLZatUvBIRJj2kcAZyyY8ZrWQtymAk5U8J8QI4ZEStoKZztQL7WUyXuLhyy7qEJGp8pk2Bo6oR/s2048/IMG_1618_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8NBASJYx1RWeGjtkeI9dYstwJ7StW9_3iwuR5Pj14a9TKYVLQXJeGGlzx56nCwoDYOaLZatUvBIRJj2kcAZyyY8ZrWQtymAk5U8J8QI4ZEStoKZztQL7WUyXuLhyy7qEJGp8pk2Bo6oR/s320/IMG_1618_Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) The below is the picture of a Tigress known as Devado - female. She was born in the vicinity of that village hence the name. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l5Lzf7U4lXLiu0UQ4nTMoHO2uBtA13aMojJzdayBHjrvETOspmde8TGyFp54ItI0oi8SEmGXceSMk9trdDihxhUZvQ8VDavsju0q5enzoaEvc_OgJmBKCAO2PVvzTwhmq_srlLLcjmmY/s2048/IMG_8817_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l5Lzf7U4lXLiu0UQ4nTMoHO2uBtA13aMojJzdayBHjrvETOspmde8TGyFp54ItI0oi8SEmGXceSMk9trdDihxhUZvQ8VDavsju0q5enzoaEvc_OgJmBKCAO2PVvzTwhmq_srlLLcjmmY/s320/IMG_8817_Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) As you can make out, the tigress was a moving away from our vehicle but miraculously stopped for a second or two to pose for us. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpl3-IVz_aXlJvamJ7LmzVZLpoDYKYnIToQYo6vxPNphyphenhyphenN_KCDiIbuTdtNsNmv_EP5IqK9tpV0xN_YALLqasNAQkopjfYedO9wTo2JI85pFAlo4BeJEsF9faWE9Rrt2s9rOLiK6Ynhjg-/s2048/IMG_8832_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzpl3-IVz_aXlJvamJ7LmzVZLpoDYKYnIToQYo6vxPNphyphenhyphenN_KCDiIbuTdtNsNmv_EP5IqK9tpV0xN_YALLqasNAQkopjfYedO9wTo2JI85pFAlo4BeJEsF9faWE9Rrt2s9rOLiK6Ynhjg-/s320/IMG_8832_Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-23442695690417270292021-01-01T07:37:00.003+05:302021-01-01T07:55:02.687+05:30Dipa Karmakar’s Produnova: India’s best sporting performance of the decade<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">‘Dipa, will you
perform the Produnova?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The question was
posed to Dipa Karmakar (the first Indian female gymnast to qualify for Olympics)
by her coach Bishweshwar Nandi before the Common Wealth Games (CWG) to which
she replied -<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">‘Yes, Sir. I am
willing to even jump from the second floor of a building to win.’<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While reading her biography
(Dipa Karmakar – A small wonder), I stop for a while to open YouTube on my
phone to watch the video of Rio 2016 when she performed the deadly Produnova vault.
I had a distinct memory of the picture in which the young Indian gymnast was reaching
out to embrace her emphatic coach after a superlative performance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The action begins
with an elegant and graceful looking Dipa Karmakar approach the podium. She is
cool under pressure which speaks volumes about the mindset and temperament of a
young Indian in her mid-twenties.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Having narrowly missed
a podium finish in CWG 2010, she won a bronze at the CWG 2014 performing Produnova
but her hand had inadvertently touched the ground – a miniscule error. The
decision to perform this act yet again in 2016 had precipitated from such performances
as she thought she could do much better. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Though CWG 2014 resulted
in a medal, she wasn’t satisfied with <i>just Bronze</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Watching the focused
and determined girl, I think of a few women of her age in my knowledge who after
finishing an MBA from a reputed institute have settled in a job earning
multiple figure salaries which make me wonder - <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why did Dipa become a
gymnast? Did she ever calculate the opportunity cost?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I continue watching
her in awe. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After reaching her
mark, she takes a deep breath and focusses across a distance of 25m towards the
launch apparatus while a question rushes to fill my mind -<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Is she thinking at
all about the gap in preparation between her and other competitors?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I had read something about
how she trained which had unsettled me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To perform the
Produnova in training, Dipa had to use springboards made from parts of a
two-wheeler, crash mats piled on top of one another had become her vaulting
platform and seats from old and used cars had become her landing zone. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With a rush of adrenalin,
she burst forth giving a glimpse of the high voltage energy stored in her legs.
The pick-up is fascinating and makes me think how many times she’d repeated
this act in training, running towards the vault to propel herself in the air and
perform two and a half somersaults on broken training kits on a regular basis. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Watching the video, my
mind goes into a whirl as I watch her fly and the jaw drops watching her
complete two and a half somersaults in impossible time. She lands wonderfully
well - a perfect climax.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To put things in
perspective, I research on Produnova to realize that the most notable thing in
performing this vault is the level of difficulty. On previous occasions, two
other women gymnasts had attempted it at the highest level but had landed on
their backs. I can’t even imagine what injuries that may have led to. The point
is also emphasized by the fact that only four women athletes have successfully
performed it in Olympics before Dipa attempted it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This dangerous act
was performed for the very first time by a Russian athlete Yelena Produnova,
hence the name. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">An athlete who
successfully completes the act is awarded a highest grading of 7. The Produnova
had a higher grading earlier but it was brought down to discourage the athletes
from attempting it. The act is so difficult that multiple Olympic medal winner American
Simon Biles had refrained from performing it fearing serious consequences. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Until the scores
flashed on the screen, the script had largely been the way Dipa may have imagined.
The result however was not in her favor as she tantalizingly missed standing on
the podium after being placed fourth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Seeking inspiration
from a wonderful act of personal bravery, I ponder on Dipa’s performance and
think of two important questions –<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why did she choose to
become a gymnast?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The only answer I
could think of was that a gymnast performs solo and doesn’t really have to rely
on anyone else to control her performance. Most athletes love the subtleties of
competing with self every day. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And the second
question - Why did she perform the Produnova when she knew it was so dangerous?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The answer is
obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dipa attempted
Produnova to shatter the thinking of stereotypes like you and me who act unsighted
to the beauty of the sport she indulges in. I think we already are aware of the
condition in which our athletes’ train but we need stark reminders so that we
sit up and take notice. With this performance Dipa tried giving us just that…<i>a
stark reminder</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I know of many
friends who may travel to Lords to watch Indian team play a cricket match but
only notice an athlete like Dipa Karmakar when she performs a <b>death-defying
Produnova </b>or<b> </b>rises above adversity to win a medal for our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last week when I asked
my friends, which was India’s biggest sporting performance of the past decade, few
of them distinctly emphasized on the Cricket World Cup win in 2011. Some suggested
it was Neeraj Chopra’s gold medal win at the IAAF World Championships in 2016.
A few others said it has to be Mary Kom winning the sixth World Championship in
2018. Some voted for PV Sindhu’s gold effort in the BWF World Championship in
2019. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All the above were good
performances for our country but I think Dipa Karmakar’s fourth finish in Rio while
performing Produnova was our best performance and separates her from the rest. She
didn’t win a medal that day at Rio but definitely proved to be the golden girl
of our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Please feel free to put
your feedback below.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-20683944024055764882020-12-19T23:42:00.004+05:302020-12-20T06:42:14.915+05:30What exactly is Prithvi Shaw’s problem? <p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">By the time of your reading this one, Australia has won the first
test match by 8 wickets. In my mind’s eye, I could see Virat Kohli packing his bags,
preparing to leave for India for the birth of his first child.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I still believe the Indian captain is the only one capable in
the current lot to take the team forward after a performance which was lacking in
intent but sadly, he will not take any further part in the series leaving severe
headaches for Rahane & company to deal with. The Indian team was all out
for a paltry 36 and the way they surrendered was </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">unprecedented</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">One of the reasons why India lost was of course the start provided
by the openers wasn’t good as it should have been… specially Prithvi Shaw the
under-19 sensation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">We have seen Rahul Dravid on many occasions and in Adelaide as
well when in 2003 he singlehandedly won us a test match. Whenever Dravid played
it appeared he treated every delivery with utmost respect be it his first or
the last.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Comparing the great Rahul Dravid to a rookie like Prithvi Shaw
is not a great idea but the way Shaw was out in both the innings makes me wonder
if he had retained the lessons from his mentor Dravid.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">For sake of clarity, lets break down Dravid’s playing of a certain
delivery to something that we know of and have experienced many times in our
lives which is a process of wanting to say something but we aren’t sure.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">What exactly happens?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">We feel like wanting to let out a piece of our mind … for
starters we try to be comfortable by shuffling on the chair… may be then we clear
our throat… raise the cup to the lips before dropping it down again… start with
adding some fillers in the conversation…and may be then are courageous enough to
offer the words we have in our minds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Rahul Dravid too possibly begins the same way perhaps thinking
of ‘waiting’ before playing a shot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">When the bowler begins to run in, Dravid prepares himself to
wait. In his mind he probably isn’t sure what to offer to the delivery that will
be bowled. When the ball leaves the hand, he offers a thorough scrutiny … adjusts
his feet to firmly meet it… along with it adjusts the swing of the bat so that
he offers a full face. He ensures that the bat is glued to the pads and meets
the ball in his territory which is an area right under his eyes. The delivery
is bowled at 90mph and all of this takes place in fraction of seconds but
Dravid waits for eternity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Plainly he lets the ball come to him rather than going after it.
He plays it as late as possible allowing the incoming delivery to reveal
itself. Most deliveries are not even worth offering a contact.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I wonder what is the state of Dravid’s mind when batting in his
own non-violent fashion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Is his mind calm like an ocean or is it like a raging river with
him cracking a whip to gain control? The missile hurled at him hits the bat, drops
dead near his feet and I go with the former.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">With Shaw, on the first day, a really fast delivery from
Mitchell Starc pitched just outside the off stump and nipped back in at furious
pace. Shaw had already committed to playing a shot with an angled bat, missed
the incoming delivery opening the gate between the bat and the pad. The world
saw it and so did Pat Cummins as he took a ditto wicket in the second innings. The
ball in both cases rattled the stumps and Shaw's confidence.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">On both occasions, it was evident the youngster wanted to move on…
</span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">quickly</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">. I have never seen Dravid play that way wanting to move on… even
at the start of his career. He always excelled at playing the </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">waiting</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">
game. Shaw didn’t want to wait and he didn’t as he was quickly walking back to
the pavilion.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sunil Gavaskar said that the batsman should ensure the bat comes
down in line with the pads and closer to the body. When that happens the bat while
playing a shot meets the incoming delivery with a full face. It will also help
the batsman leave the ball if it’s away from him specially on a wicket which
helps the bowlers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Was a great player (Gavaskar) describing the batting of another
great (Dravid)? No… he was describing a perfect text book shot perhaps the same
book Dravid had modelled his batting on.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">As the cavalcade moves to Melbourne for the boxing day test match,
Shaw may not find himself in the playing eleven. I think he would never find himself
on that list till he is willing to become tedious, get his hands dirty and play
a waiting game.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">As far as we are concerned, let’s prepare ourselves to wait for
Shaw to turn up soon after having bridged that gap.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Let’s just play a waiting game before writing him off.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">Do you want me to read it for you? Please paste the link in your browser...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">https://anchor.fm/vishal030/episodes/What-exactly-is-Prithvi-Shaws-problem-eo0ulv</span></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-13954515591174390972020-12-05T08:41:00.001+05:302020-12-05T08:41:21.767+05:30Concussion Substitution in Cricket - My take<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What’s my take on the
Concussion Substitution controversy?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">England Vs
Australia – Second test at Lords - 2019<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the first innings, Steve
Smith was batting on 80 and was well placed for a longer one. One of Jofra
Archer’s deliveries bowled at 148 kph rose menacingly to hit the batsman on the
neck. A dazed Smith languidly walked off with uncertainty looming over his
further participation in the match. He later returned to add 12 more runs to
his tally before he was trapped leg before on 92.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Cricket Australia
announced that Smith will not able to participate in the match any further.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Australians took
advantage of the new rule of ‘Concussion Substitution’ allowing them to make a
like-for-like replacement of the injured player. Steve Smith was thus replaced
by another batsman Marnus Labuschagne.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In the second innings,
needing 264 to win, the Australians were in a precarious position when
Labuschagne walked in the middle. He scored a patient 59 to help his team draw
the match.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Steve Smith incidentally
was the first Concussion Substitute ever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What is a
Concussion injury?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Hindu quotes a statement
made in 2012 by the 4<sup>th</sup> International Conference on ‘Concussion in
Sport’ which defines the Concussion injury as – A brain injury that may be
caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck or elsewhere in the body
with an ‘impulsive’ force transmitted to the head. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Is this serious? Yes,
it is.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Australia Vs
India – T20 match <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ravindra Jadeja batted
brilliantly with a hamstring injury to score a 23 ball 44. He was stuck on the head
by a Mitchelle Starc bouncer. The delivery bowled at a fierce pace had taken a
piece of his bat before ricocheting it towards backward point. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jadeja did not ask for
medical help and played on to score 9 more runs for his team. India replaced him
under the Concussion Substitution rule with Yuzvendra Chahal who helped India
win the game.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What was ‘cagey’
in this case?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jadeja not being given
a concussion test on the spot and a doubt that he was being replaced due to
hamstring injury created a controversy.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why did the player not
seek medical help when hit? The answer to that question possibly is that whether
to ask for a doctor or not is his decision.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">That brings another question
to the fore –<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Did match referee have
any other option?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There could be arguments
but I believe the options with the match referee are limited. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The rule says that the
injured player needs to be medically examined and has to be declared unfit. The
onus would lay on the match referee who can take the final call to allow a
replacement for a like-for-like player after considering the role the injured
player could perform in the reminder of the match. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jadeja in this case
was medically assessed later on and was declared unfit. The symptoms in such
injuries can develop later.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At best, the match
referee could assess the situation the teams are placed in before taking a
decision on which player they want to bring in. He may not have allowed a spinner
to be replaced by a fast bowler for instance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Moreover, in this
match, the first innings had concluded and Jadeja was an important bowler whose
absence could have gone in Australia’s favor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It’s a fair call
considering a grey area the match referee is looking at and the injured player should
get a benefit of doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What if the
referee didn’t allow a substitution?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let’s just imagine
this - the match referee doesn’t allow substitution and a player wanting to
prove his grittiness continues to participate in the match. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am sure the match
referee would be exceedingly disappointed if the situation leads to serious
implications as brain injury symptoms can develop later on. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am not assuming
anything but Concussions are Concussions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We may argue the in
such a case it was a voluntary decision of the player to continue playing but
could the match referee wash off their hands off it if things go awry in
Concussion injuries?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Smith was hit on the
neck and fell on the pitch. The English players had swarmed around him bringing
back memories of Phillip Hughes who too was hit on the neck by a Sean Abbott
bouncer in a Sheffield Shield match. We know what happened later.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Whether India took an
unfair advantage should not be the discussion here because the inclusion of
Chahal could have gone either way since the Australians had played Chahal well
in the ODI series. The match wasn’t a decider either. Australians are playing
at home and can still bounce back in the tournament.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The makers of the rule
have given ample thought to it taking into account the loopholes and have decided
that a Concussion could be a serious injury later. We should amply trust the
injured player.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There will be rules
and there will be loopholes leading to breaches but the we have to adhere to
the process to ensure there are no further incidents like Phil Hughes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After all it was only
a game and lives of the sportsmen should matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-81632316301882234102020-11-15T09:53:00.001+05:302020-11-15T09:53:08.696+05:30Why am I a Federer fan and would always be?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Why
am I a Federer fan and would always be?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
2001, the game of tennis was nicely placed with some good young players coming
up. None, however had challenged Pete Sampras, the reigning champion on grass so
far. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At
Wimbledon, he was the defending champion having won seven titles in the past eight
years. In the fourth round, his opponent was a pony-tailed Swiss teenager named
Roger Federer playing for the first time on the Centre court.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Watching
Federer play some delightful strokes that day made me feel like an amused child
watching a skilled magician perform jaw dropping tricks.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
particular moment in the match I so vividly remember was my perfect <i>Federer-moment.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here’s
what happened -<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first set of the intriguing match was locked at 6-6 and Sampras was leading the
tie break at 4-3 with Federer serving.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He </span>emphasized<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> with a chest high serve. Sampras jumped back and returned with a
backhand, his hands stretching wide. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Federer
rushed to meet the ball and hit a forehand pushing Sampras towards the corner.
Sampras returned with a weaker backhand. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Federer
pounced on the ball to hit a majestic forehand. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">His
opponent stretched ferociously but the ball sailed past him, delicately
bouncing off the white paint towards the right corner.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
particular shot brought an infectious roar from the crowd and gave Sampras a
good measure of Federer’s game.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Federer
eventually won 7-6, 5-7, 6-4, 6-7, 7-5 bringing melancholy to the reigning
champion which also led Sampras to say - I think many guys have come but Roger
Federer is extra-special.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
has been close to two decades and watching Federer all this while is like being
on a voyage that elevates the joy of watching sport. Anytime I have to claim
having seen the best of tennis from Federer, I know which match to switch on
to. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Federer’s
game has been a magical symphony throughout. Every shot of his is attractive
and every move refined. The granular attention he puts into details after these
many years is inspiring. He isn’t stuck in a superficial mindset and reinvents
his game despite his galloping age. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
behaves respectfully with his peers unlike the way some of his <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">predecessors
did. His message to Nadal on completing 20 majors was a remarkable gesture. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sport
is a symbolic representation of life and life is utterly unpredictable. Federer
knows this and so reinforces the idea that if the body is properly taken care
of, anything is possible. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
are two more matches distinctly etched in my memory which made me believe Federer
is cut from a different cloth.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">US
Open final 2007 – Federer vs Djokovic<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Federer
was playing a twenty-year old Novak Djokovic from Serbia at Flushing Meadows. Having
won his fifth Wimbledon title that year, he was playing in his fourth straight US
Open final. It was Djokovic’s first appearance in a grand slam final. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first set was evenly poised at a score of 5-5. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Djokovic
stunned Federer to break his serve. Score: 6-5.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
was quickly up 40-0 – a triple set point. The rookie served again this time to
close the set. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Federer
pushed him towards the right side of the court. Djokovic managed to return but the
Swiss played an unplayable forehand. The ball clipped the baseline away from
Djokovic’s grasp and bounced away. Score: 40-15.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Djokovic
served again to Federer’s backhand. Federer returned but when Djokovic did the
same, it went long outside the baseline. Score: 40-30.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Serb served again. Few rallies later, a lack of concentration led him to hit
the ball with a lot more effort. The ball went too long yet again. Score: 40-40.
Deuce#1.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unhappy
with himself, Djokovic managed to unleash an ace. Advantage#1 Djokovic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
however erred again hitting another long shot. Deuce#2.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was Federer’s turn to commit an unforced error now. The pendulum once again swung
towards Djokovic. Advantage#2 Djokovic.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Few
nervous volleys were played. Both men played careful tennis before Djokovic
made a repeat error by hitting beyond the baseline. Deuce#3.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Djokovic
knew he let Federer off. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Focussed
hard to not to commit a mistake led him to hit a shot outside the baseline. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Advantage
Federer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
nervous Djokovic committed a double fault and the set was awarded to Federer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Federer
later won in straight sets: 7-6, 7-6, 6-4.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Djokovic
joked at the end of the match by saying – My next book is going to be called
“Seven set points.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Australian
Open final 2017 – Federer vs Nadal<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
was a re-match of the 2009 final at the same venue which Nadal had won and Federer
cried at the end of the match. He had said – Oh, God. It’s killing me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
time however it was like a match in the ring between Rocky Balboa Vs Apollo
Creed. Both players traded punches and counter punches of the most vicious kind.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
the match went into the fifth set, they shared two sets each. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
Federer managed to hold his serve, Nadal was leading 3-2.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
the Spaniard served, Federer played a couple of defensive shots early on and
suddenly hit a powerful back hand winner. The ball clipped the baseline bringing
the crowd on its feet.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nadal
was getting wary of Federer’s backhand since he was playing magnificent shots
with it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">An
unforced error and later a long return by Nadal gave his opponent the break point.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nadal’s
ferocious angular serve brought him back in the game forcing the score to 40-40
(Deuce), another return banged into the net. Advantage Federer.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Later
one of the Spaniard’s returns clipped the net and landed beyond the baseline
bringing the score back to Deuce.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
few nervous volleys later, Federer pulled out a rabbit to play an unreturnable
backhand winner. Federer led Nadal 14-7 in terms of backhand winners. Advantage
Federer yet again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nadal
served again. In the quest to hit one of the corners, his return landed too
long outside the baseline. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Score:
3-3 with Federer serving.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
fired an ace to lead that column by 16:4. Score: 15-0.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Next
up, he advanced at the net and placed Nadal’s return in the empty corner. Score:
30-0.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
then served to his opponents backhand which Nadal wasn’t able to control. Score
40-0. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
ace. Federer was tightening the screw and took the initiative. Score: 4-3.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
the next game, Federer blazed away to glory. At one-point Rod Laver was up on
his feet in acknowledgement. Nadal fought hard playing the longest rally which
consisted 26 shots in which Federer prevailed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Federer
broke his opponent’s serve and raced to 5-3. He had sniffed victory and his
mind was free of any frailties whatsoever. He eventually won the fifth
Australian Open with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
is currently 39 years old but is stretching time and limits. For me a sporting
life sans Federer is unfathomable. I hope he continues playing for at least ten
more years. He will be 49 years old then. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">You
may eye this with reservation because in the past, a tennis player would have
retirement on his mind after 28. Only a few players have won a major after 30,
Federer being one of them. Today when he enters a tournament as a contender
speaks volumes about his work ethic and longevity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I hope he plays for ten more years, I do not wish he be the possessor of highest
number of tennis majors or stake his claim on being a GOAT. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">His
graceful </span>behavior<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> on and off the court, exceptional dedication and drive to be
the best is what sets him apart.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-32469181256643273072020-10-31T12:29:00.005+05:302020-10-31T12:29:56.370+05:30 Why you should watch the film Invictus based on Rugby to get truly inspired?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 28px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Why you should watch the film <i>Invictus</i> based on Rugby to get truly inspired?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">It matters not how strait the gate</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">How charged with punishments the scroll</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">I am the master of my fate</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">I am the captain of my soul...</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">These are iconic lines from the famous poem ‘Invictus’ written in Victorian era by an English poet William Ernest Henley. Invictus literally means <i>Unconquerable</i>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Nelson Mandela, the South African President derived resilience and indomitability from this poem to such an astounding effect that he could forgive his captors who imprisoned him for 27 long years. When in the prison, the great leader dreamt of a day when the people of his country would be judged not by the color of their skins but by their characters. When at helm, he ensured peaceful transition of power from white rule to majority rule.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">I was looking forward to watching some good, inspirational movie and stumbled upon the film named <i>Invictus</i> directed by Clint Eastwood. Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela is fantastic and so is Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar – the rugby team captain.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">We know that sport can be a powerful mobiliser of emotions and possesses an enormous power to unite people. The film is based on how Mandela used Rugby to unite his country, divided by apartheid.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">When Mandela was released from prison in 1990, South Africa was on the brink of a civil war. Four years later, he found himself in the center of a political spectrum. Amidst simmering tension, he was appointed the first black president of South Africa. Many thought he would assert himself on the Afrikaners – the whites, known to commit atrocities on the black people. But he had plans of his own.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">The film begins with Mandela’s car moving on a village road passing through colonies of the whites and the blacks on either side. The whites are playing rugby whereas the black kids are playing soccer. Mandela’s car attracts attention of everyone. The black kids are happy while the white think their country has gone to the dogs.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">In 1995, the South African rugby team, also known as Springboks mostly had white players and was led by an inspirational captain in Francois Pienaar.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">In a match played between South Africa and England, Mandela noticed something interesting. He saw the whites supported the South African team but the blacks were cheering for the English.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">This left him wondering -</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">How could he unite his country divided on racial lines?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Will the whites be happy if people with a different skin color wear the green and gold Springboks jersey in their support?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">During that year, South Africa, the rainbow nation as they call it, were allowed to host the rugby world cup as the apartheid era had ended and with it the international sanctions too.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Mandela resisted to cave into the demand to scrap the emblem of their country and urged his countrymen to rally behind the team.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">His speech was inspirational –</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Our enemy is no longer the Afrikaner. They are our fellow South Africans, our partners in democracy. And they treasure Springbok rugby. If we take that away, we lose them. We prove that we are what they feared we would be. We have to be better than that. We have to surprise them with compassion, with restraint, and generosity. I know. All of the things they denied us. But this is no time to celebrate petty revenge. This is the time to build our nation using every single brick available to us - even if that brick comes wrapped in green and gold. You elected me your leader. Let me lead you now.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">To achieve his goal, Mandela met Francois over tea and shared the lines of the poem asking for his support to bring the country together.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">The discussion they have during that meeting is also an interesting part of the film –</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Mandela – How do you inspire your team to do their best?</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Francois – By example. I’ve always thought to lead by example, Sir.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US">Mandela – Well, that is right. But how do we get them to be better than they think they can be? That is very difficult, I find. Inspiration, perhaps?</span></i><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">When asked by a friend on what did the President tell him, Francois says –</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US"> </span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><i><span lang="EN-US">I think he wants us to win the World Cup.</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">During the lead up to the tournament, Mandela is encouraged by the support the team garners from the black community as they mingle with the players during a few PR events.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">The team does well in the tournament to reach the final to meet New Zealand, a strong team, also known as All Blacks.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Before the final, led by Francois, the team visits Robben Island where Mandela was imprisoned for many years. Francois recites the lines of the poem and finds deeper meaning to it. He derives the power from its words to find inspiration just like Mandela.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">The stadium for the final is full with 63,000 people out of which 62,000 were whites. Mandela appeared in the stadium wearing green and gold colors to send a message to everyone that he stands firmly behind the team and wants his countrymen to do the same.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">In a tough final, the Springboks write history defeating their opponents with a score of 15-12.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">The image of Francois Pienaar receiving the trophy from Mandela still remains etched in the minds of his countrymen.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">As a fan of sport, there is nothing more inspirational to watch an athlete like Francois Pienaar on the top of his game (as in the film) and an inspirational leader like Nelson Mandela master minding the victory of his team and the nation.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US">Such lives truly inspire.</span></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-67615914855628528332020-09-18T10:22:00.006+05:302020-09-18T10:22:53.928+05:30Is your rival really your foe?<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Is your rival really your foe?</span></span></b></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">In a 5000m track
and field event at the Rio Olympics, Nikki Hamblin from the New Zealand, struggling
with injuries fell on the track bringing down Abbey D’Agostino, another athlete
from the USA running behind her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The American
was up but instead of continuing she began helping the Kiwi athlete to complete
the race. Later both athletes were in agony due to respective injuries but helped
each other to complete the race together depicting the true Olympic spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Both
athletes were awarded the fair play award for helping a rival in pain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The gesture
was like a speck of gold. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Uruguay
V/s Portugal – FIFA World Cup 2018<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">In the
seventieth minute of the round of 16 match, Edinson Cavani - Uruguayan forward
cramped and was in agony. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Cristiano
Ronaldo was focused on winning the game for his country that evening. But watching
a fellow footballer struggle he stepped up to help. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A rival
like Cavani was in a way fighting to squash Cristiano’s desires. It was really
nice to see one of the great footballers of all time put a hand on his rival’s
shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">There are many
football matches in which the behavior of players is both appalling and
intolerable. This was one of the key moments of that tournament. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">It wasn’t
about proving anything to anyone but such gestures provide pure joy. Everyone
applauds winners but you cannot erase such actions of champions even if the
result went the other way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Is
winning the only thing?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A sportsman
knows his rival has spent umpteen hours watching videos to study his game. During
the match also the rival indulges in conspiracy theories and may go any length to
win. Neither the sportsman nor his rival wants to give an inch but believe in transitioning
their game, pushing beyond limits each day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Both men inspire
each other to live for the moment, to show the world what they are capable of. Nothing
else matters as only beating each other could lift them to greatness. Tomorrow an
injury arrives and their careers may fade into oblivion. Playing to the best of
their abilities is the only thing they know best.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">In a way,
they inspire each other to raise their games to outrageous levels and realize
their innate talents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">That, to
me, is a wonderful fragment of sport. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Federer and
Nadal and Djokovic – mentors to each other<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The
evolution of these three men at the same time has brought about a revolution in
modern Tennis. They are brilliant men to have ever lifted a tennis racket and the
fact has been broadly accepted by most. They know each other’s game so well
that key differentiators I think is the mindset of the losing player or a minute
loss in concentration on a particular day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The number
of slams won by the erstwhile champions have proved to be too narrow for these gentlemen.
With their collective brilliance, they have dwarfed constraints and haven’t
fretted going past the tennis heritage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The big slams
oscillate between these guys. Others playing the game are isolated to such an
extent that they appear in the semis or the finals once in a while before they
are forgotten. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Remember
Andy Roddick? No? Lleyton Hewitt? Anyone?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Such is the
norm that the names of these athletes simply get interchanged on the winners
list each year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">These men
driven by perfection and individual aspirations have pushed their bodies to
unfathomable limits in search of greatness. It is complicated to unentangle ourselves
the brand of tennis we are watching today. Their rivalry is so great that we
have accepted that the greatest player to have played the game has to be amongst
these three men.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The articulate
discussions that experts indulge in are only about how these guys play and how
they grappled to adapt. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Adaptation is
another key thing that rivalry gives birth to.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The point
is, while the destinies of these great players have intertwined, each is responsible
for the success of the other. They inspire each other to take risks, to think
out of the box, to overturn beliefs, to find a route when there seems to be
none.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">If
Federer’s game is built around his smoking serves, Nadal has a sinewy body and wears
down his opponents. Djokovic has built an all-round defensive game. In a way,
they help each other refine their own game to burst myths, invent stories and play
a pragmatic game.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></b><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">What’s
in it for us?</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">As fans, we
are attuned to applaud success of an astute athlete but we must put the hands
together for the rival too. If a Bruno Fernandes skill puts a smile on your
face, you should clap for De Bruyne too. If you love Kohli’s cover drive, a
magical hook shot from Joe Root should be cheered too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">There can
be arguments but the fact that they are inspiring each other is simply exhilarating.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-87303828811932833802020-09-13T08:59:00.003+05:302020-09-13T09:05:55.395+05:30What is being In the Zone?<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is being <i>in the Zone</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Last Sunday, anticipating a busy week ahead, I was looking for
some inspiration and bumped into the below quote by the legend Bruce Lee which
drove my mind into a whirl.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">‘Before I learned the art, a punch was just a punch, and a kick-
just a kick. After I learned the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick, no
longer a kick. Now that I understand the art, a punch is just a punch, and a
kick, just a kick.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Deciphering above quote - to a beginner, a punch or a kick is
really that. Once he orients self, constant repetition helps him break the
techniques into components and enables him to learn the nuances. Delving
further, his body becomes one with the surroundings, moving smoothly with
precision and control. When the feeling peaks, he is able to understand its mechanics
and is able to fully focus on the target with </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">no-mind</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> also known as </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">mushin</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Wiki says </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">mushin</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> generally happens when the mind is free
of anger, fear or ego and in an absence of thought or judgement when the person
is free to act without hesitation.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Later as the feeling withers, things return to being just a
punch or a kick.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Practicing your art with </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">no-mind</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> is a mysterious healer. It
drives an athlete to the verge of greatness. They also call it being </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">in the Zone</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">.
The irony is they cannot predict when it will be available and the truth is,
they cannot find it if they yearn for it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">As a spectator, you could see it happening… a sign of genius when
an athlete performs his craft.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Cristiano Ronaldo’s free kicks (Yes, there are many), Novak
Djokovic strolling past Rafael Nadal in Australian Open final of 2019, Virat
Kohli’s 183 against Pakistan in Asia Cup in Dhaka </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">et al</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Its presence overwhelms the spectator what to speak of the
athlete.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">There are many such examples where </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">mushin</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> or no mind was
at play but best which comes to mind is one of Ayrton Senna.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">It happened in 1988.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">While driving his McLaren at Monaco in a qualifying session,
Senna who had already qualified for pole kept moving faster. The distance
between him and the other drivers was half a second earlier blew to two full
seconds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">He was </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">in the Zone</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">He articulated the swell of such a feeling in an amazing way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">'I was already on pole and I was going faster and faster. One
lap after the other, quicker, and quicker, and quicker. I was at one stage just
on pole, then by half a second, and then one second … and I kept going.
Suddenly, I was nearly two seconds faster than anybody else, including my
team-mate with the same car. And I suddenly realised that I was no longer
driving the car consciously. I was kind of driving it by instinct, only I was
in a different dimension. It was like I was in a tunnel, not only the tunnel
under the hotel, but the whole circuit for me was a tunnel. I was just going,
going – more, and more, and more, and more. I was way over the limit, but still
able to find even more. Then, suddenly, something just kicked me. I kind of
woke up and I realised that I was in a different atmosphere than you normally
are. Immediately my reaction was to back off, slow down. I drove back slowly to
the pits and I didn’t want to go out any more that day. It frightened me
because I realized I was well beyond my conscious understanding.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Many called him eccentric but few, kind of understood he had
been to the other side of consciousness. In a way, he had become one with the
car.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">That is what </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">no-mind</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> or being</span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> in the Zone</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> does.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Even the great Sachin Tendulkar reminiscing the sandstorm
innings at Sharjah said he was </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">in the Zone</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> that evening. His words -</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">‘I knew more or less what they were bowling and I was ready to
play that shot. Sometimes that happens, I wouldn't say every ball, but whenever
one is planning to play a big shot, you say okay, if the ball lands in this
area I am going to hit. And exactly that is where the next ball has landed and
I have gone for that shot. You have those days where whatever you are thinking,
that is what exactly happens.’</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Lewis Hamilton, in a well written book Overdrive tells author Clyde
Brolin that he is </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">in the Zone</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> every time he sits in the race car. To him
the feeling of catching people and passing them as if they were standing still
is the best feeling a driver can ever have.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Tiger Woods says when you are playing a shot, the mind tells you
that you either play it on the left or to the right but he has trained it in
such a way that with his fierce focus he is able to keep the mind out of the
way.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Being </span><i style="color: #212121; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">in the Zone</i><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> has its charm. In its quest, an athlete
fights his doubts, soothes the nerves, finds solutions and thus greatness. He
sweats for it, wakes up at ridiculous hours, leaves loved ones behind to
practice in predawn gloom but doesn’t give up.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Athletes like Senna view sport as a means of self-discovery. They
strive to find out not only how good he is but also how good he can be.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">This to me was indeed an inspiration… a remarkable one.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #212121; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-89325633726985758902020-08-18T22:10:00.001+05:302020-08-18T22:10:05.209+05:30Why is Rafael Nadal unbeatable at the Roland Garros?<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Past Forward
to 1999</span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Thinking
about this one, my mind went digging into the past before reminding me of a special
match played by Andre Agassi at the Roland Garros. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Playing
against Andriy Medvedev in the final, Agassi was down two sets to nil before
rain stopped play. When play resumed, he upped his game and won the last three
sets to complete a remarkable win. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Later the teary-eyed
man was seen blowing kisses to spectators, something which he would later repeat
after every win<b>.</b> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">On that day
Agassi created history and achieved something which many great players of his
era failed to achieve – a Career Slam. He was the fifth man overall to do it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">And I was left
thinking he was one of the best to have played the game.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Fast Forward
to 2005<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Enter Rafael
Nadal!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">A few years
later Nadal appeared and made the red clay courts of the Roland Garros his own.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">And below has
been the norm at the Roland Garros since that tournament in which he was
playing for the first time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nadal steps
onto the court, starts dominating from the first round, devours some in
straight sets… meets Federer to decimate him… meets Djokovic and outruns him
easily. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">No
surprises… only yawns! <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nadal, I
begin to think can sleep walk at the Roland Garros and can still win!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">For his
twelve titles so far, a solitary Agassi win which I thought was history appears
a blur!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">How does
he do it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Courts at
the Roland Garros are prepared using red brick dust on top of layers of gravels,
coal residue and limestone. The surface is toughened by intense watering during
the tournaments. The surface slows the ball down making it difficult for
players who employ a powerful first serve and approach the net (serve and volley)
in the quest to surprise their opponent.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The pace suits
Nadal as he is willing to play a physical game from the back of the court, laden
with long rallies to wear his opponents down. The fierce athleticism and the heaps
of stamina help him immensely. He is a master at inducing top spin on the ball and
since he is a lefty, he plays some unplayable returns at impossible angles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Also, he is
a player who would go after the ball to the farthest corner of the court. A
combination of various factors like the physical game he plays, the skills he
possesses and a won’t-give-an-inch attitude makes him invincible on clay. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Last but not
the least he tends to have psychological advantage over his opponents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">With his powerful
biceps emerging from the sleeveless shirt, the curling long hair, the stylish
bandana and a powerful grunt between the volleys also play an important role in
terrifying his opponents. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Why does
GOAT Roger Federer appear a lesser mortal at the Roland Garros?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Roger
Federer’s game is heavily reliant on his power packed first serve which gives
him an advantage over his opponents on grass courts and hard courts but the
surface in Paris slows down his serves. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Federer is
a naturally gifted player but doesn’t possess a physical game like Nadal and so
has won this tournament only once so far. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">He prefers
playing with a sliced backhand to counter the powerful forehand shots of
someone like Nadal. The advantage of using this strategy is lost on clay courts
where the ball bounces higher and slower.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The surface
is also known to help players who make effective us of drop shots - a strategy
which helped Federer complete his Career Slam after winning the French open in
2009 against Robin Soderling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">What
about other good players of the past?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">There are
many big names who have succumbed at the Roland Garros.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The
foremost name that comes to my mind is the legendary Pete Sampras. He won
fourteen Grand Slams but failed to register even a single title here. His best
performance was the quarter final loss in 1996 when he was playing the best
tennis of his career.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The French
Open trophy also eluded many of Agassi’s contemporaries like Boris Becker and
Stefan Edberg from whom fans expected big things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Who's next?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">There are
many almost-there’s waiting to topple the big three.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">There’s
Wawrinka, Thiem, Tsitsipas, Medvedev, Zverev et al… the generation next…
waiting for a chance to sneak in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I think
it’s a matter of time before they start winning regularly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">When… is
the question?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">No one’s in a hurry
though… the big three have made us fall in love with the game of Tennis all
over again.</span></span></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-47775115144131509112020-08-16T10:52:00.004+05:302020-08-18T22:11:09.638+05:30Book Review – Rafa My Story - Rafael Nadal’s autobiography<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Book Review – Rafa My Story - Rafael Nadal’s autobiography</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Author – John Carlin<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">If you think John Carlin’s book <i>Invictus</i> was very
well written, you won’t be surprised after reading this one. We know Rafael
Nadal is Spanish and not very fluent with the English language but the book is written
flawlessly - courtesy John Carlin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Here’s a starter from the book which speaks volumes not only
about the ability of the writer but also about what goes on in the mind of Rafael
Nadal during a match.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">=======<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The cathedral rush of the Centre court is good for my game.
Because what I battle hardest to do in a tennis match is to quiet the voices in
my head, to shut everything out of my mind but the contest itself and
concentrate every atom of my being on the point I am playing. If I made a
mistake on my previous point, forget it; should a thought of victory suggest
itself, crush it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">=======<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Not to regret the past and to stay focused till it
was over was Nadal’s mantra during the epic Wimbledon final he played against
Roger Federer in 2008. This to date is the best tennis match ever played.
Though the winner was Nadal that day but nobody actually lost. The author has effectively
used the Wimbledon final of 2008 and the US Open final of 2010 as a backdrop against
Nadal’s story which makes it an interesting read.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The book was out when Nadal was just 25 and it provides a wonderful
glimpse of the simple life that the great tennis player prefers to live in
Mallorca, Spain. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nadal talks of his relationship with uncle Toni Nadal, his coach
ever since he started off. As happens with every relationship, theirs also has
endured tough times but the two individuals always focussed on the larger
picture which has helped them strengthen their relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Toni is a hard taskmaster. Nadal explains that beautifully.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Once in his younger years, Nadal won the under-12 kids tennis
championship and was about to begin celebrations with his family. Uncle Toni played
a spoilsport and got a list of the winners of that tournament from the previous
years. He read those names to Nadal indicating to him that none of those
players made it to the highest level after winning that tournament thus asking
him to keep his feet on the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In another instance a young Nadal before a match forgot to carry
his water bottle. He expected his uncle would rush home to get the bottle but his
uncle was unresponsive. His reply was if he got water for him, his nephew would
never learn to not forget carrying his own stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Another interesting thing Nadal throws light on is his habit
of drinking water from two bottles. Before any match, he would sip water from the
first bottle and then from the another before carefully keeping them one behind
the other to his left. He would repeat the sequence every time before the match
begins. He feels that by drinking water from each bottle and keeping them in a
specific way, he asks his surroundings to match the order he seeks in his head.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">There are many such anecdotes in the book which makes it a
must read for all his fans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">I have always been a hardcore Federer fan and would always
wished doom for Nadal in all those epic battles he had fought against Federer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">My opinion about Nadal has changed for good.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">After reading his book, I think he is a good and an upright
family man who prefers to have all his family members and his team intact. He
is also sincere, firm, grounded, reflecting, generous, genius and a top athlete
who wants to do appropriate justice to the talents he possesses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">My takeaways from the book:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">1)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">You
can like the opponent but cannot be overwhelmed by his game.</span></span></p><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">2)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The
best in the world (Roger Federer) is beatable if you trust the unique features of
your own game.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">3)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Fight
every point in the match as if your life depends on it.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">4)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The
thing that matters the most is to quieten your mind.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">5)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Family
is the most important thing which can help keep your feet on the ground.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p> </o:p>Once Nadal with his team planned for dinner
at a particular restaurant. Pointing at Nadal’s shorts, one of his team mates
mentions that at that restaurant, they expect guests to wear a full length
trouser. He also says that Nadal however would be an exception as his was one of
the most recognizable face in the world. Not to take his stardom for granted
and also on the insistence of his uncle, Nadal quickly changed into full length
trousers before leaving for dinner at that place.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">6)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Look
for a coach like Toni Nadal who can help you soar in the sky but at </span>the same time doesn’t let success get inside
the head.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">7)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">If
you cannot be good at multiple things, don’t worry. Focus on what is the most
important of all.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p> </o:p>Nadal works with a zen like focus on the court
but struggles with remembering little things at home.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">8)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Do
what you love and love what you do.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">9)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">You
should know what your goals are and once you decipher that, approach one goal at
a time.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Nadal’s first goal was winning the Wimbledon,
a tournament which he lost to Federer in 2006 and 2007. Though he wanted to
become a player who can win on all surfaces, he focussed winning on grass first.
After winning the Wimbledon title in 2008 he focussed on winning the US open and
eventually won it in 2010.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-46437704651104712542020-07-19T22:26:00.005+05:302020-08-18T22:12:40.040+05:30Book Review - Think Like a Champion - Dr Rudi Webster<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br />
Think Like a champion - Book Review - Dr Rudi Webster<br />
<br />
<br />
</span><div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The author Dr. Rudi Webster is a leading sports psychologist and has worked extensively in the field of sports management most notably with the champion West Indies cricket team of the 1980’s. Closer home he worked as a mental conditioning coach with Kolkata Knight Riders who won the coveted IPL trophy in 2012.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">As the title suggests, the author has widely discussed the mentality of a champion throughout the book. The gist is that dedication, discipline, hard work and mental control positively affect performance and are learnable skills. Fear, confusion and mental weakness do the opposite and it is possible to get rid of them by proper training.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">To understand the frame of mind of the champions he has interviewed athletes like MS Dhoni, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Viv Richards, Dennis Lillee, Wasim Akram, Sir Garfield Sobers and many others. The author has asked pointed questions on performance optimization and success techniques. The answers overwhelmingly point to the four interconnected pillars of success - F<b>itness, Technique, Strategy and Mental skills</b>.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Delving further, the author, asked these athletes to select one pillar in particular which has the greatest effect on performance. The common feedback was that while fitness, technique and strategy play the part, the most important of them all is <b>mental skills</b>.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">With his concise writing, Dr. Webster emphasizes on the importance of mental skills and points out that negative thinking and limiting self-beliefs is a problem encountered by everyone including sportsmen. Techniques like visualization and mental rehearsal when practiced regularly and correctly can bring forth tremendous positive results.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The other aspects used regularly by sportsmen and known to bring best results are –</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="">1)<span face="" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="">Focus on the basics</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The author explains this point with an example of the great cricket player from the West Indies - Vivian Richards.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">During the initial years, he went through a tough period when he was easily overwhelmed while facing great fast bowlers. The author enabled him to soothe his nerves in tense situations specifically by calming his mind and helped him simplify the batting process by focusing on the basics like staying in the present and keeping his eye on the release of the ball from the bowler’s hand. The batsman during the initial part of the innings was asked to play with a straight bat and in the V only (between long off and long on fielding positions).</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Such simple exercises had brought tremendous results in his performance.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="">2)<span face="" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="">Positive self-talk</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">In another example, Dennis Lillee, the great Australian fast bowler was questioned how he manages his self-confidence on bad days. Lillee had a unique way of raising his confidence levels through positive self-talk.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">He says – Whenever I feel threatened, firstly I would tell myself that I am one of the best bowlers in the world and second, I would recall my statistics – one wicket every five overs in grade cricket, one wicket every seven overs in Sheffield Cricket and one wicket every nine or ten overs in Test Cricket. This way I would assure myself that if I continue with similar performances, success would follow.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="">3)<span face="" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="">Self-motivation</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">It is important, points the author, to device methods to motivate self. Some techniques which work for someone may not necessarily work for others.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">The biggest<b></b>motivation to both Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman was to play for the country and help it maintain top position in world cricket.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="">4)<span face="" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="">Visualization</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">Dr Webster has explained the technique of visualization and how it brings best results when put into effect with his own example.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">He had experienced a career threatening back injury due to which he spent a good number of months lying on the bed in a hospital in the US. The doctors were shocked when he told them that in six months’ time he would recover fully and play golf with his friends. They thought that he was being unrealistic but using the power of visualization, he made the impossible possible and by the end of the sixth month he did play golf with his friends.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><span lang="">5)<span face="" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="">Leadership</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">When it comes to leadership or leading with example, a calm mind is a very important tool.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">MS Dhoni was always known as captain cool since he always remained calm under pressure. When asked how he managed to do so, Dhoni said, during tense situations he would sing a song to empty his mind which enabled him to focus on the match situation.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.9733px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span lang="" style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;">There are numerous such examples and anecdotes presented in a very unique way throughout the book which makes it an interesting read. The language is simple and easily understandable too. The techniques discussed makes it readable not only for sports fans but everyone.</span></div>
</div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-59702286641758373872020-07-19T10:49:00.003+05:302020-07-19T10:49:42.215+05:30Maiden attempt at food photography<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKabllcH2Q9eTyV0l6o8Wgm624wuBX55p_PeOs5tqFShBFCd6k42jH7yJDHfUfBPPhp1CxShFadDrnTxqn_fIf70hVOYxPnJL2VGNiwVkBN-dDwiuC7Qe0eQYyVq3RglHSQPWLUUGT0tYb/s1600/IMG_20200719_092811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKabllcH2Q9eTyV0l6o8Wgm624wuBX55p_PeOs5tqFShBFCd6k42jH7yJDHfUfBPPhp1CxShFadDrnTxqn_fIf70hVOYxPnJL2VGNiwVkBN-dDwiuC7Qe0eQYyVq3RglHSQPWLUUGT0tYb/s320/IMG_20200719_092811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNqfc0JCxSMZWy8m4sYpDdKzy7UspKI28ojb_BKWxqU6vsCEUOjwdLMrTyn3Wph52YkpXt7FxJIjOA9c2k_vhGY-n-7jx7owzrFHk5zroEHlxbcgD204FDIlcOWRSRHj9Bi4STRUBIasK/s1600/IMG_20200719_093117__02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNqfc0JCxSMZWy8m4sYpDdKzy7UspKI28ojb_BKWxqU6vsCEUOjwdLMrTyn3Wph52YkpXt7FxJIjOA9c2k_vhGY-n-7jx7owzrFHk5zroEHlxbcgD204FDIlcOWRSRHj9Bi4STRUBIasK/s320/IMG_20200719_093117__02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxya5pIMBou0XOkFEZbr4WesfFCh88U_5sQAJSqmafrbAVywnAzbpZ6kzBrreM6cXqUIQmKuroq_9tOL_TU1VKFY_Y5AOJ9YbkCGyx2hZNZmix83X85sHBq65SaddCKFoi52Y4LodTC66/s1600/IMG_20200719_093902__01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxya5pIMBou0XOkFEZbr4WesfFCh88U_5sQAJSqmafrbAVywnAzbpZ6kzBrreM6cXqUIQmKuroq_9tOL_TU1VKFY_Y5AOJ9YbkCGyx2hZNZmix83X85sHBq65SaddCKFoi52Y4LodTC66/s320/IMG_20200719_093902__01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy1DnDIWtw1p6AswkbE9_sIAauKRuDUefTXrU6L4Kv_fowsedF6hY5zSlJGLIkWFMmYbxF7m5J14eT8DTK9lScOq8b7SfS3h_4ZAtvgmsJVrHXt_gK4PmIagWxpzJiDAKLpE5m3MaOw_c/s1600/IMG_20200719_094310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy1DnDIWtw1p6AswkbE9_sIAauKRuDUefTXrU6L4Kv_fowsedF6hY5zSlJGLIkWFMmYbxF7m5J14eT8DTK9lScOq8b7SfS3h_4ZAtvgmsJVrHXt_gK4PmIagWxpzJiDAKLpE5m3MaOw_c/s320/IMG_20200719_094310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAotBarhLJjYnrpUrHUBbJ-synHp_o8mcsbMCua3OiIcMfRzVfHvamJaRG19QY9Tuq3lMdj_GZk_7uVfeWXT405_l6X7BRaCOelm_kdGwL0-C7mMXj0yJrO3wrE2L__IWVrluF9JdF5WX/s1600/IMG_20200719_094558__01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAotBarhLJjYnrpUrHUBbJ-synHp_o8mcsbMCua3OiIcMfRzVfHvamJaRG19QY9Tuq3lMdj_GZk_7uVfeWXT405_l6X7BRaCOelm_kdGwL0-C7mMXj0yJrO3wrE2L__IWVrluF9JdF5WX/s320/IMG_20200719_094558__01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_LjeFbwXvuaOcvogzrEBCM0vVS1885KVsVcwCvhhh9azKFnlrepEivinPam_496nMFIUO0KtjdzTtjF4mxKsRPj_aVWelzrdNB_6RwLo8ChQxZmgT9fpF_SqgVrDNDF4Esn4pZonLjxr/s1600/IMG_20200719_095059__02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_LjeFbwXvuaOcvogzrEBCM0vVS1885KVsVcwCvhhh9azKFnlrepEivinPam_496nMFIUO0KtjdzTtjF4mxKsRPj_aVWelzrdNB_6RwLo8ChQxZmgT9fpF_SqgVrDNDF4Esn4pZonLjxr/s320/IMG_20200719_095059__02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u2WzfnRt4Z-qb1jlJkjmGy597p0JCOznLLzBoBb5xe_A06h8wCm1jd8LotYzh77KfLJnCqueP4VfD8TDz7J-gt3jtHicGqRE5fW4bLg49x-XzRAincL6d9KRA1vbbTklr53vpRU0qQM7/s1600/IMG_20200719_102002_Bokeh__01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7u2WzfnRt4Z-qb1jlJkjmGy597p0JCOznLLzBoBb5xe_A06h8wCm1jd8LotYzh77KfLJnCqueP4VfD8TDz7J-gt3jtHicGqRE5fW4bLg49x-XzRAincL6d9KRA1vbbTklr53vpRU0qQM7/s320/IMG_20200719_102002_Bokeh__01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PDoy5fb7DDZBM7vEV6p39EEQAhfzjtJXAtfCeU5-3V3soH9CdO68pjeJFw-e5L0KhCGjh2BvQ3dDhiYYjv9KnSotuMaNDZIjvL8DKXIdnEsDAN-2nSIv9QHkrfor8wy9IfXgS7oNYsws/s1600/IMG_20200719_102753_Bokeh__01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1PDoy5fb7DDZBM7vEV6p39EEQAhfzjtJXAtfCeU5-3V3soH9CdO68pjeJFw-e5L0KhCGjh2BvQ3dDhiYYjv9KnSotuMaNDZIjvL8DKXIdnEsDAN-2nSIv9QHkrfor8wy9IfXgS7oNYsws/s320/IMG_20200719_102753_Bokeh__01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-35327812728981044012019-09-22T19:34:00.002+05:302019-09-22T19:36:57.033+05:30A moment of truth and another of madness at the Little Rann of Kutch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:RelyOnVML/>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-IN</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were off before the sunlight kissed the horizon on a sleepy
and indolent December morning. The rising sun looked beautiful as it lent a
kind of splendour to the perpetual sea of parched land. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the vehicle, I shivered in the rigorous chill of the salty
desert air. The car slowly gathered speed making its way down the road as the
morning was beginning to break into soft colours of pink and orange against the
brilliant azure sky. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My lips were beginning to dry and I had to lick again and
again to keep them warm.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We kept moving on the road until suddenly Gopal (the
navigator) slowed down to turn right. The path was now no longer flat but marshy,
parched and zigzag. He pressed the accelerator as we whizzed past ubiquitous
dogs which didn’t shy away from racing against the vehicle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All signs of humanity slowly faded away and we were in the
wilderness… of a different kind. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To a passerby it may look an arid, desolate place but the
connoisseur knows it’s a heaven for migratory birds as Flamingos, White
Pelicans, Storks and many others who fly in great numbers during the winters. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fbgRWQSumrxOQDjgNRLvRm5GDbNDXVbnJQMsj2z4jVIDxhroD6_0_22hPRGXBQ7lhdEpGFRzhpQiOcZLFg2buOXy-fPBQZw_lCLmx2c889Oy0uLdh0R5d2QK75kRBPminMhR0lH1zUMD/s1600/IMG_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fbgRWQSumrxOQDjgNRLvRm5GDbNDXVbnJQMsj2z4jVIDxhroD6_0_22hPRGXBQ7lhdEpGFRzhpQiOcZLFg2buOXy-fPBQZw_lCLmx2c889Oy0uLdh0R5d2QK75kRBPminMhR0lH1zUMD/s320/IMG_0014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjBH5NIeC8O9dEVVLudUVYdk2gp5Q2HYBIgQ98D9PJDWNGmrWx3_sfjpTFMl4d6o2ZglXaM-XtuJ1vvzalMabRTyt6lzezjTYb2czkdHri6r-gay2-PMjPZEQyW5WVG2E4G4kIE2wGeIB/s1600/IMG_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjBH5NIeC8O9dEVVLudUVYdk2gp5Q2HYBIgQ98D9PJDWNGmrWx3_sfjpTFMl4d6o2ZglXaM-XtuJ1vvzalMabRTyt6lzezjTYb2czkdHri6r-gay2-PMjPZEQyW5WVG2E4G4kIE2wGeIB/s320/IMG_0017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMcgJYrpGFWMn_Vay1uuoJg9AwgRc1sw69zXIF6cTqIcTmQTEh6Od10tr-nYKIIkblkB3JJ0kNMRFIa7WKiLIrR3_J8EQuKuMs8_UMqi2GOdbKkWeH4_NNavLA9HLnqeH7SrgZx9yx-W0/s1600/IMG_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMcgJYrpGFWMn_Vay1uuoJg9AwgRc1sw69zXIF6cTqIcTmQTEh6Od10tr-nYKIIkblkB3JJ0kNMRFIa7WKiLIrR3_J8EQuKuMs8_UMqi2GOdbKkWeH4_NNavLA9HLnqeH7SrgZx9yx-W0/s320/IMG_0021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOszEvo9vJvWdmDiNIYOSceh9ti2IADGzDrdvjkWmt1AnfD5n6ZiUFzB5xiscgceUOC9JyxblgCecw5GaNAyNmc-f_OsHbc664E0jUZPXbNei2q7Q6YTI7AHioAJuCwhIfFchoLwIXDBLP/s1600/IMG_0055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOszEvo9vJvWdmDiNIYOSceh9ti2IADGzDrdvjkWmt1AnfD5n6ZiUFzB5xiscgceUOC9JyxblgCecw5GaNAyNmc-f_OsHbc664E0jUZPXbNei2q7Q6YTI7AHioAJuCwhIfFchoLwIXDBLP/s320/IMG_0055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gopal stopped the car looking at something only he’d see in
front of a small pond as we peered out of its window curiously. The sunlight
was beginning to spread over the ice cold water glistening in the early morning
sun as the Painted Storks and Lily white Pelicans went about their business devouring
the food. Lesser Flamingos were scattered everywhere and stood resting on one
leg sleeping and dreaming with their pink backs radiating in the sunshine. They
didn’t bother to look at us as if for them we were a part of a different
universe all together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A group of Common Stilts emerged from the pond in a characteristic
manner on the far side enjoying the fierce blowing wind. The entire group
cautiously moved right after emerging from the water but one of them still
playful swung left.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not too far away two sinister eyes were watching it, waiting
to seize the moment. It was a raptor… a Peregrine Falcon – the world’s fastest,
waiting for a maiden coup this morning. It was an unmistakable gesture as it camouflaged
itself with commendable ability.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZcHevnZAjQyIysjBm6UZrBaxR07Ojxu0CjKsCuyOT6fv3qNK3VOVXnm-7DieQPxzVjW_sUlpPbyyScGyRDASr3zgzUv45mc9lRCKFjbTzde2Za4R42fbWDamtfMBXtlqGaCuQvVy8h2A/s1600/IMG_0251_edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZcHevnZAjQyIysjBm6UZrBaxR07Ojxu0CjKsCuyOT6fv3qNK3VOVXnm-7DieQPxzVjW_sUlpPbyyScGyRDASr3zgzUv45mc9lRCKFjbTzde2Za4R42fbWDamtfMBXtlqGaCuQvVy8h2A/s320/IMG_0251_edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1IVAgSpOPxqLIT1-iFsobt7aNGcRDfXx4gpEvqbGDP5IkXqXJRneweuCRNerShhUL8_SJI-xNYjMuZC67Sn880AqJVS2bzHU3RryJaa9P_YO2_RpmH2m5AyzabrJ2jDiqAXa4QloMsmD/s1600/IMG_0323_edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1IVAgSpOPxqLIT1-iFsobt7aNGcRDfXx4gpEvqbGDP5IkXqXJRneweuCRNerShhUL8_SJI-xNYjMuZC67Sn880AqJVS2bzHU3RryJaa9P_YO2_RpmH2m5AyzabrJ2jDiqAXa4QloMsmD/s320/IMG_0323_edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Falcon was readying itself to move towards the little
Stilt and I could feel the impetus. It was beginning to amass its arsenal… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">speed, strength and stealth</i> as it waited
for the right moment to strike. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pondered over at the scene for a moment while the heart
began to pound in the chest with elation and trepidation both at the same time.
I sought a rush of adrenaline and was anticipating it now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The little Stilt failed to notice the assailant moving
toward it who had its eyes locked on the prey. It spread out its wings
majestically and looked like a bird-version of a bullet cutting the air into
fractions. It swooped down smartly into a deep dive rooting its prey on the
spot as if its legs were bound by lead weights. The Falcon went for the throat
and held it maintain lethal pressure. The Stilt’s gestures became more frantic.
It resisted for a while but the grip was deathly and slowly it started giving away
its power to its nemesis. The knees buckled and arched and a few seconds later it
capitulated. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2Q4invA4q1ZabVMCsLIDh-UJyMQl3koPXBSAZ0oacAGr6uA7KzecYKH9dbZA6ftP_eFnZjkolbkQWuPOFFSpLjzpAH52NWDYBQS54whyphenhyphenJWny7BwdPi3iU64NqrL4dVE4C1CcjJ056umL/s1600/IMG_0519_edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2Q4invA4q1ZabVMCsLIDh-UJyMQl3koPXBSAZ0oacAGr6uA7KzecYKH9dbZA6ftP_eFnZjkolbkQWuPOFFSpLjzpAH52NWDYBQS54whyphenhyphenJWny7BwdPi3iU64NqrL4dVE4C1CcjJ056umL/s320/IMG_0519_edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Falcon attacks the Stilt<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiap9NfAIGVwTcu_j4Y8sSVBQX_3m80KMssyP45j5viW6nHvfEVfiXoeDEJqZbQ4elUOXIPY-sJSsFOSjrbdJ54ATRz1n1iRm2KKJ8dnY0pvgFkhaRJtat2YGS44qo7-WaDPpgKHVZZnuFR/s1600/IMG_0528_edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1105" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiap9NfAIGVwTcu_j4Y8sSVBQX_3m80KMssyP45j5viW6nHvfEVfiXoeDEJqZbQ4elUOXIPY-sJSsFOSjrbdJ54ATRz1n1iRm2KKJ8dnY0pvgFkhaRJtat2YGS44qo7-WaDPpgKHVZZnuFR/s320/IMG_0528_edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Predator enjoying a hearty breakfast </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The friends of the prey who were visualising the incident began
frenzied run for survival. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Falcon waited for a while to ensure there was no life in
its prey and that there was nobody lurking around to make a dash at him. It then
began pulling its prey by its feathers to rip it open and knelt over it to
gorge a hearty meal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a few seconds, there was a motorcade waiting for the
action there as couple of other cars arrived, the engines revving eager to get
closer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One curious gentleman pushed the line and moved ahead. Gopal
signalled him to stop but he resisted. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An argument ensued and both parties
began presenting reasons they thought were justified. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a clear breach of privacy and the Falcon now looked
unsettled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I let out cold air out of my lungs when I noticed shuffling of
feet. Displaying similar agility, it flew away with its prey leaving us disillusioned.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no point pursuing it further. Our own indifference
towards nature was ripped apart yet again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The faces of both men now carried a stony emotion. It was a
difficult situation for both of them to discern that they went overboard. An uncomfortable
silence was perhaps an admission of guilt. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me it was a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">moment
of truth</i> with the Peregrine Falcon and the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">moment of madness</i> with some fellow birders.</div>
</div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-72007392560709756332015-10-29T21:36:00.002+05:302016-01-09T09:11:19.354+05:30Birds of Ganeshgudi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Birds of Ganeshgudi<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiEJBrYriH3X7WgksG-NHor_yOhCe9C0HDAMLOP_SQopttwyc0qXRrWs-rdeuUALC45eave5SkV8dhlGdJW87YKPLip5ReikKwk7QWQIRGBJEcgJR8qHBnxCrlzi3esDEG3OmNJNVabjn/s1600/Asian+Paradise+Fly+Catcher+male.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiEJBrYriH3X7WgksG-NHor_yOhCe9C0HDAMLOP_SQopttwyc0qXRrWs-rdeuUALC45eave5SkV8dhlGdJW87YKPLip5ReikKwk7QWQIRGBJEcgJR8qHBnxCrlzi3esDEG3OmNJNVabjn/s320/Asian+Paradise+Fly+Catcher+male.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Asian Paradise Flycatcher - Male<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXwULWcbR1pz_AC_1aeaXqda-Le_OnK79SO84Y0ut-OSjpfnFslstb70VBba41gVLpSg6aIb0OpgmIBlYawOhBWcydWV-t39boKC0o4RIMWmqCdrKP56hOrPbYfrTyjpXyPJ5oPm9VOZT/s1600/Black+Naped+Monarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXwULWcbR1pz_AC_1aeaXqda-Le_OnK79SO84Y0ut-OSjpfnFslstb70VBba41gVLpSg6aIb0OpgmIBlYawOhBWcydWV-t39boKC0o4RIMWmqCdrKP56hOrPbYfrTyjpXyPJ5oPm9VOZT/s320/Black+Naped+Monarch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Black Naped Monarch<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa-UJu8kzbd3mC6DrL-MNr5ifYVQv3gs2gLYbJkel0CMPeUjzgYkZjuSiP5n0KjLxs80ByEc81O2sUxaH1n8UfTL3Mz80hxgTdghoonvSy5vPWObFFhl5cVKryQFeHX8HFKOuezQQyrN1/s1600/Common+Iora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa-UJu8kzbd3mC6DrL-MNr5ifYVQv3gs2gLYbJkel0CMPeUjzgYkZjuSiP5n0KjLxs80ByEc81O2sUxaH1n8UfTL3Mz80hxgTdghoonvSy5vPWObFFhl5cVKryQFeHX8HFKOuezQQyrN1/s320/Common+Iora.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Common Iora<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7_VgJJpQI1MvoAfvitBMe0AETSb7pFQ0k6QK93l-D2Pe6Uu3Uys6fUOZp8yGWYuuGgPaIpPEvhiycgmmuQ0_z87g7dMCv7oMpy00K2pz3gDAuVzyEZu-GOeeQiu-6J-foTNcrUKlxllH/s1600/Crimson+Backed+Sunbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7_VgJJpQI1MvoAfvitBMe0AETSb7pFQ0k6QK93l-D2Pe6Uu3Uys6fUOZp8yGWYuuGgPaIpPEvhiycgmmuQ0_z87g7dMCv7oMpy00K2pz3gDAuVzyEZu-GOeeQiu-6J-foTNcrUKlxllH/s320/Crimson+Backed+Sunbird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Crimson Backed Sunbird <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkKvW93GZoqgHmEGP2sfmKiliBs0-gO0Gt5xa7tH4UNC2S5Agui2rZlrc5y9-8etSjXdcYnrJ4TYWilXD7RVttA28mwlJJnBMGGR-ypWU33ebAgDAWVQro1dbpMazJ2Hcedqqh7NJ0bh2/s1600/Emerald+Dove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkKvW93GZoqgHmEGP2sfmKiliBs0-gO0Gt5xa7tH4UNC2S5Agui2rZlrc5y9-8etSjXdcYnrJ4TYWilXD7RVttA28mwlJJnBMGGR-ypWU33ebAgDAWVQro1dbpMazJ2Hcedqqh7NJ0bh2/s320/Emerald+Dove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Emerald Dove<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9hIAyJ9DEzJmSlH43xiEkRjELBodoyrxbG3XFeCc1Tkf_9gYfrjvzjgzUfXeULQAUWcsb8ijjhUIm7h7AnAu_fXE8PtK2rqW31cetSNFkH0z7u7fF79RyR8Aj-R9UqCM9PUHrOMJMBaU/s1600/Flame+Throated+Bulbul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9hIAyJ9DEzJmSlH43xiEkRjELBodoyrxbG3XFeCc1Tkf_9gYfrjvzjgzUfXeULQAUWcsb8ijjhUIm7h7AnAu_fXE8PtK2rqW31cetSNFkH0z7u7fF79RyR8Aj-R9UqCM9PUHrOMJMBaU/s320/Flame+Throated+Bulbul.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Flame Throated Bulbul<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JkEQ6MyjVhFoK5NAKxq1kVwbxFU9u4UnVzIgQ8fGEvGeu1rxtlnwcq0x0EDzgz8yDFvH198OIqmk_tSzkqH1mYVifMu4dQIy_S7wkStltUS8GPIa9k6tVNfzfNdd60T1CUC41nJDhVGG/s1600/Oriental+Pied+Hornbill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JkEQ6MyjVhFoK5NAKxq1kVwbxFU9u4UnVzIgQ8fGEvGeu1rxtlnwcq0x0EDzgz8yDFvH198OIqmk_tSzkqH1mYVifMu4dQIy_S7wkStltUS8GPIa9k6tVNfzfNdd60T1CUC41nJDhVGG/s320/Oriental+Pied+Hornbill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Oriental Pied Hornbill <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5J-G3dZ61LIej5uSEhlL50Xplj31hHKIIweYI0ijPvO-vY1ug-FxAPjXMY0iAxR5dU-QdssLGwGWTCp7qlPZCFQ_AtYIcZIYMn6aRfQB9Yf-IQyhKWLY6DbMcEZtwie0SXdEhoj1tpFt1/s1600/Oriental+White+Eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5J-G3dZ61LIej5uSEhlL50Xplj31hHKIIweYI0ijPvO-vY1ug-FxAPjXMY0iAxR5dU-QdssLGwGWTCp7qlPZCFQ_AtYIcZIYMn6aRfQB9Yf-IQyhKWLY6DbMcEZtwie0SXdEhoj1tpFt1/s320/Oriental+White+Eye.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Oriental White Eye <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97MaXNcJuM-TUOjlLEhXOUuy60KSOAgyoa8-XbaRp8TMG09jVajRmwg3oEjvBA1446cLoVZuMuGLUu9RRBm75QYzhyphenhyphenf9TL13BeBDuOdc4nf3rxyPoUJi1gFe4RL-flM4TUzZ6hyphenhyphenvnlVQ5/s1600/White+Bellied+Blue+Flycatcher1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97MaXNcJuM-TUOjlLEhXOUuy60KSOAgyoa8-XbaRp8TMG09jVajRmwg3oEjvBA1446cLoVZuMuGLUu9RRBm75QYzhyphenhyphenf9TL13BeBDuOdc4nf3rxyPoUJi1gFe4RL-flM4TUzZ6hyphenhyphenvnlVQ5/s320/White+Bellied+Blue+Flycatcher1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
White Bellied Blue Flycatcher<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuWxaoVx9J8xFrgM3T18KfRSJUpitOZ7znITNY2mcT2KAUo2D92yzANsB3Sn9QIrENn68U5_ocCjRmQBleJIbxQxRKNIECZ4zLXz3nDvFnITSbPlfX0evZ0ZiAO7H_GbwO4VL-p39rToY/s1600/White+Bellied+Blue+Flycatcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuWxaoVx9J8xFrgM3T18KfRSJUpitOZ7znITNY2mcT2KAUo2D92yzANsB3Sn9QIrENn68U5_ocCjRmQBleJIbxQxRKNIECZ4zLXz3nDvFnITSbPlfX0evZ0ZiAO7H_GbwO4VL-p39rToY/s320/White+Bellied+Blue+Flycatcher.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
White belied blue Flycatcher <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKndKA2CaPxBXwbm0NH61FBRupGN_EpG-dxZK-dtvyST7Po9nCp7EZnHQAwCCztXx-_Wv-tYzKeEWCgfWly8czr-1NW9HEHCxI_VnUa-RWL_JdrH57Ze763ymPX5zJk90p_9sa6PWQn1t9/s1600/Yellow+Browed+Bulbul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKndKA2CaPxBXwbm0NH61FBRupGN_EpG-dxZK-dtvyST7Po9nCp7EZnHQAwCCztXx-_Wv-tYzKeEWCgfWly8czr-1NW9HEHCxI_VnUa-RWL_JdrH57Ze763ymPX5zJk90p_9sa6PWQn1t9/s320/Yellow+Browed+Bulbul.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yellow Browed Bulbul <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN18L7qMM5vDmCzTVbXDh8IxqBZOFdC-fxUB5ivlLr9Pz6ze1mSg8d370wLmQKmA3clJELDlgEacb7IL67L8dLnuqoHhBGGFXxDU1zyLyoi27Gm1yORUbiadN1AGHtCa5ULlC5a58H61Au/s1600/White+Rumped+Shama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN18L7qMM5vDmCzTVbXDh8IxqBZOFdC-fxUB5ivlLr9Pz6ze1mSg8d370wLmQKmA3clJELDlgEacb7IL67L8dLnuqoHhBGGFXxDU1zyLyoi27Gm1yORUbiadN1AGHtCa5ULlC5a58H61Au/s320/White+Rumped+Shama.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
White Rumped Shama - female</div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-8147133139426470222015-04-14T19:15:00.001+05:302015-04-14T20:53:12.515+05:30Unforgettable moments at Velavadar National Park <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
To break down the intense cycle of daily disappointments and frustrations, I along with Vishnu got a chance to visit the Velavadar National Park in November and we had grabbed the opportunity with both hands. The visit could have been doomed by the impending super-cyclone 'Nilofer' but thanks to the almighty, it fizzled away before reaching the Gujarat coast. Hence, both of us along with our guide Ritesh Khatri were brandishing our weapons (read cameras) in the eerily quite park which was thus devoid of many visitors owing to 'Nilofer'. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQkSoxEcOh2aqRUYF3iVQLzjEHQdGi24NQbWawhiVTUuuVoLQwtBAtS3fuqciI8UCCcE0bFRZ-qjMzalqHAiRo2Mu-8NbOnaf2BfpJm_5ekCgTJbC9-4RH0UAoeBzvrTBCsHFAHiHPGmP/s1600/IMG_9848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQkSoxEcOh2aqRUYF3iVQLzjEHQdGi24NQbWawhiVTUuuVoLQwtBAtS3fuqciI8UCCcE0bFRZ-qjMzalqHAiRo2Mu-8NbOnaf2BfpJm_5ekCgTJbC9-4RH0UAoeBzvrTBCsHFAHiHPGmP/s1600/IMG_9848.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The picture of these fighting black-bucks have to be one of the defining moments of the time spent at Velavadar. I have to confess that such moments are entirely capable of taking you into oblivion. <br />
<br />
These animals mate throughout the year and during this point in time, the male Blackbucks strive to drive every other male out of its territory. In order to impose their superiority, they indulge in horn-fights. We captured this moment on one of the early morning safari's.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfGxksY3tl_EdPhXdKN7uC_jNGZDH4OW0U1NmtZM6Ad1RS1uTbNPOTpgpWrXWRHgZTmWC7igiUXUnWPXtTHMG7OWJFQoWyBvnab18staklFLZtJ276MUq2fDNXnFyE-n-zbxVu4lAGI-c/s1600/IMG_9967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfGxksY3tl_EdPhXdKN7uC_jNGZDH4OW0U1NmtZM6Ad1RS1uTbNPOTpgpWrXWRHgZTmWC7igiUXUnWPXtTHMG7OWJFQoWyBvnab18staklFLZtJ276MUq2fDNXnFyE-n-zbxVu4lAGI-c/s1600/IMG_9967.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The park had opened in October and we had been there in early November. The grass was perhaps was too long enough to cover the Blackbuck completely. But the yellow and black colours made an amazing contrast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uAVHa93Z0AW8_kVMeY_c2Yet0rH_TdrCc2KZ8af9Vj-HvXWLfEDSXkzHFAFoTdpoKD-tS1EOL3V4pDD5t3RG41HCEMLYMTD8Dyc8DnVoxcihW0DYcvN0J53XbuyUTrJp4YAHRjbPSDsF/s1600/IMG_0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uAVHa93Z0AW8_kVMeY_c2Yet0rH_TdrCc2KZ8af9Vj-HvXWLfEDSXkzHFAFoTdpoKD-tS1EOL3V4pDD5t3RG41HCEMLYMTD8Dyc8DnVoxcihW0DYcvN0J53XbuyUTrJp4YAHRjbPSDsF/s1600/IMG_0206.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2gpIrkWYATPuvX3bYz6Sd9ECsBJSya_SCvRKXuR_LkQN8qSCVEbSg8ec5fG-KZGLZICa9wiJNX-P3Np2IYuJZJvfQBL5J_ZksH_zpemf4gogMNJLMKxhq7gNbdQ-5IoHG1g1hm9d0eM3/s1600/IMG_9674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2gpIrkWYATPuvX3bYz6Sd9ECsBJSya_SCvRKXuR_LkQN8qSCVEbSg8ec5fG-KZGLZICa9wiJNX-P3Np2IYuJZJvfQBL5J_ZksH_zpemf4gogMNJLMKxhq7gNbdQ-5IoHG1g1hm9d0eM3/s1600/IMG_9674.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC_TGBSDotbv6Loq9U_ZDISkQD6PGper0JJiQq7OVTF4sdhH_6HBeSqHkZ3WgJ1OvChiqLrd_KcplADKHfZWrGKK47h29rarCc6cHTj-6RQVFf_bxB2QhjfQATWxpFHve0miLdoCVMuFb/s1600/IMG_9772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguC_TGBSDotbv6Loq9U_ZDISkQD6PGper0JJiQq7OVTF4sdhH_6HBeSqHkZ3WgJ1OvChiqLrd_KcplADKHfZWrGKK47h29rarCc6cHTj-6RQVFf_bxB2QhjfQATWxpFHve0miLdoCVMuFb/s1600/IMG_9772.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
While the male Black-bucks are a combination of brown and white with almost 30cm long horns, the females are small, look meek and are golden in color.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDzOjj5eXeuD9IOXPjZ2kF5VjMB-AT_pHQ-fX-y5zX-m_YNc5tLa3XRCgu7x21IrBuUR2UaYzRrjXcbyB4M8XShfojjsKpd0lBq2_60taPE0yqd_OQVO0fYqLWA13f1YGySJGwUv5zYng/s1600/IMG_9919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVDzOjj5eXeuD9IOXPjZ2kF5VjMB-AT_pHQ-fX-y5zX-m_YNc5tLa3XRCgu7x21IrBuUR2UaYzRrjXcbyB4M8XShfojjsKpd0lBq2_60taPE0yqd_OQVO0fYqLWA13f1YGySJGwUv5zYng/s1600/IMG_9919.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was desperate to click the Common Cranes during my visit to the Little Rann of Kutch but the open landscape had made it intensely difficult for them not to sight me. There were thousands of Cranes then but I wasn't able to get a single picture. The sight of this beautiful bird beckoned us to go closer in Velavadar. We managed to not only click them but also managed to silently ogle at them for hours as they kept playing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYpdmRd7wgWeGJkPjdaE_oj1Iy77RJ0cZnTnZqRlIoxzccs_OtyBAweli0fxHW3VtsCi1MeHwxidFIh-8lkHsCxaB0KWw7j1qsRfIVb7jtDyCaK7Z2XRUpc6I84JG5yJrcMMLLja_qvOn/s1600/IMG_0167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYpdmRd7wgWeGJkPjdaE_oj1Iy77RJ0cZnTnZqRlIoxzccs_OtyBAweli0fxHW3VtsCi1MeHwxidFIh-8lkHsCxaB0KWw7j1qsRfIVb7jtDyCaK7Z2XRUpc6I84JG5yJrcMMLLja_qvOn/s1600/IMG_0167.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRKDnzXp5fkh4oLZbobpjX0jbuDjNzHnqYLELBLvbpcQmKFtN9gqNBcf2FsboBT9XHPwiw92YqpfTt7Q5KvhWqgnCmN1j9dWXTXk5FkpXlMTj8E99SsMXWnHAKciLIS1nodZMbQ8X7DVA/s1600/IMG_9886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRKDnzXp5fkh4oLZbobpjX0jbuDjNzHnqYLELBLvbpcQmKFtN9gqNBcf2FsboBT9XHPwiw92YqpfTt7Q5KvhWqgnCmN1j9dWXTXk5FkpXlMTj8E99SsMXWnHAKciLIS1nodZMbQ8X7DVA/s1600/IMG_9886.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are umpteen occassions when while in the park, you encounter these beautiful creatures crossing the roads. Sometimes they would nicely pose for you as well. Once while we were returning after an eventful safari, I clicked the first picture near the exit point as the outside world in the background became a huge blur.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPTDKp33CBwgSvm9Dc8vctZsL_wgZJV5wrWHHOH274-wxNCgk7uKVHLd4ejxZ0VDvB5tVHdtlIMJajKv3BHNYF2smXus7laPuOKS-pm0Yqac5iFZLN4kx_tdIHKhyJihmAiMl-LqVgvrt/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPTDKp33CBwgSvm9Dc8vctZsL_wgZJV5wrWHHOH274-wxNCgk7uKVHLd4ejxZ0VDvB5tVHdtlIMJajKv3BHNYF2smXus7laPuOKS-pm0Yqac5iFZLN4kx_tdIHKhyJihmAiMl-LqVgvrt/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have clicked these naughty bee-eaters so many times earlier on many bird watching trips, but this has to be the best click so far.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yZ8UeU31A_Iob-i8FZNxPuNvmc5vkZibaDGOlWfGYL4SbvBLI0_JJiRUvZpAuKFJeZrT_wrpw7NaLzo7ANE7C5wFDsZ3lZh8zQLlVA-Wse8uItBmwnuPSLdAThEE_atrS4cfB4fE6ItA/s1600/IMG_0273_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yZ8UeU31A_Iob-i8FZNxPuNvmc5vkZibaDGOlWfGYL4SbvBLI0_JJiRUvZpAuKFJeZrT_wrpw7NaLzo7ANE7C5wFDsZ3lZh8zQLlVA-Wse8uItBmwnuPSLdAThEE_atrS4cfB4fE6ItA/s1600/IMG_0273_1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEk70rmflRzqqGYbDW4J78oiQGZGyoZ8SBG1U8rXJz111FnsfsFb8d0m9APPHbCqOJkDEbSuJtVNwxuQY0BpmsPFDN867PEH_jgkXbJjA46qSW57XkE-0RQQUs41qSzXlz-24SE8V0m0f/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEk70rmflRzqqGYbDW4J78oiQGZGyoZ8SBG1U8rXJz111FnsfsFb8d0m9APPHbCqOJkDEbSuJtVNwxuQY0BpmsPFDN867PEH_jgkXbJjA46qSW57XkE-0RQQUs41qSzXlz-24SE8V0m0f/s1600/IMG_0023.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I remember going mad after sighting Common Hoopoe in Navi Mumbai once and sulking after missing a good opportunity to click a picture. Alas! The wish did come true!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpZ8NBN1G_oMkmgguMYjLHWrLRKF1EyvDk_JVrVhfi-md-ECGj_07H7wDg1T3at1PrKTe37a24nM8ib_02hiL74H18hrR5X2S4GAKpdjgSZQxQibWP3bG5PdeQgtLWNi2_FEodBikCt9f/s1600/IMG_0163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpZ8NBN1G_oMkmgguMYjLHWrLRKF1EyvDk_JVrVhfi-md-ECGj_07H7wDg1T3at1PrKTe37a24nM8ib_02hiL74H18hrR5X2S4GAKpdjgSZQxQibWP3bG5PdeQgtLWNi2_FEodBikCt9f/s1600/IMG_0163.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></div>
When we saw the European Roller for the first time, we believed it was an Indian Roller. (Shame on us as we didn't bother to check the notes). Thanks to one of the guides who clarified.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUan9g4KG5RcLVL56uAJDoE7ZS9f2OrSWC9_8Gx_KTxk1GP1hAm4y7PBGWuKSyfOly8ym2QucXepU69gfabcnTndhdsy36arxZDP9BM7BAQJRnO-Q08ctw_rn9CqG21befUZirbh_9yj3/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUan9g4KG5RcLVL56uAJDoE7ZS9f2OrSWC9_8Gx_KTxk1GP1hAm4y7PBGWuKSyfOly8ym2QucXepU69gfabcnTndhdsy36arxZDP9BM7BAQJRnO-Q08ctw_rn9CqG21befUZirbh_9yj3/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Blue Bulls are everywhere in the park. And they would pose happily for you as well. A lovely sight indeed!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRmwMTjTrRajj4PAoTkgIRGuRTAmWHmVxKxtF0pUDvzL980s61bj0HYXcNXl7T6GYDSIh8pG1L4-EiZ05bVTdnOqGzQGh-U3lWGSmxBwL22sfxB9xrvsE4Ek0eci3iOpKK_FRwjUbUov2/s1600/IMG_9622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRmwMTjTrRajj4PAoTkgIRGuRTAmWHmVxKxtF0pUDvzL980s61bj0HYXcNXl7T6GYDSIh8pG1L4-EiZ05bVTdnOqGzQGh-U3lWGSmxBwL22sfxB9xrvsE4Ek0eci3iOpKK_FRwjUbUov2/s1600/IMG_9622.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
It's sulking time again! I clicked this picture on our way to Velavadar. It is not by any means the kind of picture which I will upload anywhere (from the quality point of view). I consider this as only a record shot and me lucky enough to sight the Sarus Crane family.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW-V8ax1MUA8JahspAOugQwyS5i77jiJtGBTEcZ1o0ZO8L5aWud9xMR4i6WOs6bsS0LyIfiMRnC4_NbtsZd1basqJV_DzcpfUldEL4JXIOCGZTAQMj2lZET6u2V8taz0L060Br0TsIaIa/s1600/IMG_9829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW-V8ax1MUA8JahspAOugQwyS5i77jiJtGBTEcZ1o0ZO8L5aWud9xMR4i6WOs6bsS0LyIfiMRnC4_NbtsZd1basqJV_DzcpfUldEL4JXIOCGZTAQMj2lZET6u2V8taz0L060Br0TsIaIa/s1600/IMG_9829.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another record shot. They DSLR zoom makes them look really near but they weren't. The predators of Velavadar - A Wolf Couple... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOSbPH3lgV32lrWDvrlRzpdScLrN6SgatVZCw60s9GRV-6tnnqE2z9vViJnoPf8ULnXBeXAOSyoKIYCVd5UOzlh5JnBmyM62uPxXnfkvBhRZYLU_pWau7KASbGAzlRHz01IEHhnTkxFR3/s1600/IMG_9934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcOSbPH3lgV32lrWDvrlRzpdScLrN6SgatVZCw60s9GRV-6tnnqE2z9vViJnoPf8ULnXBeXAOSyoKIYCVd5UOzlh5JnBmyM62uPxXnfkvBhRZYLU_pWau7KASbGAzlRHz01IEHhnTkxFR3/s1600/IMG_9934.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A couple of Black-Tailed Godwit's look on....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVZ4tuerj5uob0-FYpAKcTlE2VzFYmv3FJR6OWRUtHReIGrNX9x1uNCqj9yi-G18V1g56vABW1Zpfaue1IJeo5XZSQmFSij0-0fe8ko67r8878pVUWNMJu4HUcobjxz2LFayU1eoLwTU6/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVZ4tuerj5uob0-FYpAKcTlE2VzFYmv3FJR6OWRUtHReIGrNX9x1uNCqj9yi-G18V1g56vABW1Zpfaue1IJeo5XZSQmFSij0-0fe8ko67r8878pVUWNMJu4HUcobjxz2LFayU1eoLwTU6/s1600/IMG_0007.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
While some of the pictures above summed up our visit to this park, there is much more to it. The above picture again is a blurred one but the sighting of Lesser Florican - female was definitely a lifer!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Velavadar National Park is also known for being the largest roosting site for Harriers. We indeed got a chance to see many of them. Will definitely plan to visit the park yet again for photographing those wonderful birds of prey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt1S-kC123RFTzEbJn-laX6SH1bs5cSK7yopS_tsgFh06bvS4TrmvvGLF8KNuhq4AnEiA-UXcmE1UUDLGKd2ty_m9Sj4SbUVcqyL-xgtkIJ9jllUeVsrmzbdtNxbi2Zt1hnK7YukUyeLS/s1600/IMG_9637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt1S-kC123RFTzEbJn-laX6SH1bs5cSK7yopS_tsgFh06bvS4TrmvvGLF8KNuhq4AnEiA-UXcmE1UUDLGKd2ty_m9Sj4SbUVcqyL-xgtkIJ9jllUeVsrmzbdtNxbi2Zt1hnK7YukUyeLS/s1600/IMG_9637.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This entire trip was arranged by Mr. Ritesh Khatri whom we found equally enthusiastic as us. The time and effort he spent to make us comfortable were commendable. We'd always remember the enthusiasm he showed while chasing Sarus Cranes and when we were desperate to click Common Hoopoe. He lives in Ahmedabad and can be reached on +91 99092 43038.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsBLgOfetzpZ1RpGiN6DJ-H4I8ar54s4e_SSwb9Py4dytbDRVMEFiooKKkf6w_EnpL4ZNIZyHOtqkTObzl4q_O9HoqxXbPK9-zG_qPTH7p3Lg94RWvAId1SLsHdH9YeWY9sqyZiXMjY1W/s1600/IMG_0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsBLgOfetzpZ1RpGiN6DJ-H4I8ar54s4e_SSwb9Py4dytbDRVMEFiooKKkf6w_EnpL4ZNIZyHOtqkTObzl4q_O9HoqxXbPK9-zG_qPTH7p3Lg94RWvAId1SLsHdH9YeWY9sqyZiXMjY1W/s1600/IMG_0357.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Au revior!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-81052281742512211462014-11-16T19:07:00.001+05:302014-11-16T19:08:09.968+05:30The Road Signs of Ladakh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The roads across Ladakh with its curves and bends are one of the most dangerous roads I have ever come across. They are prone to shooting stones and the extreme climatic conditions make their maintenence very difficult. The Border Roads Organization who is responsible to maintain these roads are doing a commendable job. There are road signs everywhere and they are quite witty and full of humor. With these wise words, they want to ensure that the people driving on the roads reach their destinations safely. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8DwPNwY7yPHto2il8Qu0T0WV4BrbgAsOeF1cNGkjewBHtZtSm2VzIXSM4S5zJotBftXg52TmB2cEZAfKuQUkKxUb-M8cYiio3-ntFD93b_0oxp7aFgT6bxuViMB9tjoyU_x0wl7a8ePj/s1600/Roadsign2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8DwPNwY7yPHto2il8Qu0T0WV4BrbgAsOeF1cNGkjewBHtZtSm2VzIXSM4S5zJotBftXg52TmB2cEZAfKuQUkKxUb-M8cYiio3-ntFD93b_0oxp7aFgT6bxuViMB9tjoyU_x0wl7a8ePj/s1600/Roadsign2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWNgzKpCri66JrJeDFvZgtL0vhXIuIy8ljlHhKiqjCwLhigOItNddJpJ7uZVSy04ZpJlMUQaKj2LtwNL7jU-yyLYb_QPvm5j9OzSFdUgh-W_0urXXpXPse1WjIeTYvjIKvpUBcVFx6vl2/s1600/Roadsign3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWNgzKpCri66JrJeDFvZgtL0vhXIuIy8ljlHhKiqjCwLhigOItNddJpJ7uZVSy04ZpJlMUQaKj2LtwNL7jU-yyLYb_QPvm5j9OzSFdUgh-W_0urXXpXPse1WjIeTYvjIKvpUBcVFx6vl2/s1600/Roadsign3.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGejnhBX9HClo6b0t7VVeITTojFJKbISEiFP8L_5rvZjUQZBrV-HxVACDBEK0VlZzYKzdZfnET7xCwbx__syMoxfVjo9sADo-6t4KfKNEzdc8fK6NloNG7ctCPUqDVRUyM7XJkoZwvcUhV/s1600/Roadsign4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGejnhBX9HClo6b0t7VVeITTojFJKbISEiFP8L_5rvZjUQZBrV-HxVACDBEK0VlZzYKzdZfnET7xCwbx__syMoxfVjo9sADo-6t4KfKNEzdc8fK6NloNG7ctCPUqDVRUyM7XJkoZwvcUhV/s1600/Roadsign4.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHHgHIhsPFis9870g2eJin5QYy6rU7P0JsW2pgmJNlbAOpDta8Zw_cN0GCsSpa9Zk6xmYFQV6nwaOhXdMWljRJxN2RiMNYO-e_7U1ru3Mclnysg-A8r03D0DbpVzBObPlCK_99OncBgbJ/s1600/Roadsign5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHHgHIhsPFis9870g2eJin5QYy6rU7P0JsW2pgmJNlbAOpDta8Zw_cN0GCsSpa9Zk6xmYFQV6nwaOhXdMWljRJxN2RiMNYO-e_7U1ru3Mclnysg-A8r03D0DbpVzBObPlCK_99OncBgbJ/s1600/Roadsign5.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy648Pmvyu7QlbRw3B4drt1zJmYvII0IGpu87safHsLmtwzyFRQcOpnBvDRfwKqsUwsr_534jNOMYjqRAq0uFWtzvge_kqSzZNsZwWlAP0udSLnqkOYsIjekpNfenB_WrK5Vv-YvsGDy4z/s1600/Roadsign6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy648Pmvyu7QlbRw3B4drt1zJmYvII0IGpu87safHsLmtwzyFRQcOpnBvDRfwKqsUwsr_534jNOMYjqRAq0uFWtzvge_kqSzZNsZwWlAP0udSLnqkOYsIjekpNfenB_WrK5Vv-YvsGDy4z/s1600/Roadsign6.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrnPRGt8JK_f6U5JRWamsHI6Qv8XA_0fr7K5ZQpd1XZmhD-5o9oPOXVjjslQYki22jSPxEKO0mamMkWa4aq_B7qf69Rtir9ggYrbR5h8FilFU4mUOPSV51fz6B29cCS_xi0l5ERHTcr6p/s1600/Roadsign7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrnPRGt8JK_f6U5JRWamsHI6Qv8XA_0fr7K5ZQpd1XZmhD-5o9oPOXVjjslQYki22jSPxEKO0mamMkWa4aq_B7qf69Rtir9ggYrbR5h8FilFU4mUOPSV51fz6B29cCS_xi0l5ERHTcr6p/s1600/Roadsign7.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-2S83ssAFCQwgiGsBs3OZ3Ga96P13tm-ZhgUxo_04sdoCmx1Uo1QJufI-zFVWnXwe_ZJw0SV8U9ZlPCwRC0TG8YmCZSj3WL4F7T-ZahZOivbzy2eMbiYFw8IIJ6_HINeE2434dnvIGND/s1600/Roadsign8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-2S83ssAFCQwgiGsBs3OZ3Ga96P13tm-ZhgUxo_04sdoCmx1Uo1QJufI-zFVWnXwe_ZJw0SV8U9ZlPCwRC0TG8YmCZSj3WL4F7T-ZahZOivbzy2eMbiYFw8IIJ6_HINeE2434dnvIGND/s1600/Roadsign8.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1bqeR1e5pbfxCeoaK-3a-oBIfmJxjXoHYf-_EK0LiLvkbeXdLtdaqcm4RUGw_-7QssvGvRCmeCgNO-PDZ-JZCdQmgYqmZUQG9nSJCooLUgddyCDI7uN2NRK37UHFp4y4cD-vxu1y10JA/s1600/Roadsign9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1bqeR1e5pbfxCeoaK-3a-oBIfmJxjXoHYf-_EK0LiLvkbeXdLtdaqcm4RUGw_-7QssvGvRCmeCgNO-PDZ-JZCdQmgYqmZUQG9nSJCooLUgddyCDI7uN2NRK37UHFp4y4cD-vxu1y10JA/s1600/Roadsign9.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH13dVPxvQ971HN0-z0TaijGcZ45Ic9YpPYf7nbY9-nFzY4zv4G_7dQuxu3qyW6zuVjmfwyntwxgK25DzTgbE6hAZ-qQmrz8Btc_M3sDLREBU4aZcy26r_WGzzWC07sKiSP1V7o4qT_62X/s1600/Roadsign10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH13dVPxvQ971HN0-z0TaijGcZ45Ic9YpPYf7nbY9-nFzY4zv4G_7dQuxu3qyW6zuVjmfwyntwxgK25DzTgbE6hAZ-qQmrz8Btc_M3sDLREBU4aZcy26r_WGzzWC07sKiSP1V7o4qT_62X/s1600/Roadsign10.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9MipYwYGbxhDxGt_AAqfmieyHekBx5-Uot0Z51XvFd6UuqqxA_KWy0k8GnSdQ1nvCWktp_dOb02NdN8Ydr1rEsrqzfev4wpuGaIMjUOvXByh0iWnNwfRC7ymjnPrm3m7Kn89AgIi-l87/s1600/Roadsign1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9MipYwYGbxhDxGt_AAqfmieyHekBx5-Uot0Z51XvFd6UuqqxA_KWy0k8GnSdQ1nvCWktp_dOb02NdN8Ydr1rEsrqzfev4wpuGaIMjUOvXByh0iWnNwfRC7ymjnPrm3m7Kn89AgIi-l87/s1600/Roadsign1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-85183053078258030052014-11-16T12:22:00.001+05:302014-11-16T17:52:15.646+05:30Monastries of Ladakh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
The monastries or Gompas are one of the most frequented places in Ladakh. These rugged looking structures are situated on the top of the hillocks and reaching there is quite an achievement in itself. Behind the outer walls of the monastery, an intriguing mystical world awaits the visitors as they are greeted with the most beautiful symbols and paintings depicting the history of this Himalayan mystic land. These paintings also depict the spiritual teachings of Lord Buddha and signify victory of good over evil.<br />
<br />
The USP of these monastries in Ladakh is a statue of Lord Buddha which draws visitors from far and wide. And there are prayer wheels everywhere too which are to be rotated in a clock-wise direction. They lessen the amount of bad karma in one's lives. <br />
<br />
We had been to Shey and Thiksey monastries on our previous visit and hence decided skipped them this time around.<br />
<br />
In these pictures one thing which is notably absent is the azurre sky. We missed clear skies throughout our trip. We weren't entirely disappointed as the skies finally opened up at the Tso Moriri lake towards the end of our journey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDssy9H93GED2CDo7RwEt8160XcU6TPKEe7zhmB7IRBZwirNXCmAo89oDeBaYw-kWlX2C_uZQ984w0RlNAKoGE_58OhSmPJjHf-HIqh-90QmYtQq1S-A7AmP3OxsWOXrfzaqEBguKLe7Bd/s1600/IMG_8240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDssy9H93GED2CDo7RwEt8160XcU6TPKEe7zhmB7IRBZwirNXCmAo89oDeBaYw-kWlX2C_uZQ984w0RlNAKoGE_58OhSmPJjHf-HIqh-90QmYtQq1S-A7AmP3OxsWOXrfzaqEBguKLe7Bd/s1600/IMG_8240.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chortens - They can be seen everywhere in Ladakh. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEaCLL37BEGmE_THAuYGNVZBFbCOjvCEXLs-7Om05nX7EODiUfSngoS4SvMEUBz6NQ6f5qGz36kFpz0fcg1y7dITqjnM4kx2MrVxPAE35VImYvkCgPL7eOUlHaUV90iHfx1X3MsAZiSpE/s1600/IMG_8164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEaCLL37BEGmE_THAuYGNVZBFbCOjvCEXLs-7Om05nX7EODiUfSngoS4SvMEUBz6NQ6f5qGz36kFpz0fcg1y7dITqjnM4kx2MrVxPAE35VImYvkCgPL7eOUlHaUV90iHfx1X3MsAZiSpE/s1600/IMG_8164.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Prayer wheels at Alchi Gompa<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithxBOMOqyY-oCqevWyxVBeOAaVOFJM7baMkTYbmF6-dfytB54JPaDCuBiSA-tHRsYyw8R6HE6OxmtkofO60myC7QpB_SWh40h0rF__fl5JUdQVeW_Af3sVuMfFa0L6tWrwiWeX5O0bdME/s1600/Spituk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithxBOMOqyY-oCqevWyxVBeOAaVOFJM7baMkTYbmF6-dfytB54JPaDCuBiSA-tHRsYyw8R6HE6OxmtkofO60myC7QpB_SWh40h0rF__fl5JUdQVeW_Af3sVuMfFa0L6tWrwiWeX5O0bdME/s1600/Spituk1.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
Spituk Monastery - On our way to Lamayuru<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3jLYsddX5ZjVlufM37SvIrv1mK8Fb0cqjQM2wfxeXNH0j5xOYOK05RsJhTknxOaZRH7WGeWAegnWqqlyTL1jVdq5QiE7Gql2VGPj1ghix8s5VMeJ8ZTTSaKwistWoFApBODBeWlO7p1x/s1600/Lamayuru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3jLYsddX5ZjVlufM37SvIrv1mK8Fb0cqjQM2wfxeXNH0j5xOYOK05RsJhTknxOaZRH7WGeWAegnWqqlyTL1jVdq5QiE7Gql2VGPj1ghix8s5VMeJ8ZTTSaKwistWoFApBODBeWlO7p1x/s1600/Lamayuru.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Lamayuru monastery<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGieaV5IKjnrRKHTDZQdEO_D5FD2GbGgjpdAXKHK4pyO5HrHPB-zHeqERfOCLRpvzDemgbs0AAt4mFThCelFlIe-gEE-uEqiYENBvDYVvW34VBf88WIKcQMkIt67CWgf6AmuVsURpm0W-/s1600/Lamayuru2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGieaV5IKjnrRKHTDZQdEO_D5FD2GbGgjpdAXKHK4pyO5HrHPB-zHeqERfOCLRpvzDemgbs0AAt4mFThCelFlIe-gEE-uEqiYENBvDYVvW34VBf88WIKcQMkIt67CWgf6AmuVsURpm0W-/s1600/Lamayuru2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
Inside the Lamayuru monastery<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_IejCBS8-FppshFFq6mv1OWkPK8B9N7CcnpChmHB9U7ae1DRQKPrWyoF7qGOvV_eCWLgu_O_cMxmOdwGoD3u5p8idEvjcfde3o3HTe3R0iduwIt_Hw6Ohdriwu5t5p0zpPgJDzlk4-c1/s1600/Likir1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_IejCBS8-FppshFFq6mv1OWkPK8B9N7CcnpChmHB9U7ae1DRQKPrWyoF7qGOvV_eCWLgu_O_cMxmOdwGoD3u5p8idEvjcfde3o3HTe3R0iduwIt_Hw6Ohdriwu5t5p0zpPgJDzlk4-c1/s1600/Likir1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Likir monastery<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVsjM85XYb7wCLQbneA1OI4Bi4CeVO-_4pwfgfr25l_W8XsZwTZCm6eyviDaz0KDRIMaoouB9A2BbXQkvlNk1S-9Jj6da1AG_A8G5_5R5-NZCyggsf6NjBVmY9PWEz_57kTqtXc-qqOcF/s1600/Likir2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVsjM85XYb7wCLQbneA1OI4Bi4CeVO-_4pwfgfr25l_W8XsZwTZCm6eyviDaz0KDRIMaoouB9A2BbXQkvlNk1S-9Jj6da1AG_A8G5_5R5-NZCyggsf6NjBVmY9PWEz_57kTqtXc-qqOcF/s1600/Likir2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg1-LHGpqT7xxZg0tl7WPAsfqgQCqnd3uEl_jhY_HD-bXsQak3_I4RKGj6MQL8SN0ShmtxV2qR_4FIZbOtMQZFuwRS-Og6ajC2Lms8SiEeX1gkkb8TgiZaPpbmBF6NkumfgL_zmJwQptA/s1600/Likir3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkg1-LHGpqT7xxZg0tl7WPAsfqgQCqnd3uEl_jhY_HD-bXsQak3_I4RKGj6MQL8SN0ShmtxV2qR_4FIZbOtMQZFuwRS-Og6ajC2Lms8SiEeX1gkkb8TgiZaPpbmBF6NkumfgL_zmJwQptA/s1600/Likir3.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
The highlight - statue of Maitreya Buddha. It was specially prepared to celebrate the visit of Dalai Lamain June'14.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_ihpcpimuwzE6ly0J1SuGL1hNDx9Je5euT7qwmyH6lh4axWUDsA6_Hzv1sXB5h73J1f7T5TLlT-wOXLEKrshKTmWI9UKY5VFRYL-ifloD1P8pUVGZvJY3hYojcM5TDPGOzYYYvH7QtrB/s1600/Diskit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_ihpcpimuwzE6ly0J1SuGL1hNDx9Je5euT7qwmyH6lh4axWUDsA6_Hzv1sXB5h73J1f7T5TLlT-wOXLEKrshKTmWI9UKY5VFRYL-ifloD1P8pUVGZvJY3hYojcM5TDPGOzYYYvH7QtrB/s1600/Diskit1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diskit Gompa<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wmUaXrFO0CLwY8nVIWM0p8QHc75s282F48nhML9e6E6lBYYBsoBmcVh16m3hkgOcpKKOQ14TbLzHXpUbdJqIKErSDyGbHQMonJfgON67v3HU9LXc5uK0JngKoyA02GcTAldOnUOMDjJ1/s1600/IMG_8878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9wmUaXrFO0CLwY8nVIWM0p8QHc75s282F48nhML9e6E6lBYYBsoBmcVh16m3hkgOcpKKOQ14TbLzHXpUbdJqIKErSDyGbHQMonJfgON67v3HU9LXc5uK0JngKoyA02GcTAldOnUOMDjJ1/s1600/IMG_8878.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
The statue of Lord Buddha from the Diskit Gompa<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxsHL2EMbV2bLX3t6rAjA-K7LDCcQCPGh_8Jwb-iD3flBsVxobOqR1b28zw97cB6scrJC99QWogCv1q3vjOiAK9zn5cTqMLjEezFKF0LOvYMKebpjvTINP-n56fkdTgloFH1uZYv6QUGE/s1600/Hemis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxsHL2EMbV2bLX3t6rAjA-K7LDCcQCPGh_8Jwb-iD3flBsVxobOqR1b28zw97cB6scrJC99QWogCv1q3vjOiAK9zn5cTqMLjEezFKF0LOvYMKebpjvTINP-n56fkdTgloFH1uZYv6QUGE/s1600/Hemis1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRUpAdRka7A2v9LCbsQDNzE8POSe9IotuSM6S4F8ZVf9KjPs7Af_7qzzcLmDylV1Bw7-GZRLdR0w-b2jwY41quvZZRSDSqReeR0utPuyLmo-vfseIElJ5SVhk38isgQqlx5w6Va-neJwQ/s1600/Hemis2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRUpAdRka7A2v9LCbsQDNzE8POSe9IotuSM6S4F8ZVf9KjPs7Af_7qzzcLmDylV1Bw7-GZRLdR0w-b2jwY41quvZZRSDSqReeR0utPuyLmo-vfseIElJ5SVhk38isgQqlx5w6Va-neJwQ/s1600/Hemis2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hemis Gompa is the richest monastries of Ladakh</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsOQ1Pv1EYHTQ6L92XGn5bitJzi8bhgG_5U8pzqdxDuiCN4D7hHCDZIoEGX7NVT0AhqMuil_0F8-SYRjNEPjDOYJJuAjtuehoEqq8cl2E_tn28tNqYpYWYNSoi31ifG9QWx_ENp_4a_VR/s1600/Shanti+Stupa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsOQ1Pv1EYHTQ6L92XGn5bitJzi8bhgG_5U8pzqdxDuiCN4D7hHCDZIoEGX7NVT0AhqMuil_0F8-SYRjNEPjDOYJJuAjtuehoEqq8cl2E_tn28tNqYpYWYNSoi31ifG9QWx_ENp_4a_VR/s1600/Shanti+Stupa.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Shanti Stupa</div>
<br /></div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-46434857646014964522014-06-01T11:04:00.002+05:302014-11-15T23:24:20.281+05:30The Perfect faces of Ladakh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I don't remember if I was ever so curious to click portraits on any of my previous trips anywhere. And I don't think any thing has changed except the camera. As-a-matter-of-factly.. that is a mighty change indeed. The 18-135mm Canon lens is exceptional for taking close in pictures. <br />
<br />
As we know, the life in Ladakh is really harsh. The people who live there have only Summer's to look forward to, I believe (but I found Summer chill engulfing my body too). Because that is when the tourists start coming in and the Ladakhi's open their hearts to them. They are always smiling, cheerful and ever ready to pose for you. <br />
<br />
The monks too are really cordial and radiate warmth. They readily mingle with tourists and are always ready to fulfill most whims and fancies of tourists. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j-GEMTFIeFAo__HV43CE9F95U086Tc3qR1mXz3Q8OcPADDmwDr7iwCwY3vP-48iXvbYlmSadnGwzgL2tGhadW_wKhID8EldDAFDKNvfpSZkhh1NiCzJJryzGL2pqWaqZY3LTRuPXFVn2/s1600/IMG_8239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j-GEMTFIeFAo__HV43CE9F95U086Tc3qR1mXz3Q8OcPADDmwDr7iwCwY3vP-48iXvbYlmSadnGwzgL2tGhadW_wKhID8EldDAFDKNvfpSZkhh1NiCzJJryzGL2pqWaqZY3LTRuPXFVn2/s1600/IMG_8239.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
While in Lamayru, this young monk was running from pillar to post to make senior monks comfortable and was always wearing a smile. He readily posed for me when I asked for one.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsED4c2gQwqAv4eb5A1OwJ-FCYdikHYEwxE5Ui0rjgPULdxRvetcHIbxXBBSH7Fs05_ao_xuQEMwHzj8PbU8E3zyrrohwNzB4mevZfNs09YXOMJRF2RrVALcZQSYf9bIRoYKBuNtO47IE/s1600/IMG_8238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsED4c2gQwqAv4eb5A1OwJ-FCYdikHYEwxE5Ui0rjgPULdxRvetcHIbxXBBSH7Fs05_ao_xuQEMwHzj8PbU8E3zyrrohwNzB4mevZfNs09YXOMJRF2RrVALcZQSYf9bIRoYKBuNtO47IE/s1600/IMG_8238.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I saw her the day when we reached Lamayru, but didn't have the courage to ask her to pose for me. When I finally did, I noticed she was continously chanting mantras. It was then I regretted asking her because I thought that may break the train of chants, but she was as serene as ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw63UHjvSWxrLRNMdtUEkGSBsqlGYPGJ92QT7dLccA2NNh6N_GLDbXfOQcxtfyYax9Bn82RACYBqMQfRCZbr0ZZo60p6FhG9ZInhOmrvG-D5K94GMSgCvhSHSmkYxz6H-H8oa8Ge2gUltO/s1600/IMG_8884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw63UHjvSWxrLRNMdtUEkGSBsqlGYPGJ92QT7dLccA2NNh6N_GLDbXfOQcxtfyYax9Bn82RACYBqMQfRCZbr0ZZo60p6FhG9ZInhOmrvG-D5K94GMSgCvhSHSmkYxz6H-H8oa8Ge2gUltO/s1600/IMG_8884.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXOiHwbAHXugOYj_fOYpnmkctgzWmo5E5kjW8e_T2k6TrW-ZN15u39Lo2KfklSOYpA-cpEshsvloVYdx9sU2nwxS8puyEYLmC11UP2GfHxmAvrXUzuRhO4JBu1z4J8Y9RpGmQXnm6X8gn/s1600/IMG_8885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXOiHwbAHXugOYj_fOYpnmkctgzWmo5E5kjW8e_T2k6TrW-ZN15u39Lo2KfklSOYpA-cpEshsvloVYdx9sU2nwxS8puyEYLmC11UP2GfHxmAvrXUzuRhO4JBu1z4J8Y9RpGmQXnm6X8gn/s1600/IMG_8885.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We met the two monks at the Diskit monastery. These gentlemen were eager to know where we had come from and where we were headed to. Knowing we are from Mumbai, one of them mentioned it is a huge city and they are not used to living in such places. But they will be visiting Bangalore soon. The monastries where they live send them to other monastries so that there is interaction between monks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL6aY07sV9nSB4UFZa8wz0HG_njW4YoVh19Hk_JbQGguZmPgNkYEQNGCJCI6Ulp-0XOD6aMPgTkTiCcR1lDLe49B-5FXmIBWl_a_lIsSbhS-N8G4odsul9Jl3SSw3Nh3gqGeGuKGjb8yZ/s1600/IMG_9212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlL6aY07sV9nSB4UFZa8wz0HG_njW4YoVh19Hk_JbQGguZmPgNkYEQNGCJCI6Ulp-0XOD6aMPgTkTiCcR1lDLe49B-5FXmIBWl_a_lIsSbhS-N8G4odsul9Jl3SSw3Nh3gqGeGuKGjb8yZ/s1600/IMG_9212.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UvVM_4Ypgpddkp3N8n9QmO5zwZygnFkBbLDOHIiWg9XOaj1APH98xx_yguNTEXKSKZL5p4e2Xr2HvGHXIYcEFX41isVjbSREiiE5QWfbO0cMlKPYcMh6F7YqVf06Fuv50pLsdIDdwxAA/s1600/IMG_9206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UvVM_4Ypgpddkp3N8n9QmO5zwZygnFkBbLDOHIiWg9XOaj1APH98xx_yguNTEXKSKZL5p4e2Xr2HvGHXIYcEFX41isVjbSREiiE5QWfbO0cMlKPYcMh6F7YqVf06Fuv50pLsdIDdwxAA/s1600/IMG_9206.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
The two gentlemen above were present at one of the richest monastries of Ladakh - Hemis. The monastery is a home to more than 100 monks, has a huge museum and a souvenir shop. These monks stay at the place, meditate and act as care-takers of the museum and the shop.<br />
==========================================================================<br />
<br />
It has been a while I brought my camera but I have never attempted clicking kids. This was my first time and they haven't disappointed. Moreover, the kids in Ladakh have perfect and photogenic faces. I would never resist clicking them ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuxLu3u6uS7lN5JlyI1OtKth26GzeGV2hbjQehsijgCJZCrfsVdr7neJa5lH0WX0EZ9tViwpeHfa4E0XDLbbn2USXZJGSHBolnbf1Gv24xTCqfGzUSroVeQ7ORQ6wrpX8EDn4r8yzruIo/s1600/IMG_8236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuxLu3u6uS7lN5JlyI1OtKth26GzeGV2hbjQehsijgCJZCrfsVdr7neJa5lH0WX0EZ9tViwpeHfa4E0XDLbbn2USXZJGSHBolnbf1Gv24xTCqfGzUSroVeQ7ORQ6wrpX8EDn4r8yzruIo/s320/IMG_8236.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At Lamayuru monastery</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGH1piQ_5LypGLD4PthIiGUI394v_mpw_Hj7DRCwT5OfSwz_wpaDkYbYXa3kZT6H-pebnYdMvaG_Z4q0y5DMyi6cn8hs1VO-RgxmHfHY8Cwv9tHqWVZxbGsh-HYz2h2hXjCzuHi0NcTKV/s1600/IMG_9025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGH1piQ_5LypGLD4PthIiGUI394v_mpw_Hj7DRCwT5OfSwz_wpaDkYbYXa3kZT6H-pebnYdMvaG_Z4q0y5DMyi6cn8hs1VO-RgxmHfHY8Cwv9tHqWVZxbGsh-HYz2h2hXjCzuHi0NcTKV/s1600/IMG_9025.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At Pangong</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-79161418775686736892013-11-24T21:26:00.001+05:302013-11-24T21:26:23.919+05:30Little Rann - Hotel Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Little Rann - Hotel Review<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwQmk7Cjna4KuP0xcRxixbcxr8KZfJDyXUuAi1nST9RR1mPkJwyMMpOp9rak1Qyusnj-n5tGldc1g4lYI2cqXf3vif8ak7A1HbTC_s-d1rz4iGeElb_6sGJqADMnWLPi00nAODik0Vxw8/s1600/Little+Rann.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwQmk7Cjna4KuP0xcRxixbcxr8KZfJDyXUuAi1nST9RR1mPkJwyMMpOp9rak1Qyusnj-n5tGldc1g4lYI2cqXf3vif8ak7A1HbTC_s-d1rz4iGeElb_6sGJqADMnWLPi00nAODik0Vxw8/s320/Little+Rann.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> Kooba Hut</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">During any wild life trip, I normally try and concentrate
on the content than on anything else including accommodation the place offers. While
there are many national parks in India which offer good accommodation but my
experience suggests to not to expect much rather look for good sightings in the
park itself. But I do crave for good food while away from home since it keeps you
in good spirits for long safari’s which can be tiring at times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Last week we decided to go to the Little Rann of
Kutch near Dhrangadhra in Gujarat known for its splendid beauty and the Wild
Ass Sanctuary. This place is famous for Wild Asses (as the name suggests) and vast
number of birds that arrive here at the advent of winter. Though the bookings
were done much in advance, we did not spend much time researching for places
offering accommodation around the Little Rann simply because we came across the
Devjibhai’s website (<a href="http://littlerann.com/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://littlerann.com</span></a>)
which seemed a nice place. When I went through the content of the site, I immediately
decided to book it for the tour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This place owned by renowned wild life
conservationist and photographer Devjibhai Dhamecha offers Kooba huts as well
as home stays at reasonable rates. When I spoke to Devjibhai, he assured me not
to worry about too much about food and he would take care of our needs. Since our
basic necessity - good food was taken care of by him, I didn’t waste much time
and booked a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kooba</i> hut for a weekend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The plan was to stay overnight at Sankheshwar
Parshvanath and travel to Devjibhai’s place the next day. Even though the
driver was a local, he struggled to locate the place. That is when I called up
Devjibhai for help. He asked me to hand over the phone to the driver. But I kept
it on speaker for me to hear as well. I wasn’t surprised to know how well
Devjibhai knew the places around Dhrangadhra (he is into this business for
almost 35 years) because he explained every detail minutely. He gave concise instructions
about every sign board, every road and every landmark. We were about 40
kilometres away but it did not require a second phone call to Devjibhai asking for
directions again. Needles to say, we were impressed!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When we reached his place, a little boy (Devjibhai’s
grandson – Vikram) opened the gates for us. Soon I met the warm and hospitable
Devjibhai himself who let me settle down in the beautiful and comfortable <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kooba</i> hut. When I enquired about lunch,
he assured me that it wasn’t ready yet but would be ready in the next 30
minutes. A little later, Meena ben appeared at our door step and introduced herself
as Devjibhai’s daughter. She courteously asked us what we would like to eat. She
was well aware that we were travelling from Sankheshwar and may only like to eat
Jain food hence she wanted to check if there were any special requests so that
the arrangements can be made immediately. It is then we felt a bit of hustling
amongst the family members to ensure we were comfortable. On learning we weren’t
quite fans of what she had prepared, she quietly prepared another vegetable in a
really short time ensuring our satisfaction. A little while later we were
served with an authentic, hot, delicious and home-made food comprising of
Chappatti, Vegetables, Dal and Rice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This place in the Kidi village, is managed by
Devjibhai’s family which I felt really helps them manage the place really well.
The family was really hospitable and constantly assured we feel at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Post lunch, Devjibhai asked us the reason why we
chose to visit the little rann and was happy to know we were bird-watchers.
Next he did what he does best. He showed me a map of the rann and enthusiastically
explained what to expect in the 3 safari outings planned for us. While I curiously
enquired if the temperatures really dipped at night, the family proactively
made arrangements of adequate blankets in the hut so that we enjoy our stay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">While I was wondering who we’d be doing the safari
with, my questions were answered with the entry of Ajay Dhamecha. Ajay too like
his father is a photographer and a bird-watcher. Most importantly, he knows the
place so well. On the safari’s, we were joined by Dominique Brugiere from
France. It was a joy to have him on board, because it meant we didn’t have to
refer Salim Ali’s book (The book of Indian birds) for identification of sighting
of previously unseen species since we had two knowledgeable guys alongside us. We
really had a great time in the LRK sighting a really good number of birds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">On the day when we were to leave, there was a change
in our plans at the last minute. Devjibhai immediately ensured we had proper
lunch before leaving, thus making the stay memorable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-63210454007845791932013-09-09T17:25:00.000+05:302013-09-09T17:25:20.140+05:30Sunset colours in vibrant Udaipur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
While on a self-imposed hiatus, I sat sipping coffee near the window of
my hotel room overlooking Lake Pichola and had a postcard-perfect view
of the famous City Palace. The lake was possessed of a mesmerizing charm
and looked stunning in the early morning light. The surrounding
temples, ghats and hotels made it look more dramatic.<br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1142">
I was in Udaipur – the city
chosen as the best in the world in a poll by Travel + Leisure magazine
in 2009, where history, culture, architecture and style intersect in an
unparalleled environment, and home to people from the Rajput clan whose
favorite pastimes are horse-riding and polo.</div>
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1142">
<br /></div>
We reached Udaipur from Pushkar. While travelling in Rajasthan, you
can visualize the beauty of everyday village life. Young and gentle
women wearing colorful clothing and living in incredibly small houses
still manage a serene smile on their lips – something incredible in
itself. It was as if I was transported to a never-seen-before India.<br />
<br />
Udaipur town is different, though. Crowds and sudden traffic jams
were evident the moment we got there. Afternoons are warmer even when
the climate is supposedly at its best in winter. But the setting sun
grabs your heart with a fierce intensity and that is when the true
Udaipur emerges. The historical forts and hotels look stunning in the
fading evening light.<br />
<br />
Most hotels are <em>havelis</em> and the walls of the hotel rooms and
corridors are adorned with photographs of royal lineage. You can drink
and have a candlelight dinner on the rooftops of these hotels while the
surroundings can make any event memorable.<br />
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1155">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1155">
Udaipur is an ideal location to
spend a couple of days without getting bored and the places can be
explored by foot. The City Palace is an opulent spectacle and a feast
for any camera. You can spend an entire morning in the museum drooling
at the artifacts used by the erstwhile rulers of Rajasthan. The vintage
car collection at Hotel Garden near the City Palace has Chevrolets,
Fords, Mercedes et al and is a treat for discerning connoisseurs.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1490">
Culturally significant landmarks
like the Nathdwara temple, the Jagdish temple and the Eklingji temple
make Udaipur irresistible. People who have an eye for architectural
grandeur can also visit the Kumbhalgarh Fort, the birthplace of the
Rajput hero Maha Rana Pratap. A few kilometers away from Kumbhalgarh is
the famous Haldighati arena where the Mughal emperor Akbar defeated Rana
Pratap, who fled the scene and lived in oblivion but refused to accept
the lordship of the Mughals, which made him the hero that he is today.</div>
<br />The aeons-old Ranakpur Jain temple is exquisitely carved. An
authentic lunch at the Jain dharamshala would make you think that the
chefs here are the best in the world.<br />
<br />
If you have mastered the art of bargaining, you are at the right
place for shopping. The moment you enter any shop, the owner and his
assistants make you sit comfortably before starting to show hundreds of
varieties of carpets, bedsheets, kurtas, pants, and many other materials
of rich tapestry. You can also shop for exquisite antiques, postcards,
jewelry and more. A word of caution – the place can burn a hole in your
pocket.<br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1516">
One striking feature of this
place is that the local people treat travelers with utmost respect and
make them feel special. This desert city has many more surprises in
store. It is a must for the owners of a cluttered mind. You’ll return
home entirely enamored.</div>
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1516">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1516">
<b>Published on Yahoo Travel blogs</b>:</div>
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1516">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_9_1_1_1378727593836_1516">
http://in.lifestyle.yahoo.com/blogs/traveler/sunset-colours-vibrant-udaipur-054818879.html#more-id </div>
</div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-13793758813800647212013-08-17T11:07:00.001+05:302013-08-17T11:45:40.752+05:30Fort Aguada by Taj - Hotel Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Well, Yes. You got to give it to Taj Aguada for
being really warm and hospitable. We had been to this place in the month of
July (considered an off-season) when monsoon is at its peak in Goa. Most of the
beaches have red flags fluttering on them indicating choppy waters and a strict
no-no to tourists to wander nearby. Since it was raining most of the time, we stayed
put in sea-facing hotel room watching rain drops falling from above. Our
holidays are normally packed with activities but this was something unusual for
us as we spent 6 days not doing much (except reading novels) without getting
bored. Thanks to ambience of the hotel and the greenery surrounding it. They definitely
were more than enchanting.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5o8L3xctxOmjE58smI0zx9fbOzngztMCWk16trripwHm7IYFjV70hNz9K9HzTgIwgQpRYNf1Oe4ZM6_THG4Dy0CpcXK5f22iyjzo56xB6QDlTmx1fIBRvKFbhP9jQdUfK_Ls6vf9aLIH/s1600/IMG_5459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5o8L3xctxOmjE58smI0zx9fbOzngztMCWk16trripwHm7IYFjV70hNz9K9HzTgIwgQpRYNf1Oe4ZM6_THG4Dy0CpcXK5f22iyjzo56xB6QDlTmx1fIBRvKFbhP9jQdUfK_Ls6vf9aLIH/s320/IMG_5459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> The Reception area</o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Situated about 90 minutes away from the airport, the
location of the hotel is ideal. They offer a pick up and drop facility from the
airport as well. Our bookings were done through a travel agent who goofed up
while making the arrangements. This was conveyed to us by the hotel staff at
the reservation desk when we checked in. But at the same time, they asked us to
stay calm and enjoy the stay. They knew we were travelling from Mumbai and ushered
us to the restaurant immediately for lunch but made it a point to sort things out
with the agent.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKl0dy9_Oc3TWvBPBB6XvsJ0U_GpMb2DJrGacZGU9aAtuQzvSLG1zgouOY3rdU93Shfr6kJ15Ld8GasL_Cg1k9h3nXHStz40X_e_sAxPDNFdJeVbCM0yHZmp54HtJTOnxymxVhvrYQs-x/s1600/IMG_5617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKl0dy9_Oc3TWvBPBB6XvsJ0U_GpMb2DJrGacZGU9aAtuQzvSLG1zgouOY3rdU93Shfr6kJ15Ld8GasL_Cg1k9h3nXHStz40X_e_sAxPDNFdJeVbCM0yHZmp54HtJTOnxymxVhvrYQs-x/s320/IMG_5617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> The pool side</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The hotel has a sea facing pool side which is an
attraction for most guests. In addition they also have other entertainment
activities by the pool side. You can indulge in Zorbing or can play Table Tennis,
Pool or Tennis. The food is amazing with a lot of options for both vegetarians,
non-vegetarians and foreigners alike at the multi cuisine restaurant named
Latitude and for sure can tickle anyone’s avaricious instincts. On most occasions,
the staff at the restaurant were constantly on their toes to make us comfortable.
The authorities consider music an integral part of Taj heritage and therefore
some really good artists play soothing music in the evenings at dinner time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The staff was unfailingly polite and our every
encounter with them left us wondering if smile ever left their faces. They were
always willing to help. There were a lot of couples like us staying in the
hotel and they ensured adequate privacy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4FdvQumolS9Mz40cp4Ta_qtJI0KMc6aBkqzzwkllz20ecfFrLvg2lIP1PoPcXEZV1HKShXPFjRBLvCB1potSWtEL4-5W0zjTc8IQyNWHeGRH6haZbFo_yuJVkmbDuJUlWOOYgtp-QgIG/s1600/IMG_5679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4FdvQumolS9Mz40cp4Ta_qtJI0KMc6aBkqzzwkllz20ecfFrLvg2lIP1PoPcXEZV1HKShXPFjRBLvCB1potSWtEL4-5W0zjTc8IQyNWHeGRH6haZbFo_yuJVkmbDuJUlWOOYgtp-QgIG/s320/IMG_5679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> View from the hotel room</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This was my first time with Taj and I am sure it won’t certainly be the last time.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-39422814335507666012013-05-26T22:37:00.003+05:302013-05-26T22:49:45.333+05:30Movie Review : Fast and Furious 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b> Movie Review : Fast and Furious 6</b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtJldPl6y5bHXr4XRfC_A7ucaZ6gssb3PzkryvN8C-KX9zVjeTrKCLZF_5h5xYDodM5cFH2Qa4UwVNxjx45C-0Q2Rs3z2_Qgir1sYCycV5jOemAZdGYbvLAiXZ8WrnrKxvaRLyMPX9zJS/s1600/FNF.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtJldPl6y5bHXr4XRfC_A7ucaZ6gssb3PzkryvN8C-KX9zVjeTrKCLZF_5h5xYDodM5cFH2Qa4UwVNxjx45C-0Q2Rs3z2_Qgir1sYCycV5jOemAZdGYbvLAiXZ8WrnrKxvaRLyMPX9zJS/s320/FNF.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What I thought was most impressive about Fast and
Furious 6 was the end of the film in particular which provides an inkling about
the sequel with Jason Statham. As he warns Dominic Torreto (Vin Diesel), fans have
already started speculating what his role would be. Talking about this one, the
current crew members of the film who were present in the previous version also
really impress - one and all. The one-liners by Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson (popularly
known as The Rock) are simply superb.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The film begins with Torreto and his family - Brian
O'Connor (Paul Walker) and Mia (Jordana Brewster) are having fun with earnings
from the million dollar heist in the previous sequel. However, the peace is
short lived as Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) shows up and asks for their help against
an ex-British agent turned criminal - Shaw (Luke Evans). In return he promises
to wipe off their criminal records. In addition, Torreto can also win his lost
love considered dead - Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) who is alive, suffering from
amnesia and is in Shaw's company. This is a strong reason for Torreto to come
back to do things what he is best at, along with his team. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The first encounter with Shaw is an eye-wash for
Dom's team and they are on the back foot immediately against the bad guy. But
the good thing is the audience does not have to wait for long before the film's
USP comes knocking - fast cars and unimaginable action scenes. Dom's team sticks
together and is always on the look to hunt down Shaw. There is a show-off
between Dom and Letty but she doesn’t remember him and fires a bullet at him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dom however follows her and convinces her about
his intentions before the climax dawns. Evans is captured by Torreto and Hobbs.
However, he has other plans and gets Mia kidnapped. While he is about to flee in
a jumbo aircraft, Dom's team in their fast cars arrive to stop him and they do
that eventually. Torreto’s emergence from the burning aircraft is awesome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dom and Hobbs are superb in their respective
fighting scenes. Being the producer of the film, Vin Diesel of course always will
have more footage than Johnson but at the same time doesn't mind being a second
fiddle in a few other scenes where Johnson takes the lead. And Johnson simply
grabs those chances with both hands. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Tej (Ludacris) and Han (Sung
Kang) which were present in previous versions also are comical and really good.
The climax suggests that this may be the last one for Sung Kang as it was the
last for his girl friend Gisele (Gal Gadot) who gets killed. Luke Evans could
have been an exceptional bad guy but he is just okay. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I read somewhere that the makers of the film were
considering making a 3-D film but I think they have done a good job without it.
The effects are exceptional especially towards the end where a tank cuts loose
on a Spanish highway. Overall it’s a good film and the fans would love it
specifically because the film gives its fans what they want. And this definitely
is not for the faint-hearted.</span></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6623639589284491330.post-30466735432214804592013-04-28T10:01:00.001+05:302013-04-28T11:15:22.908+05:30PAST FORWARD: Sunset Special: A photo essay of my personal voyages<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">PAST FORWARD: Sunset Special: A photo essay of my personal voyages</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>Sam: Jaisalmer</strong></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Sam is easily the most visited place in Jaisalmer but sadly has turned a bit commercial now. Most tourists come from far off places to watch the sunset at the Thar Desert sand dunes which at times look like a belly of a dancing damsel. <br />
<br />
Be aware that the camel care taker may at times rip you off for the fare to watch the sunset. But watching the sun alter its length here is a life time experience nevertheless. Most hotels around Sam arrange for a camel ride into the Thar followed by Rajasthani cultural programs every evening. <br />
<br />
We stayed at Chokhi Dhani for 2 nights and I definitely recommend it for a sojourn of at least a night. The sunset hues are absolutely breathtaking and the sky is brilliantly filled with stars once darkness takes over. While in Jaisalmer, miss Sam at your own peril.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuTuQF5aPYiyUK92HUz1_W_7KNeDMTZOTtgNJNe7jEBgzCLZUhaYguKUd_IabwdokL27c-pEoftOB9kgSlzvljax-SUftEZaLimaeHGzdl3S7N106YWpOiub_oRCedxKZdUld3OAFj5iU/s1600/Sam_Jaisalmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuTuQF5aPYiyUK92HUz1_W_7KNeDMTZOTtgNJNe7jEBgzCLZUhaYguKUd_IabwdokL27c-pEoftOB9kgSlzvljax-SUftEZaLimaeHGzdl3S7N106YWpOiub_oRCedxKZdUld3OAFj5iU/s320/Sam_Jaisalmer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At Sam - Jaisalmer <br />
<br />
<strong>Kerala: Alleppey</strong> <br />
<br />
I was at the Alleppey beach at sunset - one of the southern most tip of India way back in 2010. The sunset is breathtaking as the sky simply erupts into an explosion of crimson light. After sunset, there is only a sparse crowd left on the beach unlike many other beaches in India (Goa for example) and this lets you enjoy solitude. A stroll at the incredibly picturesque Alleppey beach is a wonderful and an unforgettable experience. It was our first day in Kerala and this splendid experience at the beach was an ideal setting for the entire trip. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXfyJjmHaOLj-inWbManj7BodrZjIYYX6zG4c7nZj32Hq3gDP25KVz5tLQwShIgxghy3EAH0WqUPJKkmQ8RtBXio22sLBqhkILAsz5Pj86zyhcIS24TUMu0oIjjNHgrHSdR7RVUVUrtpS/s1600/Allepey_Kerala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXfyJjmHaOLj-inWbManj7BodrZjIYYX6zG4c7nZj32Hq3gDP25KVz5tLQwShIgxghy3EAH0WqUPJKkmQ8RtBXio22sLBqhkILAsz5Pj86zyhcIS24TUMu0oIjjNHgrHSdR7RVUVUrtpS/s320/Allepey_Kerala.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At Alleppey beach - Kerala <br />
<br />
<strong>Tarkarli: Malvan</strong> <br />
<br />
We went to Tarkarli over a long week end. The plan was to spend a night at the MTDC resort in Tarkarli and then another one at Ganpati Phule. Since July had just begun and it was not a tourist season, we throughly enjoyed our stay in a tourist-less Tarkarli and fell in love yet again with the pale romantic rays of the Sun. Spending a couple of days at the villages in Malvan are truly a much required break in today's frenetic life style. It was raining when we reached there but the grey clouds finally parted and light shone through to allow our cameras go click-click.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK6KyihaJf5QZOG3IuxMHdYRvXyZb2NCLAeWFAR6uQT-rFUJn-2YGqJaDfoq2Vuw9pyaOxqtJcTnFhfPYM0_hsPoXjcElBUotuZuaAg7-GZ8COAP6UGgL5WyKQAeVau20jCcLrr37scFq/s1600/Tarkarli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK6KyihaJf5QZOG3IuxMHdYRvXyZb2NCLAeWFAR6uQT-rFUJn-2YGqJaDfoq2Vuw9pyaOxqtJcTnFhfPYM0_hsPoXjcElBUotuZuaAg7-GZ8COAP6UGgL5WyKQAeVau20jCcLrr37scFq/s320/Tarkarli.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Tarkarli Beach <br />
<br />
<strong>Koteshwar: Kachchh</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
The village of Narayan Sarovar in Kachchh - that's the place where I belong. Every visit here has been an anticipated one. Though born and brought up in Mumbai, I do believe I am a Mumbaikar at heart but sometimes its the roots that you want to return to. I have recently started visiting this place once a year and already possess some amazing pictures of a beautiful sunset at the one of the western most tips of India. The Koteshwar temple is about a km away from the Narayan Sarovar village.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJcoaUUBBkvQvUdWlgG4zDc6kuhYpb92A2tZlXEIlejcz3c5B8TjLJ_kq_jhLuBTLIJwowQTzv0FRrbQFyMbVScUtdV4_WgWk6WLU0oOwSWcO3oLRem4jA1KC261qy0LPWIqZTp45bO9S/s1600/Koteshwar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJcoaUUBBkvQvUdWlgG4zDc6kuhYpb92A2tZlXEIlejcz3c5B8TjLJ_kq_jhLuBTLIJwowQTzv0FRrbQFyMbVScUtdV4_WgWk6WLU0oOwSWcO3oLRem4jA1KC261qy0LPWIqZTp45bO9S/s320/Koteshwar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At the Koteshwar jetty<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Marine Drive: Mumbai</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Most times at Marine Drive I haven't had my camera to capture the sunset pictures but this time was different. I got this one when I was here a couple of months back with some close friends. <br />
<br />
The Marine drive and Nariman point make Mumbai the financial capital of India and I always wonder if people working here would for a moment stop to relish such an amazing sight while rushing home after work. I never did when I was working here and now I know what I have missed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrz6mIXPAPw8OnRXCOxJtkQ4cJrHIX00aghGC6jQogWmbJpYvsH2Pn6GGa5lPfa7-WJjLWJdDjZYxvg-n8xPcnx6d_WcHXdbYXWxeKrtjQIX91EzT2JkVvDl2bSy0GhLGb2-vdxGYsOzF/s1600/Marine+Drive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" lwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrz6mIXPAPw8OnRXCOxJtkQ4cJrHIX00aghGC6jQogWmbJpYvsH2Pn6GGa5lPfa7-WJjLWJdDjZYxvg-n8xPcnx6d_WcHXdbYXWxeKrtjQIX91EzT2JkVvDl2bSy0GhLGb2-vdxGYsOzF/s320/Marine+Drive.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
On one of the bank holidays at Marine Drive <br />
</div>
Vishal Joshihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15827153076263351880noreply@blogger.com0