Gave 'Dil' to Hockey: Part 2 of 2

To Read Part 1, click here

To put things in perspective, this was the ‘Do or Die’ match for India. Having won comfortably against Pakistan and lost meekly to Australia, India had to win this one to stay in contention. The goal immediately in front of us was of India’s in the first half and we got to see a lot of action. The Spaniards were breathing down our necks all the while. It never felt that India were in the game. The ball was all over the place and our striking abilities seemed like a big Achilles’s heel. The game which looks zapping on the television comes in waves and Indian defense was always caught napping. The boisterous crowd became adept at clinging to the silence as and when the Indian D was raided. It was only a matter of time before Spain was up 1-0.

The hunt for equalizer resulted in India’s first penalty corner, deep into the first half. Had it been just the noise made by the crowd on the penalty corner, Referee would have given a goal to India, but…alas. Sandeep Singh experienced the fall from the pedestal after being hero-worshipped since the India Pakistan match. He (or the Team) would fail 5 out of possible 6 times during the match. The gradual transitioning of the crowd’s mood from being supporter to an outsider was visible. What kept us sitting was the belief in the next 35 minutes as Spain led 2-0.

The game was played with utmost punctuality, measured to the seconds. The first touch on the ball was precisely ten minutes zero seconds after the break. The first ten minutes of the second half were an eye candy to an Indian Hockey Fan. The precise passes, the mid-field magic, the play for possession and frequent dashes to the other half made the experience exhilarating. Within minutes, India earned their second penalty corner and converted it with a sense of purpose and utmost ease. The audience got their few moments to cherish as the placards which were biting shoes during the half time were dusted off and held high. ‘Come, Fall in Love’ stated a placard while the tunes of ‘Chak De India’ reverberated through the stands. With this goal, we fell in love with Hockey. We started planning to watch India’s next match with England that too in the stadium; perhaps with a 500 Rs, ticket. By the way, this was the only time when the ‘Cheer Girls’ were really smiling. The score line read 2-1 in favor of Spain with more than half an hour of play remaining. We sensed a chance.














‘If your flag is flying high, bullets will hit everyone but you,’ used to say our MBA professor. Ours was not flying high that day. Back to back goals within minutes of play made the collective ‘heart’ of the ‘ecstatic crowd’ come out. The goal and the goal to the semis now seemed a distant dream, only to be fulfilled by some supernatural activity. The giant screen declared the score line as 4-1 and I felt like bombarding the screen with imaginary cannon balls. Hockey balls however were repeatedly finding the nets. India went a goal better the next minute but the crowd’s conviction level was all evaporated by then. The fight in the mid-field ensued and each passing minute brought us closer to a loss. When India lost 4-2, I could hear one of the many disappointed fans saying in Shahrukh Khan’s style – ‘Those 70 minutes, those 70 minutes of ours were wasted by the Hockey team.’

The whole ambience was so dazzling that we never felt the pain of India losing. It was a new experience and we enjoyed thoroughly as our pre-set notions about stadium viewing were dismantled by the impeccable conduct of the match. It’s only when we were out of the stadium that it began to sink in. We gave our ‘Dil’ to India; winning would help!

P.S. I enjoyed our way back to the car park in CP on an overloaded auto (6 people). It was so nice of the traffic policemen to allow it that way.
By the way, India lost 5-2 which I got to know while I watched the midnight news bulletin in an effort to figure out if ‘I was Live on TV when I gave my Dil to Indian Hockey’

Gave 'Dil' to Hockey: Part 1 of 2

When I trumpeted on Facebook that I am going to watch India Pakistan World Cup Hockey Match Live at the stadium, I got many eager responses. Though I did not get the ticket of that match, I resolutely promised to give my ‘Dil’ to hockey by watching upcoming matches. It was any how important to have an in stadia hockey experience in order to find a nice spot between embarrassment and boasting; among my colleagues.

The ticketgenie (online ticketing website) is lazy, stubborn and useless. India versus Australia tickets were not available through internet. India versus Spain match, bang in the middle of the week; in the middle of the evening made little sense and required huge planning and luck.

I raced my work like a swift center forward throughout the day to ensure timely departure from office. My last pit stop at office, before driving off to the stadium was the washroom. Asking directions over the phone, I bumped into the company’s COO. Animated he was…and guided me to the National Stadium – ‘behind the canopy which is behind India Gate’. I had permission.

We parked our cars at Connaught Place and took an auto to the stadium. As we approached the venue, I felt more and more apprehensive. I thought that pushing and shoving, hunger (with no food stalls or hawkers) and exhaustion would reign supreme. The entry into the stadium was in fact pretty smooth. At the entry gate, the security officers took away all the coins that we had. I don’t know if it was an innovative way to collect money or to prevent rework by metal detectors. Women folks with heavy bags found themselves looted as even their pepper sprays were knocked out at the check point.

You don’t expect much from a 100 Rs. ticket. However, bright magnificence left us spellbound as the renovated stadium circle with nicely done interiors ushered us in. It seemed four suns shone heavy on a green patch of earth; the white magical light was sufficient to spot the tip of the needle on the hockey turf. Sitting behind one of the goal posts, we had a straight view of the giant screen, cameramen, cheer leaders and Spain’s boys. My fellow friends were dressed in Saffron and Green ‘Kurtas’ while I tried to complete the National Flag with an off white shirt.

As soon as the players came into the stadium in a serpentine row, the spectators went berserk. We and ALL stood upright and uptight as the national anthem played on. When the last two lines of the anthem were chanted, I thought we had already won the match. The uproar was deafening and the air of jingoism made me feel that I have been transported back to the days of Roman Empire; inside the Colosseum to witness epic gladiatorial combat. Jaye Jaye Jaye Jaye He!

To be continued...Watch this space coming Saturday Morning

Motorcycle Pilot

After years of prodding by my friends, I decided to give Goa a visit last year. My expectations were huge just like tall swaying palms along the coastline. The small airport followed by long narrow stretch to North Goa made my excitement run meekly into the ocean. After all, there seemed nothing fascinating about the place. Crowded beaches devoid of basic amenities, irregular patches of sanitation and expensive inter-city travel made for an undesired concoction. Add a little bit of commercialization and a garnish of ‘noise’ and your sensory system turns adverse and revolts.

However, by the time I left the place, I felt in love with the place. Goa has a nagging tendency to grow upon you. So it’s not surprising that when I revisited the place a few days back, I again came back with a longing to spend more time in Goa.
Why does Goa grow upon oneself? For obvious reasons…

Goa is a FUN destination, for people who want to observe the heavens sitting lonely at the shores and for people who turn breathless in absence of Indian chaos. Imagine - Bright yet caring sun illuminating squares and squares of green and yellow topped cultivation; bisected artfully by tapered roads stretching endlessly into the horizon and your gearless Activa swerving through the coastal breeze scented with an air of playfulness. Imagine – A non-swimmer taken swiftly on a banana shaped raft only to be plunged deep into the salty water; some 200 meters away from the beach. The life jacket brings in fun and frolic amidst the ocean waters and the water sports turns addictive. Imagine – the cruise across the Mondovi river when the flock of birds obliterate the view of the sinking orange ball called Sun and the Goan music spices up the chemistry among honeymooners. But is that the only reason which makes Goa so popular and frequented. NO…

Goa is a FREEDOM destination. Goa makes you shed your inhibitions else it would have been like any other place. Uninhibited like a tipsy teetotaler, Unobtrusive like a quiet shack on an unknown beach, Wild like the flames of seaside bonfire resonating the acts of boisterous waves and above all a different India which knows well to mix its Fun with the Freedom granted.

After returning the rented Gypsy, I requested the owner to drop me back to the hotel. He persuaded me to talk to ‘Motorcycle Pilots’ at the busy intersection. These people drive motorcycle with yellow colored mudguards and drop off individuals to nearby locations at a much nominal fee. No wonder they call themselves ‘Pilots’ for your experiences go airborne in Goa even if you are a pillion on a rickety bike.

Financial Indecision

Over the entire spine chilling January, I happened to meet 4 different sets of ‘chilled-out’ people. Since these meetings were confined indoors, there was more of talking and less of meaningless chatter.

These people were chilled out because they cared so little about their finances.

I met a 26 year old, single male earning a good sum of money. He did not have any debt apart from his monthly motorcycle EMI. He did not eke out any sum to his parents; living in a different city. I asked his savings rate. His savings rate is zero. He lives to earn and earns to live…live life king size. He plans to marry soon and is expecting a big sum.

I then met a couple who are in their early thirties and have a new born baby. Both of them are working. Do they save? Yes, they do. Do they save enough? Yes, they do. So, what’s the problem? They gloat at the ever increasing balance in their savings account. Over the years, their bank has darted off priority membership gold cards which always reminds them of the ‘gold’ they are holding. The problem is that they are saving but are not investing prudently.

Then, the other weekend, over a conversation with tea and steaming momos, I tried to interpret the financial mess of a 40 something having an adolescent daughter and a college pass-out. His financial state was in a similar state as the evening snacks; getting tasteless with time. Over the years, the person has tried to invest all across instruments – tax saver mutual funds, pension schemes, fixed deposit, gold jewelry, childhood plans, ULIPs etc. He was not certain if his financial state can be termed good, bad or passing. Simply put, his investing has been unplanned; just like my snacks – the success dependant on the guest’s appreciation or assets' appreciation.

I also met a 50 year old who has already retired in his mind. His erstwhile appetite for risk free and tax saving investing has now given way to exposure into risky and leveraged investing; after he has managed to develop a decent corpus all these years. He wants to multiply his corpus many times over before he retires in the eyes of the world. This man has saved, has invested; although conservatively, but is falling prey to imprudent investing, late in his earning life.

Then there are a few oversmart people like me, who overdo their planning just to generate a little ‘alpha’ out of their investments. These people speculate their hard earned money over illiquid real estate, penny stocks or day trading.

I am amazed that these set of people exist all across the urban landscape in this age of counseling business channels and duping wealth advisors. Here are my two cents to all my readers:
• Start saving early and invest 40-50% of your disposable income (includes home EMIs)
• Get adequate life insurance and medical insurance for the family as it takes ages to build wealth and an incident to take it away. Also, no complex life insurance. Just the basic term insurance; separating investing from insurance cover.
• Invest your savings regularly in mutual funds (based on your risk profile and goals). No need for specific plans and then
• Retire soon just as I want to.
Till then, Happy Investing

Cracking the password

I had a disturbing nightmare yesterday. No, it was not that I was torched to death by mobsters nor did I happen to fall on the toothed granite rock after the bungee rope gave way. It was far worse. I had forgotten all my logins and passwords in this global village of Earth. I was a castaway.
My day …and night ends with logins and passwords. The moment I enter the office, my computer commands my credentials. Our company password policy demands complex passwords so I have a different password apart from the ‘usual’ ones which I use for web e-mail IDs. Thankfully, my personal folders are not password protected now. I have already lost two such folders encompassing 2 years of hard work and a few leisurely photographs. Then there are a host of websites which require knowing me. McKenzie does not give me access if the ‘caps lock’ is ON on an alphabet, stock market websites do not allow me to witness the ‘expected’ daily increase in portfolio return and even the good old Indian Railways plays fickle if I happen to transact online. Over the months, despite my earnest attempt to have a simple individual password policy for myself, I have been rushed into this quagmire more and more. If I have three user IDs and three unique passwords, there will be 9 possible combinations. My Online Banking allows only 5 attempts. Every two months I happen to make 5 attempts in a row and get my password reset. Alas! Had I had only one banking account? There are three; adding on to the complication. Then there are accounts on facebook, linkedin, orkut, twitter, blogger and other important websites (newspapers, travel etc.); not to forget my wife’s laptop and my everlasting desktop. Also, there are host of ATM PINs, Mutual Funds’ PINs and Online Investment PINs. My life is a worldwide web and I am the inefficient spider.
What does one do in such a case? Google as usual. There are online password managers like clipperz and Lastpass. Do I trust them? No. Do I use innovative methods of remembering passwords? Surely, but are they secure and time-tested? Perhaps…but they do not allow changing username of existing IDs.
‘You are an idiot?’ was my sister’s response when I narrated my plight to her. She showcased the Notes in her Outlook where she had beautifully crafted all the user IDs and password details. Such a Big Risk. My heart tanked when I saw that information. I cannot fathom preparing a document and listing all these sensitive and not too sensitive details. The idea of storing them on mobile seems a lost idea as there is a good probability that I will lose my mobile one day. So what do I do? Any ideas? I would have to killed myself before Alzheimer kills me.

10 Things I should have known before writing the previous blog

1. Deep Pockets: Although Dubai with its extensive economic activity is seen as the face of the Middle East, it is Abu Dhabi which has the big bucks (owing to huge oil reserves). It is said that Abu Dhabi’s pockets goes deep down to the socks whereas Dubai is getting its pockets sewed. Abu Dhabi has in fact purchased Dubai’s assets and provided liquidity in order to bail it out from the economic crises. Also, Abu Dhabi is the only government in the world which announced in January to the entire world that the deposits of the customers in Abu Dhabi’s banks are entirely safe. No government in the world has provided that kind of guarantee.
2. No Prisoners in Apartments: Dubai’s Skyline is Abu Dhabi’s Onida Television – Neighbour’s Envy, Owner’s Pride. Dubai has swankiest of the malls and best of the places to visit. However, Dubai people term themselves as prisoners in their own apartments. With so much traffic on the roads, it usually took an hour to cover a small distance of 5 kms. The traffic condition is though better these days. A good expanse of Abu Dhabi resembles a parking lot but moving around the city is considered far easier.
3. Real Enabler: Real Estate can not be a sector that drives economic growth; it should just be an enabler. That’s why; one would not see hyped-up construction in Abu Dhabi. Apart from Oil and Gas, Abu Dhabi is promoting sectors such as Education, Healthcare and Entertainment that would result in steady yet sustainable growth. More the high rises, steepest and widest is the fall. That’s Dubai for you.
4. Sangeetha L.L.P: The food junkie in me is moving around like a zombie in these pious times. The goal is to find a vegetarian, cost effective and preferably Indian joint. Guess what! I have found one, a Tamil restaurant. Authentic Onion Rava Masala Dosa and Special Chennai Coffee (served in a steel glass within a steel cup) will go as the second highlight food of the trip (First of course is Ricotto – Please read my previous blog)
5. Sugar Daddy: Last year, 25% of the total cranes in the world were in UAE; majority being in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Considering that they are mere ‘dots’ on the world map, one can imagine the intensity of construction activities. The projects in Abu Dhabi are still underway at the same pace. Compared to Dubai, there have not been any lay-offs. The sovereign institutions such as ADIC and ADIA are flush with funds and have stakes in formidable companies of these times. There is a little twinkle in the eyes of Abu Dhabi people, a little confidence (and pride) suggesting that even if the situation turns worse, Abu Dhabi will be able to maneuver and in fact play ‘ Sugar Daddy’.
6. DD News and Sony: Hey, I now have these two channels as well and believe me it has helped a lot. I at last had a date with Sony Serials and felt at home. Although I am a strict detracter of Varun Gandhi type histrionics, I kept running DD news. After all, we Indians love chaos!
7. Rulebook Drivers: The more I commute in the city, the more the initial ‘Screw’ Driver image perishes. Most of the times, drivers run by the meter, provide you the receipt and do not resist tenancy in general.
8. Accessible Greens: Imagine Dubai? A concrete jungle, an expansive desert land, Sea-shores across Burj Dubai, the Malls – Most possibly, these pictures will flash across your mind (even if you haven’t visited the place). Where are the greens for the locals? - Except the Palm Trees on the sidewalks or on road dividers? The Corniche Road to the Port runs parallel to the creek and has manicured plantation all across the stretch. Parks and Gardens are lungs of the city and Abu Dhabi planners seemed to have ensured ‘access to greenery’ to every inhabitant.
9. Raining Time to Timing Rain: If one fine day, your girl friend/boy friend informs you that you are not required in her/his life, because climate has changed, what would you do? Hardly anything…, you were not prepared. The ghastly thunderstorms and continuous rainfall, which lashed out the city for the past 5 days, were never expected. The region has never witnessed anything like this before and was not prepared. Going by the spirit of Abu Dhabi, I am sure, next time, they will time the rain as per their convenience.
10. Where will you be on November 1?: These signboards cloud the city now as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the last of the Formula 1 race on 1st November. The tickets went on sale yesterday and were sold out in 2 hours. The City is understandably and successfully hosting a string of events to stamp itself as the ‘Culture’ capital of the region. The Other Day, Bertolucci, the world famous and signature ‘tenor’ artist, held in awe an audience of 20,000 people in the magnificent Empire Palace.

Notwithstanding these comparisons, Dubai would still glad a tourist’s attention. The Female Species is more prominent and amazingly supreme. As I wrongly considered, ‘Burqua’ is not a symbol for the old, oppressed and illiterate. It, in fact, adds to the mystique and to the desire. The ‘highlights’ of the travel remain the front desk at Zawya and Al Reem. My fellow traveler, Rahul, breathlessly and aptly put it – ‘They were dolls’

Air, Water, Food and Internet

Dubai smells like a pot of gold; shining with radiance, secretly-kept and stubbornly indefatigable. Despite being the richest emirate, Abu Dhabi is Dubai’s distant cousin. When Dubai is bracing itself to unveil the world’s tallest building, it seems Abu Dhabi is doing fitments on the 20th Floor.
The moment I ended up at Abu Dhabi Bus Station, I had to first struggle my way to the taxi stand and then quibble with the drivers. Dubai was so methodical; the drivers never deny you the taxi and always go by the meter. The Moslem Driver, with a deliberate attempt to convert his Toyata Corolla to a Mumbai taxi, somehow agreed to drop me to the hotel. The moment I shut down the luggage cabin at the back, he shouted shockingly – ‘Allah, Tumko Dheere Se Band Karna Nahi Aata.’ I hurriedly sat on the front seat, quickly apologizing to him and shutting the door – again a BANG. My heart missed a beat. The ferocity on his face desired my silence and … it helped. He charged me 10 Dirhams, refusing to give away change despite the meter reading being 6.5. I dutifully agreed to his demand, considering that the excess charge would be because of additional depreciation, I have caused to his fighting fit vehicle. By the way, Abu Dhabi is just 10 minutes by taxi or 10 Dirhams in circumference.

The Hotel, although exorbitantly priced, was again a ‘mood destroyer’. Okay, I can do without the poolside view or the gymnasium or the sauna but internet…Isn’t it mandatory these days? They don’t serve water in the room (or charge for it) and tap water is better avoided. Thirsty in the room without internet…

The peculiar stench made the air-conditioning (I regard AC as man’s greatest invention) look (I mean, smell) trivial. Thirsty, Breathless in the room without internet…

I kept the luggage in the room (no bellboys here) and went down on the street; to have lunch. Navratras have made matters worse; after all one can not expect a vegetarian course in these ‘Al Kabab’ restaurants. Hungry, Thirsty, Breathless and Without Internet on the streets of Abu Dhabi.

By the time I returned to my room, depression ran amok on my mind. The silent room with 3 ‘selected’ channels (Asianet, NatGeo and BBC) and no connection with the world, took me back 20 years, the pre-Nokia and Doordarshan era. I feel like a ‘castaway’

I have managed to find ‘Havana Café’ – the internet and dining café (5 Dirhams for an hour of internet access and one minimum order) which will be my ‘oxygen mask’ for the next 5 days. As we exited after the dinner, climate change felt real. It was raining cats and dogs in this desert land and exposed the city’s drainage system. Dubai is also experiencing a similar weather but the city is much better prepared.

I am less depressed now, not because of extended blogging sessions (postings will be delayed due to rarely available internet) that I will get but because of two things –

1) Carallione cac Spinac E Ricotto – Rolled Pasta breads with seasoned spinach and lots of Rocotto Cheese: It was yummyliscious and a purely vegetarian dinner. I am going to have one for tomorrow as well.
2) Dubai Abu Dhabi Express Bus: The Dubai Abu Dhabi bus journey was like Thai Airways’ – Smooth as Silk. Hassle less, air-conditioned and swift travel. Importantly, I can expect a similar journey back to Dubai, when I board my flight back to India on 3rd April.

My room still has a view, view of a large skyscraper, whose entire façade has two stagnant horses on their rear feet; ready to gallop. That’s what Abu Dhabi is for me. Dubai is far ahead conducting the ‘world famous’ Horse Racing World Cup this week.

This was a few days back. My views about Abu Dhabi are still evolving. Don't forget to catch the next blog ' Ten Things I should have known before writing the previous blog' in some time from now.