AAP

Why are we cynical about AAP?  Why are so many of us waiting for his 'inevitable' downfall?  I think this says something about our society, our past experience with the govt. and our basic sense of pessimism as Indians about India.

I think Arvind is the face and force of nature.  Once India was a leader in the world in science and philosophy.  We have turned ourselves into caricatures of those qualities.  It takes a lion among men to go forth on a path of righteousness which most of us would never dare venture on - except maybe in our fantasies.

I believe that we are evolving as a nation - the India we see now is a lot different from the time we were children.  It is now that there are nationwide protests against crimes which were routine before.  The high-profile corruption is now laid bare 24/7 for all to see.  It is no coincidence that AAP won beyond all calculations.  Emotions cannot be accurately measured.

The biggest test for AAP and the biggest cause of cynicism regarding its continuity are the people it will govern.  For the govt. to be successful, its citizens should shun corruption as well.  If enticements are readily offered once too often even the more well intentioned officials may succumb.  Out of turn favors are what the wealthy are accustomed to and they are willimg to pay a high price for it. Corruption has become a way of life in India.  Even with salary hikes most govt employees do not make as much money as those in corporate sectors.

There may be a win-win situation here.  It's a lesson I learnt at Tirupati.  There is one single line leading to the main inner shrine.  People get in the line based on the cost of the ticket purchased.  A high priced one will ensure that you get to see God earlier than others.  The money goes to the temple fund.  It's capitalism and socialism at it's best - and no one rants at any injustice being done.  Simiarly if those guys who can afford to, pay more for faster services let the money go the the govt. kitty and maybe a part of it as perks and bonuses to the officials who do the jobs on overtime.

The other potential threat to AAP is its leader.  He is a committed individual and its sole leading light. A party by definition means more than one.  Being a giant is sometimes not enough, niurturing and mentoring future giants will ensure a long run - one that can eventually change a nation.

As of now I wish that God is with Arvind in his endeavors as I am sure that as per His records Arvind has bought the highest priced tickets with the sincerity of his soul.

Indian Sports

How and why do most of us fans expect us to be the worlds best in cricket, as consistently like the Aussies, I do not fathom. All the other teams have fluctuating ranks. At least in cricket we are in the top eight.  Of course if US, China and Germany or Korea start playing, thngs may look different !! The US team may be entirely composed of people of India, Pak or SL origin :-) We are mediocre at best in most of the other sports we play - especially in the Olympics or football or even hockey (where we were in fact at the top for sometime, albeit a long time ago). 

In which other sports are we anywhere near the top with our consistency in cricket? Or is it the other way round?  Let us ask ourselves in which other sports do we participate in message boards like this?  Or have a dedicated TV channel for? That cricketers are making money is a fact - read about IPL or BCCI (Both the “I” s are for India).  It’s because of you and me, people.  We are the ones giving our time reading about cricket, seeing it and talking about it.  India has the richest Board for this sport, a far cry from the state of our economy w.r.t. England or Australia.  We are the customers and they are marketing our eyeballs for cash.  The cricketers are the performers and they wholly deserve this money.  They make only 1% of what a top footballer in an European club makes per year.  From what I see, BCCI is a giant sports management agent.  They are making so much more money than the players that it is enticing even hardcore politicians to play the game. Let BCCI distribute some of its earnings for development of some other sports as well :-) We might as well see resurgence in hockey. How about an Astroturf ground next to every BCCI venue? 

I do not know if there was similar money invested in other sports might we have seen similar excellence or is it that we are genetically suited only for cricket.  I think that there are enough people in India to produce more than the odd world-class sportsperson we have.  We need money - and not like SAI - give the right kind of money to athletes and sportsmen to make more than a decent living.  Let it be like an Academy - like the IAS or IIM and let there be a nationwide entrance test to get in and get the best of coaches and training facilities with full stipend to the players. There can be different academies for different sports. Those selected can be as young as thirteen and tutored to graduate through on-campus schools.  They specialise in their own fields and then go out to complete with the best.  We must be careful of "brawn drain" though :-)

Religion

All religions are based on trying to make sense of the unknown in our universe.  For people to remain convinced about a religion’s view, each religion has to dangle a pretty big carrot for everyone to follow.  I broadly can think of two categories – what each religion teaches and towards which goal.

Punishment vs. Reward:

Islam – penance – heavenly afterlife

Christianity – sacrifice – heavenly afterlife

Judaism – penance – heavenly afterlife

Emancipation:

Hinduism – contemplative meditation – inward understanding

Zen Buddhism – spontaneous simplicity – inner peace

The first group of religions was born out of strife, in adverse sociological conditions – the second through meditation and philosophical discourse.

As to which path is better of the two – only God can tell :-)