(not the music group) but chronicles of a shamelessly self-proclaimed writer through reading, reflection and experience. Passionate about India, the nonprofit sector and the tiny role I get to play in this so-called Philanthropic ecosystem. My journey is about 'doing good' and sometimes getting it right! Living in the DC-metropolitan area with dear husband and two sons.
An overwhelming event that was the cynosure of television since the past few weeks, and we now get to view it four years from now as London gears up (hopefully, already has) to host Olympics 2012. The past two weeks were enjoyable in what seemed like a series of extensive sporting events. For the first time, I got to see a BMX competition which was thrilling. Also, the synchronized swimming was fun. While the first week was reigned by Michael Phelps, other events like fencing, water polo, table tennis, taekwondo and rowing were extremely enjoyable. High and low moments of the event made the watch quite memorable with adrenalin rush of Usain Bolt on the lead, watching Natalie Toit swim, Lolo Jones hitting the hurdle, stupendous artistic gymnastic performances and many others..
For the first time too, the Indian Olympic team achieved one gold (shooting) and two bronze (boxing and wrestling). A lot can be achieved by us Indians but wonder if Olympics even run into our average Indian mindsets. By infusing a culture of sports into our regime of daily life would probably take us a step further. For countries like USA and China, it is indeed a matter of pride to see their sportsmen showcase a fighting spirit and even having that in our players would be enough irrespective of how many medals won.
Now that the Olympics are over, I can’t wait to see them in four years.
While Michael Phelps undoubtedly reigns over Olympics for time to come, Shawn Johnson gave a stunning performance during the gymnastics competition. With August Raphsody (from the August Rush soundtrack) as the background score, her movements complimented each tune and she was able to excel in showcasing her artistic gymnastic talent. She truly deserves the silver all-rounder. Below is the video of her performance:
As India celebrates its 61st independence today, we are reminded of all that we as a nation have achieved in the last six decades, all that we are YET to accomplish and the various social, economic, political and ethnic issues we grapple with day in and day out! Many things have changed for the better in the country and where it stands from a global perspective, it only makes me feel proud! As chaotic as things may be in the current light, the tri-colors that swing in the air today, rings in feelings of hope, commitment, patriotism and pride.
Exactly a year ago, the Times of India group started an interesting journey called the Lead India Campaign - a talent show of sorts to search for an individual who has the potential to make a difference to our country. While the show did stir a lot of excitement and found its new Leader, the campaign by itself was extremely inspiring to me. Infact, one of its videos that truly left goosebumps is the one written by Gulzaar, music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and sung by Shankar Mahadevan. This is linked below:
The video has an extremely simple message to us all - STOP COMPLAINING AND TAKE ACTION! The lyrics of the song (translated) as follows:
Falak Pakad ke Utho, Aur Hawa Pakad ke Chalo (Rise to the sky, and walk with the wind in your hand) Tum Chalo to Hindustan Chale (When you walk, the nation walks with you!)
Lagao Haath ke Suraj Subah Nikala Karein, (Lend your hand to the Sun each morning) Hatheliyon Bhare Dhoop ko Uchhala Karein (Throw around your hands filled with Sunlight)
Ulfaq pe Paav Rakho, Aur Chalo Akad ke Chalo (Walk on the horizon, And walk with Pride)
Falak Pakad ke Utho, Aur Hawa Pakad ke Chalo (Rise to the sky, and walk with the wind in your hand) Tum Chalo to Hindustan Chale (When you walk, the nation walks with you!)
One may easily defy this and claim that nothing has every changed in this country and nothing will! And that may be the truth, if we wish to see it that way! There are times we ask ourselves "What will I get by taking action?" Maybe nothing, but this would bring about a little change somewhere. A famous line from the movie 'The Schindler's List': "One who saves a life, saves the entire world". So we may not get anything indeed, but may end up shaking the world.
In his address, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh spoke of his vision of India that is united in its diversity. Are we citizens who feel proud to be Indians? Are we there yet?
Indeed a lucky number for the Chinese and it has proved it for them rightly so! Infact, the opening ceremony of the Olympics began at 8 seconds and 8 minutes past 8 p.m. on 08-08-08!
While it is a bit late in the day to begin penning down about this quadrennial event, it has been so addicting that I thought of penning down moments of this event that have been mesmerizing, cherishable, funny and simply worth acknowledging. The world’s eyes rest on this nation that has left no leaf unturned in ensuring that they live to the very motto of the Olympic Games – Citius Altius Fortius – Swifter, Higher, Stronger.
To begin with, Google Earth launched 3d versions of the main venues of the game with models of the stadiums and the track fields. To get a feel of what this looks like, below video captures it well:
All those who saw the opening ceremony would agree that it was a video never ever imaginable! With an amazing spectacle of nearly $300 million, featured 15,000 performers with most of the events being conducted by a constant total of 2008 performers. One of the commentators rightly stated that the trophy for the best opening ceremony should indeed be retired as China has marked a legacy that, in all possibility, is a difficult match by any other country!
Concept of the (LCD) scroll representing the ancient Chinese culture Olympic rings being raised from the ground 2008 drummers with perfect precision Bouncing blocks that, in the end, reveal that it was people controlling them! Men walking on the globe Tai Chi performance Dove release (spectacular) Eruption of fireworks across the stadium and the city view Lighting of the Torch
