Inner Vision

Champions Trophy

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:56:00 +0000

It was very painful to accept the fact that India lost to Pakistan in the Champions Trophy. As the Indians mourned, one could see that the Indian skipper did not look as confident as he generally is, in the remaining matches of the tournament.

Losing Yuvi due to injury was a big blow before the match. The bowling looked lack luster. Ishant and Bhajji were the shadows of themselves. The Pakistani middle order took full toll of the poor Indian bowling. Not having Zahir and Sehwag also turned out to be crucial. And then Raina was hard done by the umpire with his dreadful decision.

Where is the “Review System” gone? Such silly mistakes by the umpires can really spoil the party for the teams and also affect the result of the tournaments. Why the technology is not used when it is available? Umpires abilities are never under the scanner, but if a player drops a catch, the video tapes of the match are reviewed for any possibility of match fixing.

And then the rain effected match against Australia turned out to the final nail in the coffin for the Indians, as India got only one point from that match. It was difficult for all the Indians to support Pakistan to win against Australia, so that India could qualify for the semi-finals. I could never support Pakistan and I was glad when Australia not only beat Pakistan but also won the Champions Trophy.

Hope Indians get good rest and recover from their injuries for the next tournament, as Dhoni pointed out at the post match presentation after the consolation win against the West Indies.

...Shivanand

Picture courtesy -

http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00005/IN27_INDIA-PAK_CHAMPI_5850e.jpg

BCCI mucks up, but India wins

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Though BCCI mucked up the selection process, by replacing injured Ghambir with injured Kolhi, Dhoni was right on the button, pushing Dravid to open the innings and as a true captain, took the responsibility on his shoulders, coming one down in the batting order and almost had his head on the chopping block, had it not worked.

People say Dhoni is a lucky captain, but I feel, with that luck, he also has the ability to take the responsibility as a captain, which he has shown in the past as well.

And, had India not won this match, the BCCI selectors would have had a hard time answering the media. BCCI, one of the biggest organizations of cricket, has still not learned from its past mistakes.

As far as one day cricket is concerned, Dravid was gone and forgotten, but the selectors had no choice, but to bring him back, to bring some stability in the middle order of Indian batting. Dravid is criticized for his age, his slow scoring rate and as a poor fielder. But I fail to understand, why people forget that form is temporary and class is permanent. Dravid may not be a fit player for T20 cricket, but he has served Indian Cricket unlike anyone in the past. He is one player, who has batted in different batting positions, in the interest of the team. Not only that, when he was asked to keep wickets as a make shift keeper, he never refused. He was also asked to be the captain of the team when no one else was willing to take the responsibility. I feel happy for Dravid's come back and hope that “The Wall” still has the ability to sustain the opposition attack. One might be young, but won needs technique to stay there when it matters.

The Compaq Cup final match will also be remembered for a couple of more big reasons. Firstly, Tendulkar getting his 44th hundred was a class act. This little master still looks hungry for runs. The Indian team should use this legend sparingly, avoiding injuries to him and hope that he stays with the team for a very long time. His mere presence in the dressing room makes a huge difference to the players, even if he is not playing. This encyclopedia of cricket should be preserved at any cost.

Sachin dedicated his match-winning hundred to former BCCI chief Raj Singh Dungarpur, who died on Saturday. Dungarpur was a visionary for his role in Indian Cricket. He was also Sachin’s mentor.

Lastly, but importantly Bhajji’s five-for sealed the match for the Indians with the support of Raina and Yuvi.

Congratulations India, well played.

…Shivanand

Picture courtesy –

http://beta.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00004/SACHIN_CENTURY_4333f.jpg

Shadow and the warrior

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:05:00 +0000

Nasser Khan and Damayanti Marfatia have a couple of things in common.

Asif Kapadia's debut film "The Warrior", I guess, is the first film in Indian history, in which Damayanti Marfatia, has acted as a blind women. She is a totally blind lady.

"The Warrior" is a story of an aging gunfighter (Lafcadia - Irfan Khan), tired of bloodshed, wants to give up fighting, but he is relentlessly pursued by his past and by more murderous men. He flees to the high mountains, where he meets, an old blind woman (Damayanti Marfatia) who can perhaps see his future and he realizes that he lived as a monster.

Knowing Damayanti personally and sharing her experiences about the movie has always been a pleasure.

But recently, Nasser Khan is in the news, for something which is beyond ones imagination. Have you ever heard of a blind man, acting in a movie as a sighted person? Well! Nasser Khan has done this. It is the first time in the history of world cinema, where a blind man has acted and danced in the film “Shadow”, the dark side of truth. When I heard about this achievement of Nasser in the news, I was zapped.

Nasser Khan who a businessman came to Mumbai from Kanpur with lots of passion and declared about his debut film “Shadow” with his partner Shamsad Alam. The film is directed by Rohit Nayyar who has recently directed Aasma.

Apart from his acting, for his dance number, Nasser had to dance with 180 dancers and 400 junior artists. This is really commendable.

The film has not released as yet and one has to wait and see how it really goes for Nasser. But his efforts are mammoth and unbelievable.

Ganesh Acharya who got the best out of Nasser said “When I met Nasser Khan I was shocked that how a blind man can act or dance .When I completed the song today I am again shocked as how this man has completed the song with 100 percent performance.”

This is what some of the other artists had to say about Nasser –

Sonali Kulkarni - "The only man I have seen with extraordinary Vision. A person who has amazing enthusiasm and risky trust. Aman who is never tired to learn new things, A madly ambitious person who has given me the strength to believe that even sky can not be a limit if you dream to fly, My best co star so far."

Hrishita Bhatt - "He has not only inspired me but the whole world will be inspired after the release of this film. The way he works nobody can say that he is blind. He is so efficient that no shot has been retaken due to his mistake. A dream person to work with."

Milind Soman - Doing all the things required from an actor in course of shooting an action film would be tough for a sighted person but Nasser did all these things with ease, style and confidence that was astounding.

I wish all the very best to Nasser Khan.

Damayanti and Naseer are blind but they definitely have vision.

Picture Courtesy-

http://www.indiasummary.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/nasser-khan-1-192x300.jpg

A Blind Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:03:00 +0000

I realized that I had slightly disturbed a boy who was sitting at the reception of one of the organization for the visually handicapped people in Mumba, as I walked in with my wife, yapping on my mobile phone. Sitting on the carpet, next to the sofa, he was listening to a recorded book for the blind on the tape recorder.
My wife, who is a member of the talking bock library for the blind, regularly visits this institution to pick up her recorded books.
As she left me at the reception, to pick up her recorded books, my attention was drawn towards this cute blind boy. I took a picture of his with my Nokia 3230 phone camera. When I went close to him and said “Hello” he responded by stretching his hand and we shook hands. Shaking his tiny little hand was quiet a pleasant experience, though he did it half heartedly, as he was totally engrossed in listening to his recorded book. I decided to leave him alone and moved out of there, but the memories of this sweet little meeting are going to remain with me for a long time.

I want to thank Abhijit for editing this picture for me.

...Shivanand

The way I see it

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Recently, I have joined a course with The Hadley School for the Blind. While going through their study material which comes in Braille print, I also happen to read their news-letter and came across this beautiful poem- “The Way I see it”.

I liked this poem very much, so I decided to share it with you all. The poem goes like this-

The Way I See It

To the world around me,

The grass is green.

But the way I see it,

It’s cool and clean.

A mountain is awesome,

Created by time.

But the way I see it,

It’s a long, hard climb.

An airplane is scary,

To some folks inside.

But the way I see it,

It’s a carnival ride!

The ocean is awesome,

A beautiful sight!

But the way I see it,

It’s power and might!

Life gives us challenges,

That we all must meet.

But the way I see it,

There’s no room for defeat!

A world without sight,

Is the only one I know.

But the way I see it,

It’s a wonderful show!

...By Duane and Lisa Hawk

Lisa and Duane Hawk are long-time Hadley School students studying poetry.

The poem actually began as a joke. During the couple’s choir practice, the director forgot that people with visual impairments cannot simply read sheet music on demand. On the way home, Duane and Lisa, both a little put-off, grumbled that, at times, they “see” things very differently than others. Duane exclaimed, “As a blind person, the way I see it, an airplane trip is not scary, it’s a carnival ride!” When Lisa received her assignment, they remembered the joke and decided to turn it into a poem.

…Fatema

Sex - a taboo!

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Why sex is a taboo? As a visually challenged couple, we have gone through this, a lot. Many times, walking with my wife on the streets, holding hands, has not been appreciated by the passer-byes or the people on the street. They look at us strangely, pass some mindless dirty remarks, as though we have committed some heinous crime, by holding hands and they are there for the society, appointed by the society, for moral policing. But, their supervisory ideas turn into sympathy, not even empathy, only when they realize that we are visually challenged. It happens only with some, there are many who still have a comment or two to pass, or, they keep staring at us, till we have gone far away, as though we are animals from the zoo.

To deal with this problem, my wife has found a noble idea of carrying her folding white cane in her hand, in such a way that people notice it and realize that she is blind and I am helping her while walking.

I feel, sex a taboo, has always been a problem world over. What differs is the way the societies look at it.

This reminds me of a couple of incidences which happened with me in the past. In the first case, I was with a group of American friends, who had come to India, to take part in the Himalayan run. While in Delhi, site seeing, I happen to escort a blind colleague of mine to see the Kutub Minar. As I took my blind colleague around, I realized that one of my American friend looked strangely at me and kept distance from me. It was only when we returned to our bus that we had hired for site seeing, he spoke to me and said “People in India are very liberal” ! I could not understand as to what he was trying to say. So, I asked him what exactly he meant by his statement. And there came the explanation - “In US, guys do not hold hands and walk. Homosexuality is looked down upon and it is not freely accepted. People are free to have their own sexual preferences, but I always try to stay away from a few gay people, whom I know, back in the US. Hearing this, I was stunned. I could not believe that he was thinking on those lines. I tried to explain to him that in India, people do not care or even think about it. Though it is prevalent in the society, people just prefer to hide it. But now the trend is changing slowly and surely. Now people might think the way my American friend was thinking.

In the second case, I came across an Australian blind person, who had come to India to play cricket for the blind. While chatting with me in the bus he told me that he always makes sure to keep his folding white cane open, when he is being escorted by a male person and does not bother to do so, when he is with a female.

I understand that homosexuality is not freely accepted in developed countries, as sex in any form in India. Now, since the Indian government has legalized homosexuality, one needs to see what the religious sects have to say about it. I am sure the religious groups will not have anything pleasant to say about this decision by the government.

Personally, I am very happy for the homosexual community, as they have been fighting for there rights for so long.

When we have respect for our own sexuality, why can’t we respect other people’s sexualities? And why sex has to be a taboo, in any form?

…Shivanand

Picture courtesy –

http://www.thirdeyehealth.com/images/taboo-2.jpg

T20 champions knocked off

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:38:00 +0000

It was the final nail in the coffin for the Indian team on Tuesday, when they lost to South Africa by 12 runs in the T20 world Cricket Championship 2009. Having lost to England earlier, they were virtually out of the tournament, but they had a chance to salvage some pride, by winning their last super-eight league match, which they could have won, as they had to chase only 131 for victory. It was a shameful performance by the former champions, to lose all their three back to back matches of super-eight league, to be knocked off. It was very easy for them, until they qualified for super- eight, beating the minnows, as they were in the easiest group with Bangladesh and Ireland.

If, as the skipper says, many of the players were not fit (Sehwag, Raina, Yuvraj, Zeheer and there might be a few more) or as their coach says, they could not perform due to fatigue and tiredness, they should have taken a break, like Tendulkar and the skipper himself who has done it in the past. Why are they blowing off the money of BCCI / Indian public? I want to ask these players,

“How much money is enough for them? Isn’t India’s winning important?”

The players hold on to their place, at times, hiding their injuries and not allowing a new comer to make his mark at the international level. They just want to sit on their past laurels and continue to stay in the team.

India started this T20 World Cup on a wrong-foot, as the issue of injury to Sehwag was blown out of proportion by the media and a rift between Sehwag and Dhoni was also talked about. Who knows, if there is a rift between them or not, but, one thing is sure that something in the team has been cooking up, which is not good for the morale of the team.

I feel Dhoni, who is a straight forward person, while handling Sehwag's issue with the media could have been a little tactful.

Indian media, if decides to chase someone and tarnish the image of that person can really create a mess and make that persons life miserable. It has happened in the past with many celebrities and if Dhoni's down fall in his carrier starts, they may not spare him.

To add insult to injury, as I write this post, now there is news that the manager of the Indian Cricket Team has been charged with asking sexual favors from the Indian women players and also it is found that he is involved in a scam of The Andhra Cricket Association. It seems BCCI is more involved in controversies than in producing / promoting good cricketers. When you have politics and power and not the genuine people who are interested in the betterment of the game, such things are bound to happen. BCCI is governed by such sitting ducks, that take policy decisions for the organization, but who do not understand much about cricket and might not have ever held a bat in their hands, in their lifetime.

These are difficult times for the Indian Cricket, and I hope Dhoni and his men will survive this phase.

Good luck India for the West Indies tour!

…Shivanand

Picture courtesy -

http://blogs.reuters.com/india/files/2008/11/dhoni.jpg

Cricket at the base of Mt. Everest

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Fri, 29 May 2009 01:16:00 +0000

As the news of Krushnaa Patil’s scaling the Mt. Everest came in, while surfing the net I came across this funny but interesting news, which I thought I should share with you all.

Recently two teams of cricketers played a T20 match at the base of Mt. Everest, in an attempt to set the record for playing a competitive sport at the highest altitude. As it sounds ridiculous, I do not know if the objective of this event was achieved, which was to raise a fund of $520,000 for charity. I think it must have been difficult for them, to raise funds, with a few onlookers.

A contingent of 50 players and organizers had to trek for nine days to make to a plateau near Mt. Everest base camp. All together, there were 30 players, from which, as it is played, 11 players took the field for each side. The other 8 extra players accounted for potential dropouts, owing to tough weather conditions. These players took special training for months to face the difficult conditions at this altitude. The group also comprised of two Umpires, a Scorer and a Guinness representative to make sure the match met all the necessary requirements for a record. Let’s hope it gets into the Guinness book.

The players played the match, at 5,165 meters above sea level, on a rocky plateau of Gorak Shep, on a synthetic pitch, which they had brought along with them.

The teams were named after Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the two who first climbed Mt. Everest in 1953.

It was Team Hillary that won the match, by 36 runs, restricting Team Tenzing to 116 all out, having scored 152 for 5.

Don’t be surprised, if you happen to hear about a T20 match that was played on Moon or Mars. Anything is possible in this crazy world.
…Shivanand
Picture courtesy -
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/22/2549625.htm

Krushnaa Patil

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sun, 24 May 2009 09:25:00 +0000

As I picked up the news paper, the other day, which was full of IPL cricket news in sports section, in one corner of the paper, I found a small article of my interest. It is really sad to see, the way the newspapers and the media, have not given this news much importance and proper coverage. It was about a 19 year old girl Krushnaa Patil's achievement of scaling Mount Everest. While I read the article to my wife, I was feeling a lump in my throat and my eyes had turned moist. She has achieved something that we could not even dream of as trekkers and mountaineers.

Krushnaa became the youngest girl in India, after Dicky Dolma to reach the peak. Fatema’s office colleague and now also the Secretary of YHAI, Maharashtra, Hrishikesh Yadav had led a tem of 15 to 20 mountaineers in the year 1998, when Surendra Chavan had achieved this feet. We had closely followed that event as we knew Hrishikesh and also we have done a few treks with him. But, this news of Krushnaa Patil was a pleasant surprise. Krushnaa is from Pune, a city very near to Navi Mumbai, where we live and if we happen to go and meet her some day, we would like to ask her- How does it feel to be at the summit (on top of the world) and hoist the tri color?

It is really sad; the way Krushnaa's parents kept running from pillar to post to arrange for the fund of Rs.30 lacks for to see their daughter through the summit. For sports like these, no body comes forward to help. They all are there for cricket. Though I like cricket and I am a cricket fan, I would still like to say this. But there is good news, the Saraswat Bank, from where Krushnaa’s father had taken the loan, for his daughter’s expedition, has decided to wave off the entire loan amount of Rs. 30 lacks with the interest amount. Well done Saraswat Bank.

It really needs to be appreciated, the way Krushnaa's parents have supported her. Leave alone the money part; it’s really amazing, the way they have shown faith and confidence in their daughter. Many parents would not have allowed their children to go for such a risky effort. So far, many have died, attempting to scale Mount Everest. Even, from Krushnaa’s group, one of the mountaineer had to lose his life, as he was caught in the snowstorm. Krushnaa has proved her parents right.

Krushnaa Patil, you little beauty, you have done the country proud and this visually challenged couple salutes you.

Picture courtesy -

http://beta.esakal.com/Article/ArticlePage.aspx?Id=67630A3E-F22E-40A2-8A12-073BCA423647

Steve Waugh

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:43:00 +0000

When I received an e-mail from a friend of mine saying the famous Australian cricketer Steve Waugh wants to meet the visually impaired cricketers and the cricket fans, I was very thrilled. My wife and I decided to grab the opportunity and meet him. We have heard and seen a lot of him, as a cricketer in his cricketing days and also as a good social worker, who works for the under privileged children / people and the handicapped (Blind people etc.) community too.

The Standard Chartered Bank had organized a get together on the occasion of their 150th anniversary.

Not only he came and met us, but, he spent almost an hour with us. At least in my lifetime, I have not come across any cricketer, who gives so much time for his fans. He answered to all our questions, had all the time in the world to wait for us to ask questions and answer them. He never answered to anybody’s questions hurriedly. Neither dogged any questions nor answered them vaguely. He kept answering to all the questions patiently and diligently, till we were finished. There were questions like- What does he think of sledging? Etc. He also answered to my question –What does he mean by mental disintegration? What was very touching was, when I asked him- What inspired him to work in India? Why did he choose India? He says – “Mother Teresa’s work and things just happened, I did not choose India, India chose me.

At the time of photo session and during the time of receiving mementos from him, he specifically remembered whatever we had chatted with him and he once again dwelled a little on those topics politely and gently.

Before leaving, while he was about to be interviewed by the media, when Fatema expressed her desire to meet him and say bye. Without a fuss, he gently shook hands with her and said- “Thanks for coming”. These little things show, how caring and a gentleman he is.

Meeting Steve Waugh was like a dream come true. He is not only a successful cricketer but a wonderful human being and a good social worker. God bless him.

…Shivanand

Pictures courtesy - Blaq Communication

Changing Times

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:22:00 +0000

An activity of taking pictures has changed over the years. The camera was first invented by an Iraqi scientist by the name Ibn al-Haytham (1015-1021). Since then, the cameras have evolved over the years. First, there were black and white film cameras and then came the color film cameras and now we have the digital cameras that are slowly but surely talking over the color film cameras.

Earlier, taking pictures was more of a luxury than a necessity. Photography as an art or as a hobby became popular much later. But, now with the advent of digital photography and handy digital cameras, photography has become a child’s play. In today’s scenario, every person who has a digital camera or a camera mobile phone has become a photographer. Without having much knowledge about photography people simply take pictures and enjoy their hobby. Also, since it does not cost them much except for talking prints of some pictures that they have taken, people are just clicking away with their digital cameras.

Professional and serious photographers have also accepted digital photography as a new form of photography, but, they never miss out, on debating, on Digital versus film photography.

Well, in these changing times, weather one likes it or not, an amateur photographer is having a field day.

Recently, I traveled with my wife to Mount Abu, a hill station in Rajasthan, India, for our holidays. While on our way to Mount Abu, our bus halted at a check point where this not so welcomed guest had checked into our bus. The kids were very excited to see it and so was I. It gave us all enough time to shoot pictures and its brief stay in the bus was a pleasant surprise for all of us. I guess, it was looking out for some food, but, as the bus moved it hopped off.

...Shivanand

The Right Decision

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Many criticized the Indian skipper’s decision, to declare late in the third test, as India could not wrap up the series 2-0 due to rain, I personally am of the opinion that there was no need to take a risk in doing so. It is always easier to comment after the incident has happened. Dhoni had to decide first on what would have been the safest score for India, and then think of a victory.

One cannot forget the second test, where we were almost about to lose it having been asked to follow on. Had it not been for Ghambir’s marathon innings, the match was gone. The opener played the innings of his life. Having come so far, how could one take a chance that could have leveled the series? Is it worth taking a chance? As it is, it took us four decades to beat NZ in NZ.

And, if NZ captain has something to say about Indian skippers’ decision, I would request him to first sort out his team’s issues, rather than talking about an Indian captain who has been chosen as the skipper of the Wisden Cricket team captain, having been preferred over Ponting.

Mr. Vitori and others, the bottom line is India won the test series 1-0.

This is the best Indian team I have ever seen, that can beat any side on a given day.

...Shivanand

Picture courtesy -

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Sport/Story/STIStory_360507.html

Virender Sehwag

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:44:00 +0000

On a moving track Indians failed to bat well in the fifth ODI, somewhat like the way they struggled in there first T20 match. Nevertheless, a good series win by the Indian team, in NZ after 33 years. The men in blue have started winning abroad as well and a lot of credit for this goes to Virender Sehwag.

Uncontrollable Viru is a freak and is on loose. Having got the license from MS to play freely, Viru is definitely making the opposition bowlers cry. This reminds me of the bad times Viru was in, a few years back, when he was struggling for form. Once when he had got out cheaply, playing a loose shot, he was throttled by the coach who had held him by the scuff of the neck. Viru had tears in his eyes. He also had lost his Vice Captaincy. People would say, he has no footwork and he cannot play on seeming tracks. It all has changed now. This Najafgad ka Nawab is a bomb and he is blowing the opposition teams away.

Recently, beating Australia, England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand is a stupendous effort by this Indian team.

I have not seen the old cricketers play, but, since the time I started understanding cricket, to my mind, this is the best team Dhoni has got after Ganguly’s world cup effort.

...Shivanand

Picture courtesy -

http://im.sify.com/sifycmsimg/apr2008/Sports/14650192_01Sehwag_b.jpg

Acrasial

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:40:00 +0000

My wife was in an acrasial state, after she discovered that I have not gone to the market yet again, as I was on the computer.

Acrasial – Meaning – show a bad disposition, not in a good mood

Well, she was back to normal, when I explained to her what exactly I was doing on the Computer. In fact, she was very happy to know about the website, which I have come across which tries to save the words. Yes, you read it correctly; it tries to save the words, as many of the words are dropped from the dictionary.

You can play your part by adopting a word and using it in conversations and written communications. One has to try and spread the word, as much as one can, by using it frequently. Every time you use an extinct word, you are helping it to survive.

So, let’s get involved in this mission and try and save the words.

...Shivanand

Braille script e-voting

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:39:00 +0000

As per iGovernment Bureau Publication dated 27/2/2009, The Election Commission, Government of India (ECI) has decided to introduce Braille Script Electronic Voting Machines for visually impaired voters soon, for the first time to ensure their participation in election process.

Informing this, The Chief Electoral Officer Anil Khachi said that presently the provisions of Rule 49(N) of Election Conduction Rule 1961 have also been kept in force, under which a visually impaired or a physically challenged voter can bring along with him/her a companion who is above 18 years of age, to facilitate him/her to cast his/her vote.

He further clarified that only those voters, whose names are enlisted in photo electoral rolls, would be eligible to cast their votes.

This is a positive step, taken by the Government, to enable the handicapped persons to cast their votes and exercise their rights.

Picture courtesy -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40347000/jpg/_40347665_blind_ap245.jpg

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:57:00 +0000

Though, India failed to register a victory in the final one day match of the five match series against Sri Lanka, they definitely have done wonders by beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka 4-1, which is very difficult.

Earlier they had defeated England 5-0 in the home series. By wining nine matches in a row, the men in blue created a record under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Doni.

Dhoni is a true leader as far as his captaincy is concerned. There are many traits of Dhoni which I have liked as a captain and I feel these qualities will go a long way in making him the most successful captain of Indian cricket after Azhar and Ganguly.

To mention a few, I liked the way Ganguly was asked to take over the captaincy in his last Test match, before retiring in the India v England Series. Also, at the prize distribution ceremony, he called the retired Indian Test skipper Kumble on the podium to lift the winning trophy with him.

Again in the same series, Dhoni the highest tax payer, donated his match fees of £8,000 to the victims of the Mumbai attacks and asked his team-mates not to indulge in excessive celebrations.

It also reminds me of an incidence that happened sometime back when Dhoni was emerging as a successful player and a captain. In one of the practice sessions, when a female fan wanting to meet Dhoni had waited throughout the day, was in with a pleasant surprise when he not only came and met her personally but hugged her.

Recently, I heard that Dhoni has asked his players to stay away from practice sessions if they desired to do so. This gives the players more freedom to relax and attend practice sessions only if they feel like. I guess, by this the players learn to take more responsibilities then when it is being imposed on them.

The team looks like a unit under him that plays and enjoys cricket and tries to give its best.

Dhoni, a successful captain he is, but more importantly, a wonderful human being.

...Shivanand

Picture courtesy -

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sixer.in/profiles/thumb/dhoni34765.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sixer.in/players.php&usg=__u1n9bpgmm3S6ERZSzfww4Yk1VDk=&h=500&w=380&sz=33&hl=en&start=19&um=1&tbnid=qxgLI3GM700

A night trek to Ghorakhgad

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:06:00 +0000

I decided to pack my sack for a trek to Ghorakhgad. I had failed to convince my wife to come along with me for the trek. It seemed she has decided to hang up her boots as far as trekking is concerned, but it was my deep desire that she joins me for this trek. She having done some tough treks with me, this would have been just a chicken feed for her. But I am still hopeful that she would change her mind some day, and continue trekking. The last trek we did together was a Goan beach trek (December 2008) along the cost line which ended into the forest of Karnataka.

The reluctance of the group leaders to permit me for the trek was evident, because of my visual impairment. However, since I was unhappy about my wife not coming for the trek, my determination to convince the group leaders for permitting me for the trek was enormous. I would have been further disappointed, had I not been allowed to join the trek. And finally, owing to my past trekking record, they did agree to allow me to join the trek that made me grittier.

Seeing that it was a night trek, a headlight was compulsory which I was carrying, along with an emergency torch as a standby, with the other usual trekking stuff.

On that fortunate evening, we all met at Kalyan railway station (near Mumbai) from where we had to reach Gorakhgad base by bus. I call it a fortunate evening because I was finally going for the trek.

From Kalyan one needs to reach Murbad and take the road which further down extends till Dehri village.

As the group was gathering, I spotted a boy (Sandeep) who looked lonesome in the group. I decided to strike a conversation with him seeing that I hardly new anyone from the group, accept the leaders. Sandeep seemed very friendly, as we had a long conversation until our group leader announced that the bus has arrived and is waiting for us. As we settled down in our seats I was a little surprise to realize that it was already ten past midnight. Sandeep and I had chatted for almost an hour. I guess, since it was a big group of 57 trekkers it took a while for every one of us to assemble.

I wanted to have a nap for a while, which would have helped me feel a little fresher for the trek, which was due in a couple of hours of our bus journey. But thanks to the boys, who played some good music and sang in the bus and also to the fine breeze which blew through the window that kept me awake.

Having reached our destination, after a short introduction of the whole group, we started trekking at about 2 am in the morning. The weather was really chilly and some of us felt they should have a jacket on, but I knew, once we start climbing we would feel warmer because of exertion. So I refrained myself from wearing a jacket on and weathered the chilly weather for a while.

Around this time, I had switched on my head light which was throwing bright light around me and was also helping other trekkers who were around. It was completely dark everywhere except for the torches and head light that we were carrying.

The climb never seemed to be a difficult one. Trekking during the day time, especially in the afternoons on a hot and sunny day is more difficult than trekking at night. But it was definitely troublesome because though with sufficient light I was finding it difficult to get my feet moving as I could see only the bright light and not the land where I was putting my feet. I simply decided to follow Sandeep and tried to match up with his speed. While climbing Sandeep enjoyed my company once again but never really realized that I was having my share of difficulty. While walking through the forest we were hearing noises of lot of insects and we came across some stray dogs who were loafing around in the jungle at that time.

Having crossed a few cliffs and rocky patches we finally reached the cave, having trekked for about 2 hrs. When we retired in the cave it was nearing 5:00 am in the morning. We must have hardly slept for a couple of hours. The group was up and we all seemed eager to complete the final climb at the earliest. We had to take a rocky staircase which leads to the top to a temple.

When I came out of the cave, I was in with a pleasant surprise. I could see Machindra an isolated rock pinnacle, right in front of me, with a connecting ridge to Gorakhgad. I remembered having read about Machindra, that it’s a technical climb and needs specialized equipment. The weather was beautiful, with lot of wind and mist in the air. I could see many small mountains around. Moving around carefully on the rocky paths, near a cliff, I settled down to spend a quiet morning, bathing in the sun, with a cup of tea.

Having attended to my nature call and having had my breakfast, finally I was ready for the final stint. Though it was scary, the climb never seemed that difficult. It just took us about an hour to reach the top.

It’s a small temple on the top which looks isolated, with a couple of trees next to it. Having spent some time on the top, finally, it was time for us to start climbing down. I personally was very happy to have done the trek at night. Our leader instructed us to make it to the base by 2:30 pm at the earliest.

We all started to descend at around 11 am in the morning. As far as I was concerned, I almost went running down the hill, without stopping anywhere, as I had started to feel hungry and also tired, since I had hardly slept the night before. I made it to the base around 1:40 pm.

After completing the trek, at the base, a good meal and a quick nap went a long way in helping me feel better.

I have done many treks and continue to do many more, but this one was a very special one, since it was a night trek.

…Shivanand

Pictures courtesy -

http://deepabhi.tripod.com/gorakhgad.html

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IPCm8aM7Vzo/SGM5BzMqFtI/AAAAAAAAHjM/VjIUOJqEWoc/IMG_3037.jpg&imgrefurl=http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aE7qvt7WkX7DQckyq2wHxQ&usg=__UFc9EryHzqLGQyZfO2b78sDfd-g=&h=763&w=1024&sz=21&hl=en&start=58&tbnid=7WKuq-xTgIIuCM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3DGorakhgad%26start%3D40%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_N-AHFD89S4M/SX-b2cyHBmI/AAAAAAAAAUI/Rruc1g57umM/s1600-h/gorakhgad4[1].jpg

Happy anniversary Louis Braille

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:51:00 +0000

World over, January 4th 2009 will be celebrated as 200th birth anniversary of Louis Braille a Frenchman, who invented Braille.

It is a system used by blind for reading and writing. It is read by passing the fingers over characters made up of an arrangement of one to six embossed points. And while writing, a special slate with a stylus is used to emboss points.

Though, now a growing number of special devices like Tape Recorders, Talking Computers, and Reading Machines etc. are available for use by blind persons, blind people in India still prefer to use Braille as their main tool for communication and education since it is very universal in rural India. There are about 20 million visually challenged people in India and most of them prefer Braille than using expensive devices.

At the age of 3 Louis Braille ended up becoming blind, when he accidentally injured himself in one eye with one of his father's workshop tools and got an infection, the other eye also lost vision from the infection spreading to it.

Braille was awarded a scholarship to the Royal Institution for Blind Youth in Paris, at the age of 10. This school was one of the first of its kind in the world. Braille, a bright student, also learned music and became a talented violoncellist and an organist in his time. He used to go around playing organ for churches all over France.

Braille, a well-respected teacher, died of tuberculosis at the age of 43 in Paris in the year 1852.

Louis Braille, a man who gave the blind people a script.
Pictures courtesy - wikipedia

Thank you England

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:51:00 +0000

I just want to say “Thank you England” as India won the two test match series beating England 1-0, after the second match in Mohali ends in a draw. Generally, in my posts I write and follow about Indian cricket but this time it is about cricket beating terrorism.

Following the Mumbai attacks on 26th November 2008 by terrorists, for some days it looked difficult for the ongoing series to continue as England team decided to call off their tour by canceling the remaining two one day matches and went back home.

Though there was a high threat of terrorism throughout India, the players returned to India with enhanced security for the Test series. Thank you to the England cricket board for allowing their team to visit India and play the remaining test series. It also has to be appreciated that none of their players turned their backs on England. BCCI with the local authorities also did not spare any efforts in providing enhanced security for the Test series.

Hugh Morris, managing director of the England Cricket Board, commented in a very positive way by saying “Sadly we're in extraordinary times, and this won't be the normal build-up to a Test series. But the Test matches stand and we will be prepared to play them."

By playing this test series we have shown the terrorists that they can not win and deter us in any way.

In the first test when Tendulkar hit the winning runs scoring his 41st hundred the English commentator David Loyed (nick named as bumble) repeatedly said “This is for Mumbai… This is for Mumbai… And certainly it was for Mumbai as Tendulkar dedicated his 41st hundred to all the people who died in the terror attacks in Mumbai.

Indian skipper Dhoni, has donated his match fees for the Test series of £8,000 to the victims of the Mumbai attacks. He has also asked his team-mates not to indulge in excessive celebrations.

Lastly, I felt very sorry for England as they could not register even a single victory in the entire tour but they definitely won our hearts by playing the series.

Hats off to England and better luck next time.
...Shivanand

Picture courtesy -

http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2008/12/pietersenindiaPA_450x350.jpg

Salute to the Bravehearts

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:38:00 +0000

While I was watching the 5th One Day International Cricket match between India and England on television my wife called up from her mums house to inform me about some shooting incident taking place at The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station. She was definitely not sure as to what she was talking about but she asked me to watch any news channel. Even as I was angrily rejecting her, feeling she is talking nonsense I was shell shocked to see all the news channels flashing the news about the firing taking place at different parts of Mumbai. Initially it was not clear as to what exactly was happening but later it was apparent that terrorists had attacked Mumbai once again.

It’s more than 59 hours now and finally the ordeal is over. The terrorists attacked at 10 different places in Mumbai with automatic weapons and grenades killing at least 183 and injuring more than 300 people. The main places attacked were five star hotels, hospital and railway station. There was an anxious hostage situation in at least three locations — The Taj, The Oberoi and The Nariman Bhavan.

This small post is dedicated to all the brave hearts which fought gallantly to save the lives of innocent people, some of them even losing their own lives. More than 9 terrorists were killed and 1 captured in the entire operation. Head of Mumbai Anti Terror Squad Hemant Karkare and Vijay Salaskar who was the encounter specialist of Mumbai police have laid down their lives fighting the terrorist. Police Service (IPS) officers - additional police commissioners Ashok Kamte and Sadanand Date - were also killed in gun battles with terrorists. Death of senior police officers has jolted the Mumbai police who in all lost 20 of their men. Also Sandeep Unnikrishnan and Gajendra Singh the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos were martyred fighting the terrorists. Such brave hearts are indispensable as one can’t find replacements for them.

Unfortunately, the politicians in India are more interested in the vote bank and also in misleading the country than in the losses of such cops or loss of countless civilians.

Unless we come together and take actions with some strong counter measure to tackle terrorism we cannot think of our country to be safe place. For this to happen we might even have to declare a war against Pakistan as there is sufficient evidence that Pakistani ISI is involved in it. We all need to unite and fight terrorism and not let these brave souls efforts go in vain.

Salute to the Bravehearts.
A TRIBUTE TO THE BRAVEHEARTS VIDEO
( poor audio quality regretted)

Related article on this blog- "Peace and harmony"

Pictures courtesy -

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2008/11/26/tp-india-hotel-fire-cp-RTXA.jpg

http://www.zeenews.com/zeeexclusive/2008-11-29/487118news.html

India beats England

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:52:00 +0000

India beat England by 19 runs (Duckworth Lewis method) in the fourth One-dayer at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore to clinch the seven match series 4-0. Chasing a victory target of 198 run in 22 overs, England managed 178/8 runs for their fourth consecutive defeat in the series.

India continues its good run having earlier defeated Australia in the test series 2-0. A lot of credit goes to the Indian Captain M.S.Dhoni who has shown a great character in building this Indian team. Dhoni is a team man and commands lot of respect among the players. With the kind of freedom and opportunities the youngsters get they feel very comfortable to play under him. It’s like whatever Dhoni touches is turning into Gold.

Except for Raina and R.Sharma the team looks in great shape, as all the players are looking in great touch. But one man, who has stood out in this team’s performance as the most successful player is Yuvraj Singh. I don’t know if he is angry about losing his vice captaincy but he definitely looks hungry for runs. He has scored two back to back superb hundreds playing England out of the games. And still the way he is going about his business, he definitely looks to be a strong candidate for the man of the series award.

On the other hand, England team looks completely rattled and confused. Not only they are finding it difficult to get their feet’s to the spinners, but their bowling also looks lackluster. According to me the only two reliable English players are their captain Peterson and A.Flintoff who also look in poor touch. England is in dire state and definitely need to salvage some pride by winning the remaining few matches. They do have some spark in few of their players but no one has been able to help England cross over the line in this series including their warm up match.

Now India can utilize this situation by resting their main players and giving chances to some of their other players. But having got England by the scuff of its neck they should never let England get away.

Well done India. Congrats…

…Shivanand

Pictures courtesy -

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44117000/jpg/_44117851_indiajoy203.jpg

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41350000/jpg/_41350926_winners_ap300.jpg

India wins

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:44:00 +0000

India beat Australia to its second series defeat in three years, completing a 172-run victory to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar cricket trophy 2-0.

By beating the Aussies the Indians have definitely tried to wipe out the bitter memories of their tour to Australia. Australians once again failed to convince the world that they are the world leaders in International cricket. Be it on moral grounds or in cricketing skills the Indians have proved their metal.

There is no doubt that the Australians are slipping away from the top. And as far as the Indians are concerned they are definitely number two in world cricket. But they would need to perform consistently for a long time to become number one.

We may not be able to get the biggies but someone who could stay and play for India for a long time would definitely help. Hope India’s transition period which has just begun and would continue for some time goes well without the team struggling to find the right kind of players.

Nevertheless let’s not forget to cherish and celebrate this great movement of Indian Cricket.

Congrats… India. Well done.
...Shivanand

Picture courtesy -

http://shinymedia.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/01/19/india_win.jpg

A Traveller

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:02:00 +0000

It has always been a pleasure for me to trek with my father who is a enthusiastic traveller, trekker and a hiker. It was only after a long layoff from my trekking hobby that I happened to do a nature study trek without him on Yeoor Hills at the Thane end of Sanjay Gandhi National Park which is a home for about 78 known species of birds and about 12 different species of animals. Besides, it has the highest density of leopards in India.

Having trekked deep into the forest, we decided to take a break to rest. As usual I pulled out my address book from my sack bag to collect addresses of my co-trekkers. Going through the pages and the old addresses I halted at a poem which my father had written for sure when we had done our Rajmachi trek in the Sahyadries. Since I like his poem very much and it has always been an inspiration to me I decided to recite it to my co-trekkers. The poem goes like this…

A Traveller

I am a traveller, brother,
I am a traveller,

I visit the forts ruled over by the likes of Shivba,
And wander through National Parks like Tadoba,

I scale the peaks of Sahayadri,
And trace the source of Kaveri,

I walk the lengths of Ganga and Jamuna,
And ramble through valleys of Himalaya,

I cruise across simmering seas,
And watch wild animals and birds perched on trees,

I prefer dropping dead; while treading a path of mud,
To dieing on a hospital bed,

I am a traveller brother;
I am a traveller.

…Mallesh Manthalkar

White Cane Day

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:41:00 +0000

October 15th is celebrated as World White Cane Day. A white cane is used by people who are blind or visually impaired, and is commonly accepted as a “symbol of blindness”. A white cane with a red band at the bottom is used by blind and visually impaired persons all over the world. A blind or a visually impaired uses a white cane not only as a mobility tool but also as a courtesy to others.

Blind people have used white canes as mobility tools for centuries, but it was only after World War-1, that the white cane was introduced.

In 1921 James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol who lost his vision in an accident decided to paint his walking stick white, to be more easily visible as he was uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home.

World White Cane Day became an international event in the year 1970 when the President of the International Federation of the Blind declared October 15 as “International White Cane Safety Day.”

On the World White Cane Day, all the organizations world over who work for the betterment of the blind community conduct outreach programs, to educate and bring awareness of the use of the white cane and laws governing its use to the general public. They also try to educate the public about the dreams, desires and abilities of people who are blind or visually impaired.

In India the two major organizations who have worked in the field of blindness are The National Association for the Blind and The National Federation of the blind. Through their branches, which are spread across the country these organizations try to educate people by holding outreach programs and conducting demonstrations to educate and bring awareness among the people of the country about the white cane.

Though there is also a lobby group among blind people who believe that guide dogs are a better option, we personally are of the opinion that guide dogs do not suit the Indian conditions as the streets in India are not as organized as they are in western countries. And not only that it is also difficult to maintain a guide dog which is much more expensive. Moreover, some people are allergic to dogs which may make them incompatible for certain blind people.

"We feel White Cane is here to stay and will go a long way in assisting a blind person in his/her mobility."

Tips for assisting people who are blind or vision impaired

Related article on this blog - "My Trustworthy Cane”

Pictures courtesy -

2.irib.ir/occasions/Nabina/IMAGE/nabinayan-en.gif

myanmar.gov.mm/myanmartimes/no289/MyanmarTimes15-289/images/news/01.gif

sightsavers.org/images/f_7088white%20cane%20india%20MAIN.jpg

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:27:00 +0000

On every first Saturday of the month The Samaritans is conducting an OCD program (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) which is free for everyone and the treatment is provided at the centre. This program is conducted by The Samaritans Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Fabian Almeida.

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) is a brain disorder that causes problems in information processing.

What are the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

OCD usually involves having both obsessions and compulsions, though a person with OCD may sometimes have only one or the other.

Obsessions- Obsessions are thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again and feel out of your control. The person does not want to have these ideas, finds them disturbing and intrusive, and usually recognizes that they don't really make sense.

Compulsions- People with OCD typically try to make their obsessions go away by performing compulsions. Compulsions are acts the person performs over and over again, often according to certain rules.

Other features of obsessive-compulsive disorder

OCD symptoms cause distress, take up a lot of time (more than an hour a day), or significantly interfere with the person's work, social life, or relationships.

Typical OCD symptoms

Common obsessions

1. Contamination fears of germs, dirt, etc.
2. Imagining having harmed self or others.
3. Imagining losing control of aggressive urges.
4. Intrusive sexual thoughts or urges.
5. Excessive religious or moral doubt.
6. A need to tell, ask, confess.

Common compulsions

Washing, repeating, checking, touching, counting, praying, etc.

When does obsessive-compulsive disorder begin?

OCD can start at any time from preschool age to adulthood (usually by age 40). One-third to one-half of adults with OCD report that it started during childhood.

Is obsessive-compulsive disorder inherited?

No specific genes for OCD have yet been identified, but research suggests that genes do play a role in the development of the disorder in some cases. Childhood-onset OCD tends to run in families (sometimes in association with tic disorders). When a parent has OCD, there is a slightly increased risk that a child will develop OCD, although the risk is still Iow. When OCD runs in families, it is the general nature of OCD that seems to be inherited, not specific symptoms. Thus a child may have checking rituals, while his mother washes compulsively.

What causes obsessive-compulsive disorder?

There is no single, proven cause of OCD. Research suggests that OCD involves problems in communication between the parts of the brain.

How is obsessive-compulsive disorder treated?

The first step in treating OCD is educating the patient and family about OCD and its treatment as a medical illness.

Components of Treatment

Education: Crucial in helping patients and families learn how best to manage OCD and prevent its complications.

Psychotherapy & Medication: Contact your doctor for more details.

What can I do to help myself?

The most successful way to tackle OCD is by exposure with response prevention. This literally means that you must gradually face or expose yourself to the things or situations you fear, whilst at the same time preventing yourself from carrying out your usual compulsive behavior (checking, cleaning etc). This gradual approach means that with each stage you become less afraid of what used to trouble you and you learn by experience that no disaster occurs if you stop your compulsive behavior.

How do I stop myself from carrying out the compulsive act?

It is important to break the cycle of carrying out the compulsive act or thought following exposure to the thing(s) you fear. This is called Response Prevention. There are some tips in attempting this.

Ask your family to help you by not offering to reassure you by checking for you or by telling you that you are not contaminated. Reassurance can stop you from confronting what you really fear.

Praise yourself for not carrying out the compulsion or neutralizing activity. This is an important step forward.

Keep a note as you are carrying out the exposure therapy to show how your anxiety begins to drop. For example, touching the bin with no gloves or without washing hands.

Don't substitute new compulsions for old ones. For example substituting rubbing hands continually, for hand washing.

If stopping all compulsive behaviors at once seems impossible, try to reduce gradually the time you spend on the behavior or the number of times it happens.

If you use this approach then gradually your anxiety will reduce.

What can families and friends do to help?

Many family members feel frustrated and confused by the symptoms of OCD. They don't know how to help their loved one. If you are a family member or friend of someone with OCD, your first and most important task is to learn as much as you can about the disorder, its causes, and its treatment.

At the same time, you must be sure the person with OCD has access to information about the disorder.

In some cases. It may help to hold a family meeting to discuss the problem, in a similar manner to what is often done when someone with alcohol problems is in denial.

Negative comments or criticism from family members often make OCD worse, while a calm, supportive family can help improve the outcome of treatment.

Try to be as kind and patient as possible since this is the best way to help get rid of the OCD symptoms.

You could offer to visit the clinician with the person to share your observations about how the treatment is going.

Encourage the patient to stick with medications and/or cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT).

When children or adolescents have OCD, it is important for parents to work with schools and teachers to be sure that they understand the disorder.

This information comes courtesy Patient Care Booklet of Abbott India Limited.

Picture courtesy - sciencemuseum.org.uk