Inner Vision

Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:36:00 +0000

It was a great experience at the Goa-CAP School, as I not only learned the black and white film photography which is disappearing these days, but also learned to work in the Dark Room.

The photo has nothing great to present except for the fact that it was shot and developed by me. Working on an Enlarger and developing the roll in a Dark Room was quiet an experience that I enjoyed thoroughly. CAP has a lot to offer in film photography. Thanks to CAP for this wonderful opportunity and hope their good work continues to keep the film photography and the old developing technique alive.

…Shivanand

Naughty kid

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 02:42:00 +0000

This photo of the kid was shot while I was on a trip to Asthavinayak Temples in Maharashtra with my blind group of friends. We had hired a bus and were a group of 25 visually impaired families.

We started of with Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon, District Pune followed by Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek, District Ahmadnagar, Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali, District Raigad, Varadavinayak Temple, Mahad, District Raigad, Chintamani Temple Theur, District Pune, Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri, District Pune, Vighnahar Temple, Ozar, District Pune and finally ending at Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon, District Pune. It took two days for us to complete the tour.

Going back to the kid’s picture, he was a very helpful kid but at the same time very naughty. He would run around in the bus, jump up and down. He would make noise; shout and would do all sorts of other things. If anyone scolded him, he would just smile at that person without getting scared.

This time, when I marked him, he was behind the steering wheel of the bus and was playfully imagining himself to be a driver. I scolded him to get off the steering wheel and managed to take this picture.

Whenever I think of the Asthavinayak tour, the first thing I remember is this naughty kid.

...Shivanand

Mother

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sat, 21 May 2011 14:20:00 +0000

To my mind dogs are the most loyal animals of all. I do like cats, but I feel they are a little mean. I hope an animal lover doesn’t get upset with me by reading this article. I have read somewhere that dogs recognize people and cats recognize only places.

Anyways, Mr.More (uncle) and I had visited Satara in recent times. It was a long awaited trip that finally had materialized. We visited many places in Satara. Sajjangad, Kshetra Mahuli and Shree Yamai devi temple were the major highlights. Also a trip to his native village was a memorable one.

This photo of a mother cat was shot in the vicinity of Shree Yamai devi temple. Mr. More was busy praying, while I spotted them in a corner of the temple region. I guess the kitten must have been just fed by the cat, since it had slept off. While shooting the photo, I was worried that it might snap at me, but luckily it didn’t. As I moved away, I murmured “Thank you.”

It was a nice capture that I have liked very much. You may find a few more photos of my Satara trip on my flickr album.

…Shivanand

Canadian Cricket

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:43:00 +0000

The ICC has stated that the next two World Cups will be 10-team affairs. This has definitely brought in lot of disappointment to the minors like Ireland and Canada. Today going through the papers I came across an article, where the Delhi born Canadian skipper Ashish Bagai has disliked the ICC’s step. He said “It is very disappointing for players and Associate member countries. You cannot work for something if there is no incentive. We were improving very fast on the highest stage of cricket.”

Some time back, before the World Cup 2011, I was invited to the D.Y. Patil Stadium to watch the friendly match played between the Canadians and the D.Y. Patil team. I personally was highly disappointed to see their performance, as they had lost badly to the D.Y. Patil team. The Canadians must not have come with their full force but still loosing to a club team was simply pathetic.

Personally I am very happy with the ICC's decision since it makes the World Cup more compact and interesting.

...Shivanand

Pandavkada

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:48:00 +0000

On a rainy day my nephew and I decided to go to Pandavkada which is near to our house. It is a waterfall at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. From Kharghar railway station one can take a bus and reach the spot.

Pandavkada in rainy season is a picnic spot for some and for others it’s a hike for an hour that gets you to the base of the waterfall. Many people love to spend their time sitting next to the waterfall enjoying tea / coffee and snacks. On the way you find many vendors selling different things. Our favorite was bhutta.

Kids love the hike too as it is a very simple one with no exertion at all. And if one does not want to take the trouble of walking till the base of the waterfall one can always use ones bikes and try to reach as near to the base as possible. For that the only trouble one has to go through is to negotiate a few water channels that are there in the way.

My nephew and I enjoyed the hike very much. We were completely drenched while coming back from the base of the waterfall.

A cup of tea made us feel a lot better.

...Shivanand

Rendezvous with friends

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:11:00 +0000

After more than two decades I met my good old school friends in Lonavala. It was an exhilarating experience. We all were just the same but the only thing different in us is that we are grown ups now.

Our friendship was pure when we were small and we were again the same with each other after more then two decades as well. We all were friends and we will be friends for ever. We were not there to impress each other but were just the way we were. Some had grown in life, others had stabilized themselves, but again the bottom line is that we were just friends.

The reunion was a great and an unforgettable experience. Each and every one of us cherished the moment to the fullest. We missed everyone for all these years, but we were full of memories of each others. In our hearts we remembered every one for all these years and when we met we talked about all those memories and how we grew as chaddi friends in school.

We got married, had children, some had difficult marriages and some had financial crises but in the end we were again all just friends. We were out there to accept one another with the flaws, with the growth, with the slump, with everything as friends.

Some of us tried to search for one another and managed to do so, but many of us were not so successful.

We departed with heavy hearts but with a promise that we will stay united as friends. We plan to meet again.

We stay united and our friendship continues…
...Shivanand

Blinded by Sex

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 03:36:00 +0000

I would say "Blinded by Sex." Because according to me Sex and Love are two different things. Going through the Newspaper article I was surprised and found it a little hilarious too. Also it’s really sad that every time he has sex or has ejaculation he goes blind for a while.

The experience of regaining his sight must be a routine for him which happens with some blind people very rarely.

Read the article for yourself. This article comes to you courtesy 'The Times Of India'.

...Shivanand

ICC Match Fixing Probe

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 17:21:00 +0000

The trio has been dropped from the

Pakistan

squad for the one day/ T20 matches. I feel had I been in their position I would have said sorry to the whole world, packed by bags, gone home, apologized to my parents and would have shut myself off.

I really don’t know where Cricket is heading. It was really sad and disappointing to see what happened in the Test Match. It’s something to think deeply and introspect.

Watch the Video for yourself. It comes courtesy News of the World.

God save Cricket…

...Shivanand

Disabled, by sniffing can become independent

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:33:00 +0000

Israeli doctors have developed and tested a device that can help severely disabled people use their noses to write, drive a wheelchair or surf the internet.

According to a study published in the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, the device harnesses sniffing, which involves the soft palate is controlled by cranial nerves that are always very well conserved following severe injury. Professor Noam Sobel and colleagues of neurobiology department at the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Israel have found a way to convert sniffs into electrical signals. The device consists of a small pressure sensor that sits at the opening of the nostrils.

The researchers then tested their device not only on able-bodied individuals who quickly learned to play computer games and write sentences by sniffing, but also, on quadriplegics and "locked-in" people who are paralyzed but whose mental faculties are fine.

Following a stroke, a woman, who became locked in, had to be re taught how to sniff and within three weeks, she was using the sniff-controller to write. Another patient who couldn't blink at all started sending emails now by sniffing.

Professor Sobel has brought a revolution...

...Fatema

Shree Swami Samartha of Akkalkot

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:23:00 +0000

As I was walking down the steps of the Akkalkot Durgah, I heard the Azan. I looked at my watch, it was around 7 pm. For some, it was time to pray, but for me a hectic day in Akkalkot had come to an end. My bus was at 8:30 pm from Akkalkot bus stand, it was time I reached there.

Akkalkot is on my way to my native place, but for some or the other reason; I had not been able to visit the sacred place. This time I decided to take a break in the journey and visit Akkalkot.

Akkalkot is famous for the spiritual master, popularly called Shree Swami Samarth. He is also known for his famous quote “Bhiu nako, me tujhya paathishi ahe” i.e. don’t be afraid, I am with you. He lived in Akkalkot for 22 years, left this world in the year 1878.

In the morning, I visited his Samadhi and Shrine, then the Vatavruksha Mandir. Also had Mahaprasad at the Annachhatra.

I was told by my father that he lived in very close proximity of the shrine, and visited the Samadhi and shrine quiet regularly as a child.

Akkalkot is bordered by South Sholapur to the west and other districts. The district covers an area of 1,407 km. and contains 138 villages, apart from the town. The total population of the district is approximately 290,000 (2001 census), giving a population density of 209 per km. The soil is classified as 'medium to deep black' and is of rich quality. Jowar, bajra and pulses are the main crops grown in the district. Akkalkot is in a routinely drought hit area as it is in a rain shadow in geographical terms, and no major river passes through this taluka.

Akkalkot is widely known for its association with Shri Swami Samartha Maharaj held by some to be a reincarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Swami Maharaj lived for over two decades at Akkalkot, mainly at the residence of his disciple Cholappa, where his samadhi and shrine are now located. The shrine complex, the Vatavruksh Mandir, which also encloses the banyan tree beneath which the swami would preach his messages, is the hub of devotions for his followers. Free accommodation and meals are provided to pilgrims by the Shri Swami Samarth Annachhatra Mandal. The other local shrine is the samadhi of Akkalkot Swami located some distance from the main shrine, but still within the city limits. (Source - Wikipedia)

After having Mahaprasad, which also turned out be a very good lunch for me, it was time to see some princely Akkalkot. There are two forts in Akkalkot that are privately owned by the Bhonsles.

This time around, I managed to take a few pictures of the forts, as it was permitted, unlike in the shrines. This picture is of the main gate of the old fort. As you enter in the fort, through a small door of the giant gate, on the right side, in a corner, there is an office. One is welcome there, can get all the information about the Bhosales, the other new fort and also about the Armory Museum that is there in the new fort.

On my way to the new fort, I shot this picture of the old fort from the street and also of an old building that has now been turned into a government school.

It is believed that the Armory Museum owned by the Bhosale’s is one of the best in Asia. Cpt. Fatehsinhrao III Raje Bhonsle, who was in the British army, had a great desire of collecting the armories. At this new fort Armory Museum, one can buy a few artifacts, if one likes collecting them.

Though, I was not allowed to take pictures inside the museum, I was more than happy to shoot the new fort from outside.

During the British Raj, Akkalkot was the seat of a princely state of the same name. The non-salute state came under the Deccan States Agency and was bordered by Hyderabad State and the presidency of Bombay Presidency. The area of the state was 498 sq. miles; its population in 1901 was 82,047, while the population of the town itself was 8,348 in that year. In 1911, the state enjoyed a revenue estimated at Rs.26,586/- and paid a tribute to the British Raj of Rs.1,000/-.

The ruling dynasty descended from Ranoji Lokhande, who was adopted by Chhattrapati Sambhaji, grandson of Shivaji, around the year 1708. Upon his adoption, Ranoji assumed the name 'Fatehsinh Bhonsle' and received in appendage the town of Akkalkoth and surrounding areas. These estates remained a fief within the state of Satara until 1848, when the rulers of Satara (Chhatrapati Sambhaji designated successors) were deposed by the British. Akkalkot then became one of several vassals of Satara that were recognized as separate princely states by the British Raj. The political history of the state is remarkable in having been altogether free of major incidents; however, given their stability and association with the dynasty of Shivaji, the family came to be linked by marriage to nearly every major Great Maratha ruling family in India. The ruling chiefs of Akkalkot were:

1707-1760 Fatehsinh I Raje Bhonsle (born Ranoji Lokhande)

1760-1789 Shahaji I (Bala Sahib) Raje Bhonsle

1789-1822 Fatehsinh II (Appa Sahib) Raje Bhonsle

1822-1823 Maloji I (Baba Sahib) Raje Bhonsle

1823-1857 Shahaji II (Appa Sahib) Raje Bhonsle

1857-1870 Maloji II (Buwa Sahib) Raje Bhonsle

1870-1896 Shahaji III (Baba Sahib) Raje Bhonsle

1896-1923 Cpt. Fatehsinhrao III Raje Bhonsle

1923-1952 Vijayasinhrao Fatehsinhrao Raje Bhonsle

1952-1965 Jayasinhrao Vijayasinhrao Raje Bhonsle

Upon the withdrawal of the British from India in 1947, Akkalkot state acceded unto the Dominion of India, and was later merged with the province of Bombay. Mrs Srimant Nirmala raje Bhosale, wife of Jayasinghrao Bhosale was Minister for states in Bombay Province government. Their two daughters namely Shrimant Sunita Raje & Shrimant Sanyukta Raje are looking after the property. In 2006 Shrimant Sanyukta Raje Bhosale adopted a child from Kolahapur Maratha family and named him as Shrimant Fattesingh Raje ( Baba raje). (Source - Wikipedia)

Akkalkot, a trip to remember!

…Shivanand

Shree Swami Samartha's photo source - Internet

The Konark Temple

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 07:17:00 +0000

Very recently, I had a trip to Orissa with my parents for about two weeks. Orisaa is a state of India, located on the east coast, by The Bay of Bengal. It is the modern name of the ancient nation of Kalinga, which was invaded by the Maurya Emperor Ashoka in 261 BC.

The Sun Temple, built in the thirteenth century, was conceived as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, Surya, with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses. Majestic in conception, this temple is indeed one of the most sublime monuments of India, famous as much for its imposing dimensions and faultless proportions as for the harmonious integration of architectural grandeur with plastic allegiance. It is admittedly the best in Orissa. Its fine traceries and scrollwork, as well as the beautiful and natural cut of animal and human figures, give it a superiority over other temples. (Source - Wikipedia)

We saw almost all of the urban Orissa that mainly covered Bhuvaneshwar, Cuttack and Puri. We also covered lot of nearby places.
The Konark temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is unique for its supremely imaginative character. The structure as a whole is conceived of as a Rath (temple on wheels) on twenty-four wheels, the winged chariot of time which the Sun God rides. The base of the temple is an immense terrace with twelve giant wheels on either side, each 10 feet high. On the raised platform thus created, the temple building was erected in two conjoined parts forming the deul and the jaganmohan. The natmandir and the bhogmandir were detached structures, all enclosed within a courtyard measuring 865 ft. by 540 ft. (Source - Wikipedia)

My digital camera came in handy as I took lot of pictures. I had put the camera on auto mode and kept clicking photos to my utmost satisfaction.

On this post, I would like to share a few pictures that I have taken. One can see all the pictures on Facebook and some of them on flickr album. I have realized that a newbie like me can really have a good time with a digital camera.

Orissa, a state of temples is dominated by some of the most spectacular engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. I would like to share a couple of pictures of the Konark Temple, Puri. These pictures were the last of the lot that I shot there. I really enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful temple there, since it was hassle free with lesser crowds and also Pujaris not being around.

The other picture is of the Rajarani Temple that I shot in the wee hours of the morning while I had stepped out of my guest house for my morning walk.

Generally I do not travel to the same place again, but this is one place that could turn out to be an exception.

...Shivanand

Sachin Tendulkar

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:40:00 +0000

Sachin Tendulkar becomes the first man on the planet to score a Double Hundred in a One Day Match. He achieved this feet, by carrying his bat through, in the Second One Day International match against South Africa. What a stupendous achievement. Take a bow…!!!

I had decided to stop writing about cricket for some time, after the Sri Lanka series, as there was too much of cricket being played around. But taking a break when Sachin Tendulkar has achieved something like this was not possible for me. I was over the moon when I saw him score that single to make it to his double hundred.

He has left Ponting far behind and I wonder if Ponting or anyone else would be able to reach somewhere close to him, leave alone breaking his record.

Sachin Tendulkar dedicated his double hundred to the people of India. I wondered if there was a hidden message for the people who are fascists.

He has fought for us for twenty years and he is still going strong.

Sachin Tendulkar, we salute you.

…Shivanand

Picture Courtesy -

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/india/7308573/Sachin-Tendulkars-200-breaks-ODI-world-record-as-India-crush-South-Africa.html

The Parsik Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:05:00 +0000

For my morning walk to the Parsik Hill, which is near my house, I decided to carry my camera with me to take some pictures. While taking pictures, I came across these kids, who stood there and watched me, wondering as to what I am up to. I tried to talk to them. Though reluctant, the elder one finally started talking to me. He told me that they are going to the temple, that was just a few meters away from where we were standing and the younger one is his brother.

When I asked him if I could take a picture of both of them, he happily agreed. When I showed them the picture that I had shot they were very happy to see themselves in the picture. They had broad smiles on their faces. By now they had become friendly with me and they knew now for sure that I was not there to trouble them.

I asked him, where their father is and he pointed his finger towards a bungalow. I guess they stayed there and their father worked as a watchman in that bungalow. I decided not to push the issue further.

Walking away from them, I waved at them saying “bye” and they too waved back. It was a pleasant meet and they had made my day. I do not know if I will ever meet them again but I thought “kids are kids, wherever you go.”

...Shivanand

Ferozshah Kotla Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:42:00 +0000

In a match between India and Australia live cartages were found in the Delhi District Cricket Associations owned stadium, the Ferozshah Kotla. But it looked as though there were some live bombs in the pitch when India played Sri Lanka in the 5th and final one day match of the series. The match was called off after 23 overs when Sri Lanka was tottering at 5 for 83. What a shame…How could DDCA prepare such a pitch? This incidence defiantly left all Indians ashamed of what has happened.

The way the ball was bouncing and staying low, Alan Hurst was correct in calling the pitch an unplayable one. I hope the confidential report to the International Cricket Council (ICC) by him that could determine New Delhi’s fate clearly states that the pitch was dangerous and unfit to play. I strongly feel, not only DDCA should never be allowed to host the World Cup 2011, but also should be made to pay a hefty fine, for making a mockery of the Indian Cricket. Rajiv Shukla and the Indian officials may wait and watch for what the ICC has to say, hoping for better results, but what about the Indian fans who were totally disappointed as they could not witness the contest. The crowds unruly behavior is not justified, but DDCA’s act of talking the spectators for a ride is a big no.

One may set up an enquiry committee and repair the damage, but I would like to reiterate saying that DDCA has brought a disgrace to the Indians and in particular Indian Cricket.

ICC must punish DDCA.

...Shivanand

Picture Courtesy -

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/cricket/07-delhis-kotla-stadium-faces-tough-call-after-pitch-fiasco-ha-05

Nageshwar Temple at Nerul

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:23:00 +0000

Usually in the early mornings, I go for my jogs or walks, but sometimes I am abed till late too. This day was something different, as I went to the Nageshwar Temple, which is just a few minutes away from my house. The day had just started and it all looked very quiet out there. This temple is just next to a pond which you can see in the picture. Having visited the temple, going around in the vicinity of the temple, I halted at one place, as I felt that I could take a shot from that angle.

Generally in the evenings lot of people visit the temple and sometimes I spend my evenings as well, with my wife, on the benches, hanging out with her, having visited the temple.

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

...Shivanand

26/11 anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:08:00 +0000

It was the first anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. To mark the occasion there were programmes held in the memory of martyrs and victims of the attack all over India. I was at The Gateway of India to mark the anniversary with Abhijit, a photographer friend of mine.

We moved around in the area taking pictures of The Gateway of India, The Taj and the people around. Here is a flagman, near The Taj at The Gateway of India whom I shot. You may see some of my other photos on my flickr photo album on- http://www.flickr.com/photos/manthalkars/

Abhijit’s guidance turned out to be very important as this was my first attempt to shoot some photos of an event. You may visit his photo blog on- http://www.abhijitsplanet.com/pratibimb/

...Shivanand

26/11

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Today is the 26/11 anniversary and I wonder sometimes, if I am as safe as Kasab is in the Mumbai jail. But I also feel, that it is really stupid of me to think something like that, as in a democratic country like India this bloody terrorist has got a fair trial, unlike it is in Pakistan. I also understand that it has taken quiet a long time, for the Indian judiciary to punish him and one cannot wait anymore to see this man being hanged. Many of us wonder as to when that day would finally arrive, when justice would be done. As it is said “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

It is our good fortune and also since the Indian Government has taken measures to improve the security, things look slightly brighter for India. P. Chidambaram the Union home minister has definitely shown some urgency in improving the security agencies, the state police and the paramilitary forces. It is needless to say, that Pakistan’s internal problems are also helping the cause. There has been no terror attack for the last 11 months and P. Chidambaram definitely deserves a pat on the back for his efforts.

India’s policy of throwing a dossier at Pakistan, every now and then, to keep a check on them is also helping. I guess, it keeps reminding Pakistan that unless they act against the 26/11 terrorists the relation between the two countries cannot improve.

Finally, a tribute to all the brave-hearts who laid their lives fighting the terrorists and I am hoping that this world becomes a peaceful place to live in.

...Shivanand

Picture Courtesy-

http://arunshanbhag.com/2008/11/27/mumbai-blasts-day-2//

The D.Y. Patil Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Inner Vision) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:40:00 +0000

On the weekend, when I met my good old school friend, at the bus stop, who works with the D.Y. Patil Catering College, we knew we would talk about cricket, the big disappointment it brought in with India losing 4-2 in the series to Australia and also the rains which washed out the final one day match which was scheduled to be played at the D.Y. Patil Stadium, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.

Usually we go around on the bike, to a near by hill called Parsik hill, where we sit and chat for hours together. Sometimes we are found sitting in a restaurant, having tea. And occasionally when he wants to have a drink, it would be at my house. Though I do not drink, I enjoy his company and love to spend time with him.

It was a big occasion for the D.Y. Patil Sports Academy, that was all set to host this huge event, but for the rains. My friend who was the in charge of the catering section and who played a major role in organizing the event, tells that he was bitterly disappointed, so was Vijay Patil the Chairman of the D.Y.Patil Sports Academy. According to my friend D.Y. Patil Sports Academy incurred a loss in crores, as it had not compromised a bit, as far as the international standard of the event was concerned. Moreover, my friend says, “All the hard work and the effort went down the drain”.

Talking purely about cricket, on two occasions, India came very close to winning the matches, but could not pull off the victories. We both were of the concusses that it was a close series and we both feel that Paddy Uption needs to work with the team to help India cross over the finish line.

We also are of the opinion that Praveen Kumar might make it into the zone of an all rounder if he works a little more on his batting. And lastly, there was a news in the media that one of the senior cricketer had called up the selectors to inform that some of the junior players in the team are not taking there cricket seriously. We both wondered if one of them was Virat Kolhi.

Suddenly he looked at his watch and told me that it’s nearing ten and we both knew that it was time to say good bye to each other.

…Shivanand

Picture Courtesy - http://www.dypsa.in

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