Saturday, December 24, 2005

Bangalore or Bengaluru ?

Its the latest passtime in Bangalore. To get into an discussion on the change of name of the city from Bangalore to Bengaluru.

Well, I feel its a good step. One, the name symbolizes the way we call our city. And it would be great if everyone calls it by the same name. The problem with us Indians is that we havent yet given up the british legacy. They could not twist their tongues and spell Indian cities, so went on changing the names to suit their needs. And we even after independence didnt think of changing back the name of their cities. Until, Bal Thackrey woke up a good 50 years after independence, to restore Mumbai its name. As soon as he did this, everyone woke up, and changed the names of other cities too.

Now coming to the latest controversy, the name Bangalore has become a brand in itself. Its inspired the word "Bangalored" in the US, meaning your job has been outsourced. What will happen to that brand name ?

We, as native indians should support the move wholehearetdly and stop thinking about what will outsiders think about this move.

And, get ready for more changes in the names of city.

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Good Bye, Jaggu Dada !

The most waited event in Indian Cricket is over. No, No its not the India's Tour of Pakistan, but the elections to the BCCI. After a tale containing more twists than a bollywood potboiler, the results are finally out. And finally its bid adieu to the Long Man standing of Indian cricket, Jagmohan Dalmiya.

Once invincible, a man from Bengal has no friends. His erswhile friend like I S Bindra have turned foes. Just like the other man from Bengal (Ganguly), JD will be cooling his heals at home. Dont write him off yet.

What reminds me of him, is the World Cup 1996. Probably he was the greatest administrator our cricket board had ever seen. He made optimum utilization of the cricket craze in India. For the game of cricket, which was always dominated by White like Aussies n English, he made the whole world sit up and watch India. Gone where the days when Ashes was the most prestigious series, he made India Vs Pakistan the most watched series.

Money is what cricket is all about. He made this "game of fools" toast of the nation, with sponsors queing to take rights to be associated with the World Cup and advertisers ready to pay huge amount to cover every inch of cricket ground. But after the height came the downfall. Favouritism, Corruption charges followed and now the outster.

Perphaps he was a non-political boss who indulged in too much politics, which ultimately resulted in his downfall. Anyway, thank JD for taking India into the centrestage of world criket

While Saurav's fate will be decided in a month, Jaggu dada might have to wait for a year to know his future.

Keep watching this space...........