The soul of cricket!
Cricket in India has a long and strong bonding with Mumbai and inclusiveness is the essence of this bonding. It formed the underlying theme for Rajdeep Sardesai’s book launch in the city earlier this week, where he described Cricket in India as the “spirit of inclusive democracy”.
Cricket fans relished the evening as the journey of Indian cricket from the days of the princely states to the current times was unfolded before the audience through a panel discussion. The theme of inclusiveness was unfolded through the numerous anecdotes narrated by the two legends — Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar — during the discussion.
The Pawar game
Former Union minister Sharad Pawar surprised many with his unexpected presence at the stands during the India-New Zealand one day at Wankhede stadium here last week. Pawar’s love for the sports is neither new nor an offshoot of his love for the politics. He enjoyed the game from the president’s box with his grandchildren and other family members.
However, his presence at Wankhede was linked to the Mumbai cricket Association (MCA) elections scheduled next month. Pawar was heading the MCA, but had to vacate the post making room for BJP’s Ashish Shelar after the strictures of Lodha committee. The committee members flocked to meet Pawar, indicating that he still holds the power.
Mumbai spirit?
If one has to point out one thing about Mumbai that has come under severe criticism off late, that would be the Mumbai Spirit. The cliché is misused to hide the ills of the city, many argue. A recent finding supports the argument.
While a report around a year ago had proclaimed Mumbai as the happiest city of the country, a recent survey by the doctors from the city shows that Mumbaikars are also the most stressed out people in the country and the city has the highest number of people who are in need of treatment for mental illness. The report last year had pointed out that the residents of Mumbai eat unhealthy food and lead a sedentary lifestyle, while the report this year has blamed the social media addiction for the mental stress.
Diwali in memoirs
Film artist and social activist Shabana Azami narrated her memoirs of Diwali last week at a festive gathering. Her father Kaifi Azami started Diwali, Holi, Eid and Xmas celebrations at their residence Janki Kutir, which her brother Baba is now restoring. This was the first time after the demise of Kaifi saab that the tradition has been restarted.
She spoke at length how Diwali celebrations with stalwarts like Begum Akhtar, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Josh Malihabadi to then struggling newcomers like Shekhar Kapur and directors like Guru Dutt, Chetan Anand artists like M F Hussain, cherished her formative years.
Abhijit Mulye
The author is the correspondent of the New Indian Express in Maharashtra.
Email:abhijit.mulye@gmail.com