Valiant effort

 Glancing through news bits of the day, I came across the following post on X, with news of Amul Cooperative congratulating Yamini Maurya, a medal winner at the Commonwealth 2026 games.  

Honestly, I knew nothing about her or her achievements.  Never heard about her.  But what struck me was the photo.  Not the people in it, but the location. It certainly seems her home.  Bedsheets and mat on the floor.   Trophies lined up on a ledge.  Extension box and charger wires.  And it has an asbestos roof!!  

In an age where most people live in pucca houses, with multi-storeyed luxury rooms, here is a young lady, who has brought fame to the nation through her hard work and effort, living under an asbestos roof! From that one fact alone, I gather how much of an effort would she and her family have made to rise up to the national level sports competitions.  

Kudos to the whole family for their sacrifices and valiant effort.  Appreciation and congratulations to Yamini herself - and the many more like her who make the most of their meagre resources, with an iron grit and a large heart.  

Superb title and inspirational lives

 This evening after supper as I was glancing through the news, I came across the following headline and it certainly caught my attention

Meet India’s first family of Chess: Father who never watched, mother who can’t name the pieces, two grandmasters

I could easily guess from the title what the content of the article (published in Financial Express) could be. But the title itself is superb! 

More interesting and inspirational is the content of the article.  It describes how the family still continues to live in the same house, as before.  That the father of the house stays home (primarily because of his disability) but watches his family earn name and fame across the globe.  The mother accompanying the siblings as they travel the world, playing off world champions and becoming grandmasters themselves.  The parents themselves are grandmasters, albeit in a different life game - like most parents, in the whole living kingdom. 

Flying kites... with children!

I've realised one thing about flying kites... 

Flying kites all by myself, with the whole terrace free and peaceful is a great joy.  But flying kites with children, that's an adventure!! 

The last couple of days I've been flying kites with a couple of our resident staff and their children... gosh, it is all confusion. Forget about the kites swooping down from up above, of the neighbours, coming down to clash with mine, there are a hundred other kites and threads running all across. While I managed to cut half-a-dozen of the kites in the skies, I lost two (the only two I lost) ... thanks to the kids around me who keep running around with the kites in hand and entangling every bit of thread. 

Then there are some of these whom you have to constantly keep an eye on. Take your eye off them for a millisecond and you'll see them next on a ladder climber higher on the water tank, or trying to reach for the branch of a tree from the parapet of the terrace or scaling the solar panels!!! 

Then there are kids who, while flying one kite, see another cut one flying kilometers away happily leave this kite in hand and run (mind you, we're on the terrace of a building!) to try and catch that cut kite! 

By the time it is dark and we get off the terrace, there are nearly two dozen kites that we need to pick up from the terrace... not one of which will be intact!  Not to say anything of the thread (brought in earlier or gathered from the cut kites)... it is all bundled as if one were rolling a mat after a night cap on the roof! 

Nonetheless, of the two options of flying kites alone or with others, I'd still prefer the latter! 

School days - or holidays - with Fr James

 Fr James has been hanging on to his dear life for almost a week now. His mind is still active, but communication is totally incoherent. So we don't know what exactly is he going through.  

This evening as I was trying to recollect some memories of him, as my headmaster, I barely could remember any.  Very vague images of him walking around the campus and corridors in cassock, him standing and addressing the school assembly on the 'new' stage, him taking social studies for us in class X (his topics were more about his trips and experiences than social!).  But something very clear is his joining us for games during holidays.  

Every summer some of us would be in the school ground morning and evening.  Fr James would join us in the evenings.  If by chance he was gardening then we'd also end up gardening - not because we wanted it, but he got us to do it!! But he would join us for games.  However it struck me, in all those months and years we played, every summer and holiday time, we always played cricket!  There is only twice or thrice in a whole lifetime that I would have played basketball.  And I remember him playing with us (along with Rajiv, the electrician and some brothers).  And then, perhaps a dozen times we would have played football.  Even those football games I remember him, making clever passes, without running much or dodging!  He also played some odd games we played. Like the one with sticks and stones - he still remembers that very fondly!  Then some game with the small rubber ball alone - which Fr Benji never understood! But for the rest (perhaps 98% of the time) we played cricket!  And all that while, not once, do I remember him complaining or trying to coax us to play basketball - which was his favourite. Nor did he belittle our games and playing style. He would correct us if we did a mistake. We also turned to him for final decisions on disputed matters, even though he belonged to one of the teams as a player.  But never did he utter a word moaning or grumbling about anything.  He truly was with us, enjoying the game - even when it was never his favourite games.  

Bible as a rule book?

A couple of days ago I was in a group that was discussing the Bible.  One point mentioned therein was that the Bible is not a rule book.  While some felt that it basically boils down to that, others weren't sure.  I feel the book is certainly not a rule book.  It is more of an inspiration and a guide book.  A recommendation of instructions, at the most.  But not merely a list of do's and don'ts. 

Imagine a game without boundary or rules.  Without instructions of any kind.  It would be too confusing to everyone.  The players could do anything and everything.  The spectators watching the game would not understand head or tail of it - there wouldn't be anything to understand! 

The Bible too is like a motivational guide, if I were to speak in non-religious terms.  I do things or behave in a particular manner, not merely because the Bible-says-so, but because inspired by what I find in the Bible, I choose to be or do so.  I feel inspired by what it says and internally fell the thrill of living by those values.  

McFarland, USA

Last night I watched the movie McFarland, USA.  Am surprised I never heard of it before (given the fact that I have seen more movies in the past three years than I've seen my whole life).  The fact that it is based on a true story is what makes it really inspirational.

The movie is about a group of young boys and their coach in the neglected state of McFarland who train and go on to become the best in cross country race.  What touched me was the ease with which these youngsters could take pressure, especially of work.  Not only did they work, they studied and they trained (which is equally grueling)... all at the same time.  And they did it all with a sense of determination and joy.  Liked the movie for it portrays the value of family, of a team, of belonging, of unity, hard work, of enjoying the little things of life, prejudices and values we hold dear...

There is a truth in the quality of life lived by those who do strenuous manual labour.  I do believe that hard manual labour, especially directly in touch with nature, is a great learning experience.  The following clip is a neat summary of my sentiments too (about all those who slog it out, day in and day out, )

Loved also the amusing clips wherein this coach, used to a posh and comfortable lifestyle and setting, finds the ways of his boys used to the hard life of labour strange.  There is one particular scene wherein after being invited to join the family meal of his team, he wishes to thank the father.  Assuming that he does not know English, he asks one of his sons to tell him that he felt honoured to being invited to his house.  The son repeats the same in English!  And the father tells the son, "Tell him, that he is welcome!" ... in English!

Sedentary exercises

Struggling with my present sedentary life as a student, I came across this amusing quote in a book

The only exercise some people get is jumping to wrong conclusions, running down their friends, sidestepping responsibility and pushing their luck! 

I distinctly remember asking Tanuj, a little boy who had come with his mum seeking admission to our school and boarding at Punganur.  He was about 7 years and was certainly not thrilled about being away from his mum.  Intending to cheer him up, I asked him if he liked games.  His eyes lit up and he nodded in agreement.  I then asked him which games?  Pat came the reply, "Computer games!"

India and the Olympics

India's craving for atleast one gold medal ended yesterday with P.V. Sindhu winning only a silver medal at the Olympics at Rio.

On the one hand we have one man, Michael Phelps winning 23 gold medals (over the years) and on the other we have one billion people (of India) craving for one medal!!  What a paradox!

Hidden Agenda?

I liked two statements that Palli made during the discussions.

Any hidden agenda is not good agenda! 

He interjected with this statement when a confrere started speaking of our task of evangelization (preaching and proclaiming Christ) especially in a context that does not endorse it.

The other is from the cartoon, Dennis the menace...

You can win any game, if you make the rules of the game. 

This is how the government and corporates play. The others are bound to lose because the rules are always set against them.  For an onlooker, the game was played out perfectly and as per the norms and therefore the win of the government or corporate is legitimate.  But when the rules themselves are skewed and the poor have no say whatsoever in the rules nor an alternative to joining the 'game', then it is injustice! 

Life-giving Water vs Entertaining Cricket

Amidst all that is going on in the country (naturally and man-made) and all that is being created by political parties for their hidden and sinister agenda, one thing that caught my attention and I personally wish to see it come up by public demand is the following: IPL matches and the drought stricken state of Maharashtra.

On the one hand, the state is reeling under severe drought conditions - mind you it is still mid-April... we are yet to step into the month of May! - and on the other hand is the extravagance of a game (cricket).  In testing and difficult times as these, a game would surely have a great soothing effect.  But not if it robs one of precious and basic necessities of life.  Given a choice between basic amenities of life and entertainment, anyone sensible will choose roti-kapada-makaan (food - clothing - shelter).

Contrast this: mere maintenance of a cricket ground one requires 60,000 litres of water per day, and people of Latur receive a water-train for drinking water.  We either find alternatives to keep up the playground (perhaps use recycled sewage water) or make a radical choice between water in the mouth or under one's feet.

Only one who really feels this crunch has the right to decide!  

Bicentenary Volleyball Tournament at Karunapuram

On January 25, 2015 the community of Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram conducted a volleyball tournament for the Oratory youth, as part of the bicentenary celebrations of the birth of Don Bosco. Nine teams from the different Oratory centres, frequented by the Brothers on Sundays, competed for the cash prizes in a zealous sportive manner. The chief guest(s) for the occasion were the young people themselves!

The team from Diesel colony, Kazipet won the coveted first prize (Rs 1'500/- in cash and the rolling trophy). The last year runners up, from Battupalli village, retained their title this year too as they won Rs 1'000/-. Fr Mallavarapu Rayanna, the Rector, while giving away the prizes, reiterated the message of Don Bosco for the young: to be good and honest citizens. He expressed his joy at their presence and active participation in the day-long event.

The organizing committee of Brothers K. Ravi, Paul Makri, Pramod, Sravan and L. David who volunteered, did an excellent job of seeing to every detail and ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all those involved.

From mere watching to creating...

This morning I read the news interview of the CEO-elect of Infosys, Vishal Sikka, in which he was asked about the educational system in the country.  I was happily surprised to read his comments about the same.

I think there is an incredible fascination for Nach Baliye and singing and dancing, and I wish we get back to a little bit of math and science.  

True indeed.  Somehow we get caught with the eye and what is fascinating to the eyes not really that which demands discipline and courage.  Not that the those participating in the dance programmes do not have discipline and courage.  Yes they certainly do! But what of the millions who watch them!  Most seem happy to merely watch and not do anything about it.  Some may emulate them and try their hand at dancing but when they discover that it is more than clowning around, then they quit and get back to the safest and easiest mode: right infront of the idiot box.

I ask of my Brothers and myself this same question: What are my priorities?  That I like dance and music and games, is fine, but is study and reflection anywhere on the horizon?  If not, where do I get stuff to inspire me to appreciate or compose music?  How and where do I learn the meaning of art and expression?  How do I know and imbibe the values of a game?  

Try growing up

I was watching part of Chariots of Fire this evening and was quite amused by the passion driving two young men for the same purpose. And just before I stopped the movie for the day, was the following conversation.  The context is Abrahams looses to Eric Liddelle and he cannot reconcile himself to this fact.  He's speaking with his girlfriend Sybil.

Abrahams (in childish desperation): I just don't know what to do!
Sybil: Try growing up!

That really is quite a challenge one must offer oneself once in a while, especially when faced with failures and difficulties.  As it is said, the quality of a man is tested not when he is successful but what one does when faced with failures. 

Sachin's greatness

For quite some time now Sachin Tendulkar (a name that needs no introduction, or a web link), has been in the news for different and varied reasons.  There were some rumour mills doing the round about his retirement (some for it and some, obviously against).  Now there is the whole talk about him being awarded the Order of Australia. Amidst all these, whatever be the case, I do appreciate the equanimity of this person, the phenomenon called 'Tendulkar'.

He has, as always, retained his composure, his focus and his values.  Being a celebrity he certainly does not act like one (at least like the most we know).  Very many people blame him for overshadowing the game of cricket. Well is it his fault that he plays well and that too selflessly for so many years?  One certainly cannot hold that against him.

Everyone, especially those in the limelight, be it in politics or movies or sports, can take a cue from this simple Indian who keeps his head and heart in the right place.

Flag confusion

As part of the feastday today, I organised the double flag game for the community.  There were approximately 30 Brothers on either side playing this lively game.  The game has a simple concept. The half line of the football court serves as the dividing line.  While defending our flag we try to conquer the flag of the opponents placed on the other end of the football court. In the process, when touched by an opponent, we are to stand still until someone untouched from my team comes and 'gives me life'.  Conquering the flag would mean getting the flag across to our side of the football court.

The Brothers, most of them, have played it earlier as well.  So they are quite familiar with the rules of the game.  However what they desist from is playing it well.  They just run about without the least of coordination, teamwork and planning.  Each one does what he thinks best.  In the process, a few of them run and tire themselves out, the rest do not even sweat a drop!

It is not that since we do not play this game often they have not yet learnt the nick-knacks of the game.  If that were the logic, then they should be adept football or basketball players by now - we play them practically everyday.  Even in these games, most often, it is the same style.  A couple of them do all the "playing"; the rest, blissfully just stand around.  That these games are team games, which require a great deal of planning and coordination, is something they simply do not get or rather, are happy to do without.  

Mind games

A couple of days ago I visited the psychiatric's clinic accompanying a confrere.  While waiting for our turn in the lobby, I engaged myself in a mind game... trying to identify, from those there and those entering into the lobby, as to who was the patient and who was the one accompanying the patient.  I found it quite engaging, till I realised that perhaps I was not the only one 'playing' this!  It was the case with all those entering the lobby.  Each one was trying to identify from among the others as to who was the patient and who the one accompanying... that's what is called, tit for tat!  

When 'treasure' and 'hunt' parted ways...

Today, along with Sateesh, I organised the treasure hunt for the Brothers. The first and second course Brothers had no idea of what it was all about - they had never played this before. So I suppose it was some fun for them. However the best part of the whole game was that while it took both of us nearly 4 hours to set the trails, one of the (two) groups reached the 'Treasure' within 15 minutes of the start. I just could not understand how they could manage to do it. However, I went after the other group, just to keep an eye on them since there was one clue which they had to retrieve from a deep well. I wanted to ensure that they do not do anything foolish or hazardous. But by the time I reached the second group, a few of them had already the penultimate slip in their hands... without any of the other slips/clues! But about 17 of them did have a good round of the whole place and had a real 'hunt'. The rest of them reached back home within half an hour and were most probably 'plucking blackberries'! Later I realised that a couple of them had strayed and 'discovered' a clue... the last one which led them straight to the treasure! Poor guys, missed out the whole fun... so I thought, but not many of them! Some were glad it got over quick.

Touchback: A movie of the past for the present

I watched the new movie Touchback today (of course, in bits and pieces). But it was worth it. As one reviewer put it (speaking about the movie dvd): "... buy it, borrow it, steal it, copy it, but please see it." Having watched the movie, I perfectly agree with the reviewer.

It is the story of a football player who gets a chance to relive his high school days, at the end of which 15 years ago, he injured his leg and thereby lost his chance to go to college and play as a professional. As he finds himself in a known situation, he relooks at the very things (present) knowing well what is the future. Initially he is excited that he can now literally rewrite the past, especially his dream of getting out of the small native town he has grown up in and become a professional football player. However, his interactions with his coach, his own single mother and most of all with an unknown girl (who in his present is his wife) in the college - not unknown, but he never really did notice her then - he begins to see the beauty of the present. His mother challenges him to be happy now, rather than eternally keep chasing happiness in the future. Finally when he actually has a chance to change the present, in line with his grand plans for the future, he does the same as he did then, 15 years ago... all for the sake of retaining what is most important in life... love and friendship of those dear and not personal plans for glory.

I wonder how many of us, if given a chance to go back into our past and change things, would change the whole of it? Or some of it? Or most of it? Blessed are those who will live it as it is and be happy about it! Because only then will each present moment count and every choice made valuable, because my present is more important than my past or the future... because my choice for the right and lasting things of life is more important than momentary glory and honour.

Learning to play fair

This morning we had a fiery game of double flag. The tempers were soaring unusually high this time. But I'm glad that this was an occasion for Brothers to challenge one another on their authenticity. For me it was a good game. Brothers enjoyed it and at the same time, very many were openly challenging their own companions to play fair. This has a double effect, they themselves will ensure that others play fair and to this end, they too need to uphold the authenticity they are calling for or demanding from the others.

I know not if John Mary Vianney, the humble and silent Priest that he was, would approve of this sort of noisy game and that too vehement appeals and pleas to one another to be true to the rules of the game, but this I know: Brothers need to learn to take a stand and be true to it, come what may.

Youngsters and Brothers

The Cheedivalasa volleyball team, comprising of youngsters who just completed their intermediate or degree studies gladly made a visit to the Seminary and played a match with our Brothers. The Brothers in-charge of Cheedivalasa, Peter, Anthaiah and M. Naresh did a commendable job in getting to know the youngsters and furthermore getting them over here to play a game, within three weeks of their weekend ministry. They were nearly 10 of them and they played a couple of sets. During the official game, they beat the Brothers in the first two sets straight. Fr Wilson, the Principal of the Seminary, inaugurated the game after the youngsters won the toss and choose the side first. The youngsters left the campus happy and joyful, after a drink and a bite. From the Seminary side the following Brothers played: B. Lourdhu, D. Rakesh, Y. Anil, Maria Joseph, P. James, K. Ravikanth and M. Peter. The game was refereed by G. Devaraj and K. Lourdhu.

Trust this is only the beginning of a greater and closer rapport with the youngsters of the various villages that Brothers visit on weekends. It certainly is a good sign and the next week another village team is ready to challenge the Brothers on the Cricket field.

The defeat of the Brothers was quite hard to digest for the Brothers themselves. Of course, the youngsters practice daily and know their players and game well. Our Brothers hardly know their own game and rarely play as a competitive team.