what's in just a name

       The parliament’s recent nod for the name alteration of Orissa to Odisha triggers interesting questions. What’s in just a name? what is its political implications and ramifications? Does it really bring about a sea of change in which certain factors like the ‘name’ are perceived in the society?

       Well the so called ‘name-alteration’ is not something that we are unfamiliar with. We have witnessed numerous name changes in our country in the form of states and cities. Bombay was christened as Mumbai, Madras as Chennai, Calcutta as Kolkata ,Bangalore as Bengaluru, Benaras as Varanasi and the list goes on. So what actually prompts the bosses of these cities to juggle the names? The entire scenario should be seen as nothing but a political tool used by the politicians to  bowl their people over and force them to be under their spin.

        What really makes me nonplussed is the fact that they not only pip for new names but also ensure that the older counterpart is tarnished and destroyed and same treatment is meted out to those who prefer it. It was evident a year back when Raj Thackerey’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena( MNS) lashed on the makers of the bollywood film ‘Paa’ alleging them of using ‘Bombay’ instead of ‘Mumbai’ and in a way affecting the sentiments of its people. My Goodness!!how will the old name affect the sentiments of a section of people when they are already ripped apart by the linguistic chauvinists.

       It is quite difficult to replace the name of a city with a newer one when the older had become a part of brands like the IIT-Bombay, IIT-Madras, Benaras Hindu University(BHU),  Madras Rubber Factory(MRF), Madras Talkies. In all these brands, settling with the original version is a wiser idea because of the fame in its name. Its absurd having the Chennai Rubber Factory(CRF) when MRF is dictating terms in the global rubber business. Of course many in the world don’t like the cooked up and crooked up ones and always prefer something raw. Be it names, food or even girl friends!!!!!!!!!

       So finally, I have run out of ideas thinking of what is actually there in just a name. Hopefully the readers might get some. But one thing is sure. These are just products of politics played by the linguistic chauvinists and the regional dictators to capture lakhs of votes.

India's cup of joy and pride

     Yes!! It’s the world cup mania-the most riveting and happening spectacle in this cricket-crazy nation. The Gala tournament featuring a fair mix of heavyweights and minnows is  definitely not short of any fun, energy or excitement and the fact that it is being staged in India adds more color and spice to it. And no doubt that it is the most followed world sporting event  in the country, pushing behind the likes of Olympics and FIFA world cup.

      

       So what makes this game so popular in this country? Why is it that it is considered a religion? And why is that the cricketers turn national heroes when they triumph at the world cup stage? Why?

      Always when you are on the right side of a wrong thing(an accident), it just makes you feel excited and prompts you to propel your inclinations towards it. The accident that took place was of course the world cup in 1983. From underdogs to world champions, their success story has already been talked about umpteen number of times. It was this accident that turned the world’s view over India and since then its been kind of a curve. The world cup brings the best out of a team and there is no better feeling  for an Indian cricketer than donning India colors and performing with expectations of millions. Playing in front of their home crowds with the numbers easily exceeding 50000 is what every Indian cricketer dreams of and considers it a once in a life time experience. So one can imagine the sort of excitement and electrifying atmosphere in Eden gardens, Kolkata and that too on the day when India is doing well.

      Interesting thing about Indian cricket is that we tend to smell victory too early, we rate our cricketers highly, we take cricket not just as a game. That is probably why we find it difficult to digest the defeats and hence represent the other end of spectrum by targeting the cricketer’s houses, throwing stones and burning their posters. Year 2007 was the best example showcasing the two extremities of cricket following in India. The early exit from the world cup in the West Indies resulted in widespread anguish and hate from the Indian public but that mood took a drastic U-turn when the  ‘unexpected’ actually happened; from underachievers to world champions in five months. The cricketers once again became the apple of everyone’s eye and were the toast of the entire nation. 

     

      When we talk about Indian cricket and world cups, its not complete without including the  money factor. Lump sum of cash is involved in the management of cricket in the country. Its quite heartening to see the transformation the country has undergone. It is not the old India of sluggishness, dust, beggars and snake charmers. Now it is the power house of world cricket; the BCCI is the richest cricketing governing body in the world. The bulk of the revenues come from here and its big bosses dominate the proceedings in the decision making sessions of the ICC. Yes, its all happening here. Indian cricket has unleashed its power to scales which were undreamt of a couple of decades ago. The huge fan base,  inflow of corporate into the game, broadcasting rights have all contributed to this stature. There have been criticism too with the people lashing on some of the cricketers for their increased Ad appearances and they go on to say that sometimes the number of endorsements he does is perhaps exceeding the number of runs he scores.But that is the bitter reality of cricket in this country.

      Finally imagine the situation when India go on to lift the world cup in front of their home crowds. The people simply go cock-a-hoop, the game’s fame just takes an elevation. and what happens to the cricketers ? Well, they turn national figures, images of worship. A string of lucrative endorsements, high profile alliances, hot bollywood offers, cash awards, the fame…it goes on…..and the finally the cricketers say,” well, its not that bad, isn’t it!!!!” Let us hope this dream comes true.