Unmuddlings!!

The dismantling of the Mubarak legacy in the Arab world, with the implied or inevitable [whatever the case maybe] support of the US with the run of the events marks a stunning acceptance of the changed geo-politics. It preceded by the Tunisian change of guard and followed by stiff uprising to the Libyan ‘strongman’ Gadaffi. Clearly, democracies – led by Mr Obama [I really don’t think this change of stance from USA would have been as unequivocal – albeit a bit delayed – had it been a different President there] are learning that the dichotomy of propping/supporting autocrats outside, while swearing by democracy at home will no longer seem credible. Neither would double diplomacy – one equation with the families/rulers of non-democratic countries and another posturing with the people [of home country, the citizens of countries ruled by autocrats and international community at large], like the one practiced by US governments of the past [incl George Bush Jr, post 9/11] – escape the notice ...

The whole of Orissa was watching the kidnapping and the hectic parleys that ensued after that. Maybe it was the whole of India/world watching. The difference would probably be the sense of involvement and emotional intensity would be inversely to the physical distance from the scene of action and the key players. The facts of the case – Krishna venturing into the cut-off area without due security, his kidnapping, public hue and cry, hectic mediation, demands of Maoists, accepting/acceding [depending upon, how we look at them] to the demands and the release. That’s the story which all of us know. I am not interested to elaborate the facts of the case. My questions are different. But still I am eager to note a few points in this whole drama. One, Mr Vineel Krishna was apparently a hard working and popular officer, he had started many positive initiatives. Kudos to such young bright officers – I am happy the most prestigious [if not most coveted any longer] is attracting such motivated pe...

Cricket fever is back again. The zing thing. Next to soaps and reality shows, the ad revenue earner is cricket. Optimized by IPL and leveraged by the World Cup in the sub-continent. One recollects football players and purists cribbing, a couple of decades or so back, that the world cup has been sold to TV viewership as players are made to play during inhospitable times during the day. The same is now true for cricket for sometime now [that’s how the day and night cricket made its entry]. Well that’s the norm of the show now, across sports and other professions with popular appeal. But something, which though not unexpected, made we dwell on it for more than a passing moment. What one notices is that more and more print media is following electronic media, but focusing more and more on the persona and less and less on the news per-se. I can think of 3 instances over the past 2 months. One, is the Indian team selection and the choices and the guesses surrounding it. Two, conspicuous abs...

Many of us think rules and guidelines as “medicine”. However, I believe these so-called rules and guidelines serve as an “antidote.” I prefer to look at them as a means to freedom rather than regimentation. Successful creative people may look at ‘rules’ as restrictions and attribute their success to breaking free of mundane rules. In such cases, I would suggest that this rule-breaking success is a result of sheer talent, context, and luck, rather than a deliberate disregard for rules/boundaries. Two points are noteworthy with regards to rules and ‘restrictions’: one, most of us have our own rules/restrictions which we adhere to only when they suit our convenient conditionings and comfort zones. Two, whenever we work within such boundaries [of planning, timelines, review, accountability] even for creative pursuits, we are likely to be better off. The choice is between getting enslaved by ones indulgences and allowing them to self-inflict damages, or driving these instincts to our self...