End of an era – Sam Bahadur

June 27, 2008 will always be remembered in Indian history. India’s greatest army chief till date passed away. Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw passed away yesterday. He was 94.

When I was in primary school, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was my source of inspiration. I was fascinated with his title - “Field Marshal”. I didn’t know the significance of the title. I thought I sounded cool! I always wanted to be Field Marshal. When I reached secondary school, I started liking the title of “Air Chief Marshal” because I wanted to be a pilot. Hindon Air Base was 30 kms from my home and I used to see pilots doing acrobats in their Migs every day.

My tributes to Sam Bahadur! I will always remember him as a person who shaped my formative years! I bow my head.

‘Game, Set, Match, Championship Nadal’

The five words - ‘Game, Set, Match, Championship Nadal’ said it all. Roger Federer’s (one of my favorite tennis players) was unsuccessful in his another attempt to conquer Roland Garros. On Sunday, Rafael Nadal showed why he is considered as the best tennis player in this era on clay. He decimated Roger in straight sets at 2008 French Open - 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. (Match Summary) I am glad that I didn’t wake up early in the morning to see this lopsided final!! It is the most one sided result in any men’s Grand Slam final since John McEnroe lost to Jimmy Connors in 1984 at Wimbeldon.

Rafa (as people lovingly call Nadal) was too quick, very sharp at the net and Federer couldn’t match the # 2 player in the world. I wonder if this is going to start the fall of Federer's rein at the top of the world's ranking. We will find out in few weeks at Wimbeldon. My best wishes are with Federer.

“We the people”

I was on “We the people” show by NDTV on Thursday. Lot of big names came to the show – Sabeer Bhatia, NK Singh, Kanwal Rekhi, Forbes, Godrejs, Suhel Seth and lot of other high profile people. Here is a picture with celebrated journalist and host of the show – Barkha Dutt.