Shetty Kutty

Sometimes actions seem inept to convey some feelings. Sometimes, the genuineness of our lauds need the stability of words. A personality so amiable that all the unpleasant situations around you somehow turn themselves around to bring out the best in your life. So here I share this eulogy about one such person who means a lot to me and definitely many more. With my heart getting heavier and heavier every minute with emotions that is just waiting to jump out in joy and celebration. I now see you finish three decades on this earth and still feels like we just met yesterday playing badminton or hogging in some restaurant in the city or brain storming about how to mould a kid for his betterment.

"Bharuuuuuu " this sound rang my ears 5-10 times day in all the different tones and modulations one could do.  To give minute by minute update about the day, conference calls for hours in a day just because the office paid the bills. oh ! How can I forget those days and those boisterous moments. The laughter at 'Papa Jones ' that night still vividly reverberates  in my ears. From Bandra to CST to Thane to Goregaon, we have laughed away to glory no matter where we were. Those moments are thoroughly etched into my 'memories' system, and I am still hungry for more. I just can't help but smile, even now as I am writing about it.

Behind every successful man, is a trail made of determination, a path of overcoming failures, and immense courage and sincerity to win over all odds. A grand salute to you, a young achiever whose company can give me no pains or sorrows, whose presence and  wit is enough to bring to light and happiness and perhaps make Manmohan Singh open his mouth and laugh. Ahh... i cannot find a better day to showcase the various reasons why the world admires you. You truly deserve every bit of your 'relative' success and the continuous praises in order to constantly increase the number of feathers on your cap.

Known you for a considerable amount of time now and i feel truly blessed to have a company like yours, to know the depth sportsman spirit that you carry with the crazy things that you do for united and cff. The real you who knows the art of getting the best out of people, who then have made something fruitful with their lives is just remarkable. The constant comparison in all the possible arenas of life that one makes with you very often; makes me just wonder the amount of strength you gather to come parallel to the person whom you revere.

The perfect combination that makes me grow more in respect for you is your identical passion for work and teaching. A fun-loving teacher, who somehow manages to make a subject like science and  electronics so interactive, pleasing and gratifying that one  makes a career out of it. The efforts that you put in selflessly into teaching is the one thing that stands out. Applause !! And of-course the highlight of your life  are the crazy fans, the ridiculous comments and the bizarre that goes with it. How do you keep yourself grounded to an extent like this and maintain a constant smile, even after getting praised so much?. Only you are destined to handle this.

The sun is out and I look forward to a new year of rewarding your exceptional talent. And i can only make a wish that the success is not ephemeral and that u illuminate all the young minds who feel blessed to have their association with you. Your lively and merry nature well-balanced and organized with your personality as also with the things you do makes u a class apart!! You truly are a super enthusiastic human being who brings a whole range of diverse talents to the project you are connected with. May you get the ample strength to recharge your batteries, recruit some fresh blood and prepare yourself for another fantastic year of celebrating your achievements. I do cherish and will always be thankful to receive the importance from you that i do now. I always will treasure you advices, your ideas and your believes and strategies that make me live with so much ease today. And there was no better way to express my greatest gratitude and appreciation for the same..apart from this.

With an grieving heart I would like to apologize with all sincerity and with  at most veracity for all troubles and ruthless immaturity that I have shown you. My heart now aches when unprecedented love and care is rewarded with arrogance and egocentric desires. I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize for all the shortcomings on behalf of my dearest  counterparts. You and I know them very well. It will take time for them to make peace with it, am sure they will express it soon.

With tears in my eyes I would like to express my deepest, heartfelt gratitude to you for all that you have given. I still have not figured out how I am going to return it all to you, hope someday I will perhaps with interest.

Personally, this is To one of my favorite people in the world,
I wish you more gifts to open and more cakes to eat, More candles to blow, and of course, More birthdays to come. Happy birthday brother!! Cheers!!!

Baby, we're not done yet !

I was in the 4th grade when i realised i have developed a feeling of wanting to spend the rest of my life with. When i told this to my friend they said i had a 'CRUSH' on her and eventually they associated the poor girl for every little change in me. I some how dint like that word 'crush' and felt like crushing them when they uttered it. I then decided not to reveal such emotions and knew how it is to be crushed by a bunch of crushers who dint apparently have any crushes. We indians are brilliant in magnifying things. I then knew how a small feeling becomes a news to gossip in the environment for atleast a month. I also witnessed some of the magnificent stories told which otherwise could never be true.

It was around that period when i came to know a friends sister is going to marry and guess what it was a love marriage. The systematic protocols taken to convince each other's parents and the process of selecting various other marriage parameters like place, style, invitations and the most important honeymoon etc was done. It then took almost a year for them to actually tie the knot. And here i was just developed a mere crush. I was petrified. I looked around and i thought i was just not meant for all this. I wowed to never get married and had bet this with many people and sadly people remember it.

With time passing by i comprehended if there has to be something eternal it has to be love and if there is one common thing throughout your life that is the role of relationships. Imagine a world where only you are alive and nothing else. Sad isnt it ?. Life is all about relationships you accept or don't this is the truth. And the only beam that hold the pillars of two people in a relationship is love. Theeasiest way i knew to get the relationship right is to get the love right.

The current scenario is somehow is not pleasing to my eyes and surely morally not acceptable. Words like love and relationship has no value anymore, the feeling of love is no more felt, the trust in the relationship has been buried. We talk about brotherhood and integrity in almost all the social subjects and haven't applied an iota of it. What is the use of an education system which does not teach us love? We are taught to tackle exams, why aren't we taught to tackle the intense complexity in a relationships. People even afford to end their lives in the name of love and broken relationships, sickening isn't it ?. A broken relationship has become so common in fact has become a style statement, sounds cool right ? All cool people break up once and say " oh ya its just not working out ". The whole concept has become a norm, a regulation, a duty. Say relationship rules. If you abide by it you are in love. If you fail to abide by it then you are not in love. And hence the various other degrees of symptoms of love and the intensity is defined within this bandwidth. Sometimes when i sit back and think about this. I feel we are somehow slaved to one another. Slaved to the rules and norms that is supposed to be followed. We bring in enormous concentration on what is to be done rather than how it is to be done. Right from remembering dates, buying the right gifts at the right time from the right place to the right person, communicating at least for 20 hrs a day, behaving in the right manner so as the world comes to know that we are in love. Oh it has become ridiculous. Love and relationship has now become an outward emotion for the world to see. Sigh !!

With the last few weeks spent in listening to the various stories of my near and dear ones breaking relationships only made me reflect on the very essence of this emotion. With a aching heart i sat in contemplation every day and tried to infer, what it takes to own such an emotion? When can we do justice to it ? Is there any types of love ? What is all about?.

No activity in human life is taken up with so much sincerity and elaborate preparation as in man's search for joy of love, and yet no enterprise of man fails so constantly, with such regularity, as his quest for love. He helplessly waits and wants to receive love and so in process ends up in disappointment. With the world that i have seen i categorise love into 2 dominant parts i.e lower love and higher love.

The love that leaves us with agitation in our mind is lower love, and the love that leaves us with profound peace and joy is higher love. In this true love, every action and sacrifice you make towards the object of you love reduces your egocentric desires and calms the agitation in your mind. Thus higher love can alone help us come out of our sense of incompleteness and alienation. The lower love is merely an escape from a persons sense of loneliness. Without this protection a person feels lonely, isolated and helpless. Such people demand love and cannot give love. Such a person depends entirely on other objects : his home, work, money, relations etc. with these he creates a prison for himself and ever willingly suffers in it. The lower love is passive and the higher love in dynamic. The higher love is not waiting to be loved by others. He is not a beggar of love. His dynamic love floods forth from its heart and in its irresistible onward dash, it breaks all walls around others, storms into their hearts and therein seeks and discovers a blissful fusion of oneness. The lover ennobles the beloved and at the  same time retains his own individuality. In such a dynamic blessed love the two become one and still neither dominates the other, nor is anyone rendered a victim of the other. In dynamic love, it is a wilful " dashing on " to love, rather than an unconscious accidental " falling into" love. True loving is not a passive taking, but a dynamic giving.

This idea of giving is often dreaded and misunderstood as a giving up of something , a painful renunciation, a state of being deprived of everything pleasant. But actually it is giving up of all anxiety to enjoy the fruits of the actions. Love when is true and unconditional, is its own reward. Very few realise it, none dare to live it. Some of us love only if we are loved in return. That is, we give love in payment for the love received. This is a commercial attitude, an indian shopkeeper mentality.
Hence to give love is freedom , to demand it is slavery. Love lives the joy , lust only seeks it.

Scientists only know what love does and not what love is. Love can empty our asylums, perhaps all our prisons, may be all our hospitals too. Most people suffer due to lack of love. Love to humans is what the sun is to the flowers.

Now when i encounter anybody, i have only one thought in my mind
"With all the millions and billions of people who stepped into this world, fate brought you and me together, there's got to an explanation".

Do not fall in love, rise in love.

and no matter what ...we'd be together ...!!!

The real happiness in life comes from the inner strength. Delving into the depths of philosophy is no mean entertainment. Entertainment did i say? I meant realization. The one that often comes from the truths of life but we subconsciously try to dismiss it. It is only when we share it with the best people in our lives that we realize the real meaning of it. And such are the people I refer to as friends....who have the ability to give an "I can face it" attitude to life. And yet at the same time I feel the joy of an achievement and the pang of a disappointment with equanimity. It is then that I decipher the true meaning for my existence on the planet.

At the incipient stage....only when we started to play the real character with holistic capabilities and a slight touch of honesty, did we realize that we have started enjoying the company of each other. As freshers in the journey of friendship, we did make silly promises; the promise to be there for each other no matter night or day, the promise to keep the secrets no matter what they are, the promise to stand up for each other no matter what the cause, the promise to never judge each other no matter all the flaws, the promise to stand up for each other when any one of us is doing something wrong and the promise to remember this when the time is on us, the promise to help each other no matter what the weather and the most significant of all, the promise to keep a promise from then until forever. Today as I see the days that have passed, I realize we have grown older even if it is just by a few years, the friendship has grown, we have grown, we have changed, we have forgotten many things and have kept many things intact, we have even had doubts and sorrows that came along the way only to make us understand that we have managed them very well with the bond just getting stronger every passing day. And it is then that I realize the weightiness of the promises.

Wow,I am always so excited when it comes to thinking about the people who have made a difference to my life and with friends like mine..the difference and effect is not minuscule but magnanimous. And I mean it. The variety in life and the spice to it comes only when you have friends of varying nature who are strong individuals themselves, their quality, mood, attributes, humor, personality and outlook are the things that can cheer you and make you feel at the top of the world. The whimsical and the unreal concept of “Friends forever” has always been a conundrum to me. How is it that people can talk so casually about a concept that we cannot even wrap our minds around!!! But God was kind enough to answer this confound and fanciful thought by gifting my life with friends who mean a world of happiness to me. The journey in the past few years have been simple and sweet with some very talented people by my side. With talent comes their great and detailed understanding of the acquaintanceship we share and the effortless execution of the same with utmost guilelessness and reliability.

There are countless occasions that have some unforgettable memories and this page and my patience, both would not be enough to pen them down. The most difficult and anxious times in our lives bring with it the excitement that runs down the spine and just sends a chill in the entire body. But with the streak of luck always shining, we have had each other by our sides always; during all the adversities faced!!! Such situations would have been awfully wearisome and irritating otherwise. A big appreciation and salute to the spirit that is ever so enthusiastic and lively!!! We deserve an applause,don't we?

I can never let go of a time when I get to appreciate the real expertise and inventiveness that describe my friends the best. They are indeed divergent and distinct...with entirely different interests, varying tastes of music, varying levels of enthusiasm in sports from hockey to cricket to football to badminton to even chess, from having different individual qualities and a sense of achievement, who have won laurels in diverse fields and the list can go on. How fortunate I feel to have shared my life and some of the most memorable moments which such great friends. A humble and gratifying testimonial..!!!!!!

There have been instances of ups and downs. What is life without them!!! These occasions are nature's way of telling us that Life is full of challenges which can pass like a gentle breeze if you have people who are supportive and loving. It did not take me much time to get the picture of this...!!! I take immense pride in stating this and would be dignified if asked to prove the same. This friendship has definitely matured and is ingrained in our hearts with the lucid understanding of all the fundamental terms and individual perception elucidated.

The crazy moments that we have savored have been some of the most lively moments of our life. Remember the movies....!!! We did come out with mixed reviews but surely with a bucket full of laughter. These moments are worth to be cherished; for tomorrow each one of us would be busy in our individual lives. It is this phase of our lives that would act as a big challenge in shaping our careers. The mixed feeling of excitement, anxiety and sadness which accompanies the various shades of success would be the time where our real bonding would play a pivotal role and I am sure with friends so beautifully sound and understanding, this phase would also pass by peacefully. Then would be the time to revive our promises....!!!!!

Like the wind whispering through the trees your spirits lift my soul, teaching me the valuable lessons of life and I wait patiently to grow in the light of your eyes seeking an honest approval, knowing there's comfort in your silent embrace and I listen carefully to what it offers. I relish the joy that I get to see in your laughter and trusting eyes and it gives me a sense of satisfaction. When sadness fills my heart with disappointment and I need protection from the storm, I realize the depth of our friendship sewn together with unbreakable thread and I realize that the fabric only gets better with age. I agree that this has to be handled with care and sometimes it has to rain. I have discovered the beauty of friendship by lessons learnt while dealing with my crazy friends. Its just like a beautiful sky after the storm which has the strength to break free of the clouds and still amaze the world. This friendship shall have no end as the puzzle of my life would remain incomplete ever, without the precious pieces that are by my side today. With loads of love, fervor, adulation, fondness and piety.....I dedicate this to most beautiful people in my life....!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you !!!!

Cheers!!!!!

i love u INSPITE of.......

Believe it or not we all have several love stories revolving around us. Love stories that are purely imaginary and can never come into existence. We associate each such story to a current scenario, and eventually remember whenever it occurs again. Like few songs remind us of a scene we envisaged. Few places we see suddenly make us feel that “we have seen this before”, but don’t know where exactly did we see, but somehow is still familiar. 

Love is such an emotion where inspiration is very easily attained. It is undoubtedly a healer, it has the power to turn al the darkness in life into bright light, and it is one eternal thing we encounter with ease so we try and to stick to it as much as possible. It is not called ignorance when you don’t know what love is, but ignorance is you finding what love is. It is something you can only experience. Like sweetness is the nature of sugar, love is our nature, it is us, and we endorse it. We don’t learn to love, do we? It is one we imbibe on our own, it’s ours. 

The story of Nikhil and Neha is the one that always comes to mind and I wish I undergo something like this in this life time. Nik was 5 feet 9 inches tall was very fair with a nicely toned lean body, looked decent enough, I would rate him a 7/10 i.e. ‘above average’ for his external features. Internally he was a cool ,chilled out and very easy going person, never complicated things too much, never took anything so seriously either and always wanted to live life as it comes. He always aimed at doing something worthwhile with his life. The best quality was his helping nature, no matter what he’s always the first to land up when somebody needs help. On the other side Neha was an extremely attractive girl with the perfect eyes, perfect nose, perfect smile, perfect amount of makeup, wore the perfectly matching clothes with the perfect accessories. Needless to say, from men aged 15 to 55 try to grab her attention. She with her extremely sweet tone can even melt Adolf Hitler’s heart. With nil grudges towards each other they both dint actually care about one another. In short they both didn’t exist in each other’s lives. Nik and Neha lived in the same colony, they were batch mates back in school, but never knew each other so closely. Their friend circle in the colony was same and it was a big group and always had a blast when they met and eventually parted with everyone pursuing their careers.

After school Nik and Neha hardly saw or spoke to each other. Nik was doing his engineering and Neha was doing commerce. So life changed and obviously with age comes more responsibility and they both were busy with their own lives and their respective priorities. 

On one rainy day Nik and Neha met on the road and as it was monsoon season in Mumbai Nik was waiting under the shed waiting for the rain to stop. Hours passed by and there was no sign of rain stopping. It was getting darker. Coincidently Neha was coming that way and saw Nik in the shed fretfully waiting and asked him to join her in. They had met after long so the big " hiiiiiiiiiiii" followed with the basic set of questions regarding the family, college,  friends, busy life and lastly "how we were and how we are" were discussed. On the way Nik saw Neha's father with some heavy bags so he instantly offered him some help and delivered all the bags to her house. Neha's dad was always very fond of Nik as Nik and her dad often met during morning jog and they discussed on various topics from politics to sports. They both jelled well and were like minded. 

Neha’s fathers 60th birthday was round the corner so he invited Nik for the party that was organized and asked Neha to make sure that he comes. Neha agreed and left Nik to his apartment and “should keep in touch” promises were made. Nik messaged Neha that night asking about her father’s likes and dislikes on account of which he wanted to buy something for him on his birthday. Nik always wanted be the different one, he wanted to gift something very different. He was confused and he often spoke to Neha to know what others were planning. The amount of work to be done was building; Neha called Nik and asked him to share the load. Nik and Neha got along well and now were almost together throughout the day planning and working and preparing for the party. The time they were not together physically they were on the phone talking to each other. Visibly as they say "chemistry was amazing”. They were too involved into one another and in the process knew every little thing about each other in those 20-30 odd days. The way Neha cared for all his carelessness was diabetic ally sweet. The little fights that used to happen and the way they dealt with even sweeter. It was amazingly pleasant to watch them together. If Karan Johar was around there would be a movie made on them for sure.  The transparency, the openness created a strong bond and eventually brought them close and a kind of intimation in their relationship emerged.    

With time passing soon the day of the party finally arrived, Nik and Neha were on their toes. Last minute purchases, planned the events, called the relatives and friends and made sure all are coming, Neha helped in the cooking, Nik got the hall set up and decorated , they decided over the set of songs to be played and put everything in its place. Neha wore a white gown and looked ravishing, she shone 

 More the halogens in the hall, everyone’s eyes were right on her, but her eyes were searching for someone else. Neha’s restlessness was evident and was calling Nik every 2 minutes and at last Nik arrived. His grey trouser with a black shirt, hair well groomed, clean shaved, was extraordinarily elegant. Neha immediately went and greeted him and demanded a reason for being late. Nik dealt with her well. Neha then introduced him to all her cousins and friends. 

The whole crowd now forced the birthday boy to sing a song, and as expected he sang a classic old number 'yeh shaam mastani' sounded as if his vocal chords just woke after sleeping for 2 to 3 decades. Kishore Kumar would have ended his life if heard this. He also danced or rather tried to move some parts of his body. Everybody then were made to sing one by one and it was Neha’s cousin to sing, he was  well prepared and had got his guitar and flawlessly sang ' knocking on heaven’s door' and also aided many others to sing with some chords. it was time for Nik to sing he was nervous but gathered all his confidence and grabbed the guitar from Neha’s cousin as he had only started learning the instrument and sang ' pehla nasha' which got everyone to a surprise especially Neha, she was mesmerized by the song and she forced him to sing one more and he further won her heart with a melodious ' 'my love' . She now surely fell in love with him. With all the other events followed by an exotic dinner the party came to a close with everyone departing one by one with the last wishes. 

Neha was busy saying good bye to all the guests and Nik was in the corner standing quietly with a glass of water in his hand. The hall was empty now and Nik was about the leave and finally wished uncle and aunty. He and Neha were walking silently towards the exit gate. They both didn’t speak a word and as they say the maximum amount of an emotion is felt in silence. They reached, Nik told her a blank goodbye and half heartedly shook hands, it was all very awkwardly done as if there was something missing in that moment. Neha didn’t speak a word and was in a different world altogether. As soon as Nik turned around and took a step ahead, Neha gathered all her courage and grabbed him and hugged him with all her might. Nik was too shocked to react, but somewhere he was also craving for this and hugged her back. Tears were just gushing down from her eyes and wetting Nik's Louis Philip shirt, she still did not say anything and he almost sensed what was going to come. He was very eager and happy deep inside and wanting to hear it from her. With the continuous flow of thoughts in his mind suddenly Neha planted a kiss on his cheek, indeed was a watery and a ‘tears-full’ kiss, Nik took a while to digest what just happened, and could'nt help but ended up touching her glowing cheeks with his lips. Nik then slowly caught her face and wiped her tears and adjusted her hair. Neha with a melted heart expressed everything she felt and how much she loved him and how complete she feels when he is around. She just expressed everything that she felt. Nik sensed his eyes moist. Falling in love with a beautiful girl is very common, but a beautiful girl expressing her love for you is something I feel unrealistic even in my dreams. 

Nik (sensing how lucky he was) did not waste much time grabbed her face and kissed her with all the love inside him which was just waiting to express itself. The kiss grew deeper with every second. When we even see such a beautiful girl we don’t even waste a nanosecond to blink, kiss is a far dream…ha-ha. The watchmen and the pedestrians were entertained. The beggars stopped begging for a while and were watching this movie. At last they opened their eyes and came back to senses and gathered themselves. He then cajoled her and requested her to ‘walk’ home with him. The tender request from him and rains outside was irresistible and hence she made some excuse to her parents and they started walking. The rain pouring, lonely road, moon light and with the one you intimately love puts a hand around your shoulders, nothing can get better. Am sure they won’t forget this long walk all their life. It was a moment of joy, shower of love; it was lonely yet was as if they had the whole world watching them. It was just perfect!!It was bliss!!!

ALMA MATER !!!

12^th June invariably every year was a day filled with sadness. Vacations over and school starts. Just the name school was so unpleasant that we associated negativity to it. We then did not know how wrong the notation was because ‘fun’ actually began there. The level of unpredictability was the same but yet ‘unknowingly’ we enjoyed so much that even the little changes what we call uncertainty today was taken with positivity and joy . I think looking back now; I feel that was the best way to deal with it.

Trrriiiinnnnnnggggggggg!!! Bell rang at 7 am and the school starts with 6 pretty girls singing the national anthem. Students belonging to my category mostly sang the national anthem in their dreams, because we have always managed to come late and squeeze in somehow and join the line in between our generous classmates who always allowed us to sneak in. Entering the class we got hold of the ‘least visible place’ so that we could sleep whenever our body commands us to sleep. Except for a few lectures rest were boring because many of the subjects we learnt were irrelevant and could not relate to it.

The physical training sessions were the most awaited time. The little naive arrogance followed the fights while playing, asserting their own versions of rules and knowledge about the game. The half an hour which we got 3 or 4 times a week was the fastest to pass by. The more we are engrossed at a task the more we are oblivious to time and space.

Memories are not done without the vivid friendships. Volley ball during the break was the reason for us to gulp the food in a jiffy.  15 minutes was just not enough for POA that we always had for the break. Whenever you see a glutinous bunch of people together, surely it is the best cuisine of the day. We did all that we couldn’t do otherwise during lectures, going to others classes, eat whatever we see, gossip about a cricket game to the girl in the other class. The sight of the class after the break was putrefied, with food scattered and water spilt all over.  

The sports week was the most awaited event in the year for which we prepared right from the start. Even with the immense rivalry amongst each other we still managed to be the best of the friends after the events. There were times when we did not have players willing to play a game; hence few passionate people like us for whom the sports day meant more than anything ends up playing that sport to save our group. These events inherently had a great bonding power unknowingly we made many good and worthwhile relationships. It had this power of integration. It brought like minded people to venture new avenues. It was joyous, it was fun, and it was a celebration!

The annual day was another such event about which I only have to think and my heart palpitates. We remember every bit of it, from the preparation to the actual event more to arranging food, and to mix music. Annual day was one such event we just waited to let go of ourselves. If there was an emotional graph made for ourselves it was at the peaks during the annual day. Working together was always delightful. The friendships grew stronger and stronger with such events. The girls that we admired only from far and ran the whole story in our head now came into reality. All of a sudden we see few people just desperately wanting to make an impression. The overtime practice we did just to spend some more time with the loved ones. It was the only time where as students we did not congregate for academics and class work and had all the freedom to discuss and ponder upon various aspects of life, so we made best use of it, even better when the loved/desired one was with us.

On the flipside these events also broke a lot of relationships. Some of them made sense and was just meant to be, but some were absolutely obnoxious. Two immensely bonded people broke apart over wrong scoring of the groups. Such was the effect the events like sports day and the annual day had on us. Good healthy relationships were lost over some baseless misconceptions. The strong friendships that broke over a loved one were the worst to ever happen. It was understandable at that point of time as we went the flow, and we were immature. But carrying the load still makes no sense what so ever. The resisting force within us just does not allow going back and save the relationship. Where we had to save friendship and let our ego go, we saved the ego and let our friendship go. ‘Silly and crazy’ as we think of it now.

As I jolt down these memoirs my eyes moist. With a heavy heart full of love and understanding I would like to apologize to everyone whom I have knowingly or unknowingly caused impair. It was not what I intend to.  I will indeed miss school all my life---the ambience, the camaraderie, the feel, the freedom, and much more ….. Every bit of that part of my life will be truly missed. I am indeed lucky to have lived it all without any regrets.

People call it school, we call it life!!

united !!!

"The culmination of three trophies was the pinnacle of my career and it has been rewarded with a knighthood" - Sir Alex Ferguson...

  Manchester united was gifted with the greatest manager, in the football world . He was brought to old Trafford from Aberdeen way back in 1985-86 when Manchester United football was in a bad shape with no sight of success anywhere close whatsoever. None of the players, staffs and members including the owner had much hopes with the durability of SAF (that is how I would like to call him)...with the club. My love for Manchester united knew no bounds. It all started when I was in 8th grade and we were a group of kids who started playing football in the colony and I always preferred the forward position out of sheer laziness and the joy of putting the ball into the net. Therefore to acquire some wisdom about the game and to improve my skills I gifted myself a football to practice and I did it alone in my apartment, neighbours even laughed looking at me when I used to shout my ass out as I got a move right, as I grew I got hold of handful of tricks and moves which was then used by me to grab some attention. By then my elder brother and his counter parts always debated about which was  the best team  and that’s how I heard all the big names in the world of football but comprehended none. As I always had a zeal about this  sport I started watching it in the TV ...David Beckham, teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs were the players I adored and wished to watch them again and again. So thereby I tuned my TV only to get a glimpse of them, I used to run back home from school to watch the replays of the late night matches…ahh the way they played just amazed me. One of the occasions where they showed why united is what it is --the game against Spurs where we were 3-0 down and the half time whistle rang. Now it surely must have been the most intense 15 mins break as we then bounced back in the second half with 5 goals to win a spectacular game. The most interesting 45 mins I must say just couldn’t get my eyes off the screen. I was then more curious actually to know what the manager must have told the lads in the break. I am still figuring out, surely those timely words  must have been inspiring and  gave a boost to their confidence. 

Ever since then I started to watch United’s matches without fail. One more match I distinctly remember was the FA cup semi final vs. Arsenal. The big fight between Roy keane and Patrick Viera was the highlight of the game and united emerged victorious with Beckham's 40 yard shoot putting the ball in the back of the net, it was display of sheer genius. I loved the trio Roy keane, Beckham and Scholes .It all looked like one big family. Unity in the team was marvelous; all the credit undoubtedly goes to SAF. When I see them play even as much as in the recent times, the calmness in the players is so vivid and the bond that they share is amazing. The sincerity and the veracity which with they approach each and every game is striking and I think that is why they deserve to be the champions.

To get a top performer to perform is not a big deal. To get a young lad into the team and pave way for top class performance requires a vision with perseverance and backing from the staff, coaches, the manager and of course the senior players. This quality in SAF is what I loved the most. Ronaldo and Rooney were small names when they got into United from Sporting and Everton respectively. SAF had such a great impact on these 2 that they are playing a major role in United’s success. They are now the costliest players in the world.   They stand for great fortunes !! Ronaldo calls SAF as his second father. When 2 great people meet with intensity  such  miracles happen.

To mange a club for 26 years and still counting is an outstanding achievement. The number of times he has rebuilt the team, with the goal and vision for the club kept intact, only he could do what he has done. I can get a glimpse of the passion and the love he has for football and Manchester united. Obviously Manchester united loves him too.

If god ever asks me for a last wish. I will undoubtedly wish  to visit the theatre of dreams. I long to see that place. I yearn to inhale that atmosphere, of the champions.  I crave to watch them play live once. I want to shout on the top of my voice when they score a goal. I desire to live that moment for eternity!!

We are now the champions again for the 20^th time and 13 times in SAF’s reign. Van persie was the star of this season. Finishing some crucial games and earning the 3 points gave the required cushion at the end of the season. The best finish was against Man city, where RVP scored in the injury time with a terrific free kick that was indeed the biggest roar that I have ever heard for united. Surely must have broken few glasses around.

United finally lifted the cup with a dramatic goal from Ferdinand (last time he scored was in January 2008). The game was indeed special with the warm reception to our very own SAF, as we see our 71 years young manager retiring from the managerial post, am sad , am sad not because united won’t do well in the future or what David moyes(his successor) would do with the team. I am extremely sad for the fact that I won’t see him in the dugout with the gums in his gums and the subtle instruction he gives, the intuition of the super substitutes at the right time at the right place to win the game. Ergo we refer to such people as GOD, and it was so touching to see all the players/managers/players from other sport across the globe gave their regard to SAF, clearly shows his impact on the football world. I am surely going to miss him for the rest of my life. My best regards to him and his family for a brighter future as a member of the board in Manchester united. Thank you for the 27 years. MANCHESTER UNITED=SIR ALEX CHAPMAN FERGUSON...god bless you sir !! salute !!!