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The Luminous Sparks
As usual, the language is simple and yet carries a cadence that impels one to read on his lifestory-in-verse. The poem My Journey tells us how his getting the Padma Vibhushan brought joyful compliments from people – later on he was decorated with the Bharat Ratna. Pursuit of Happiness describes the uncertainties in the mind of a growing child, hinting that growth and angst go hand in hand. The poem dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi shows that the President reveres him as a true leader. The book is visually beautiful. Both the cover design and the illustrations within are pertinent and tasteful. This volume is an asset whether it adorns one’s coffee table or bookshelf.
Conversations with Pandit
Amarnath
Cricket is a mass opiate that apparently does not have an antidote. And, the addiction is spreading by the day if one is to go by the number of countries waiting for the ICC’s nod for the coveted ‘test playing nation’ status. As far as India is concerned, the game has become a sort of religion. And if Jagmohan Dalmiya’s claim in the foreword, that cricket was played in India much before it grew roots in England, gains authenticity, we may see further spurt in its popularity. Mukherji has painstakingly recorded the origins of cricket in the subcontinent. He has also traced the life sketches of cricket legends like Surti, Lala Amarnath, Farokh Engineer, Gundappa Vishwanath and others, and tabulated facts and figures regarding individual players. Even if you do not care much for statistics, you are going to enjoy reading the biographic slices about your favourite cricket stars. |
HE has risen literally
from India’s backwaters to the most exalted status that the polity can
offer. By dint of sheer merit he has become a national icon and role
model for India’s youth. APJ Abdul Kalam gained national esteem as a
scientist, and was entrusted with the completion of some extremely
sensitive military projects; but this is only one facet of his persona.
He loves kids and treasures them as the country’s most precious
assets. He has proved himself to be a writer of great facility, and a
visionary to boot. So, one is not surprised to come across this work of
verse by him.
M
