Best Moments of the London Olympics

You know, we humans can never stop comparing, however absurd it may be. This, of course, happens in sports as well. Who is the Greatest Cricketer of all time? Bradman or Sachin? Or Worse, Who is the Greatest Olympian of all time? Phelps, Paavo Nurmi or Jesse Owens? More often than not, we do not end with an answer to these questions, but that never stops us from doing it. Because, things like these make life interesting. The fun is not in the verdict, but in the discussion.

Similar to these comparisons is this clichéd category of articles called, ”Top Ten Moments of the (Year, Century, Olympics, Elections, Life and what not).”  Cliched, but never ignored.

So, here is my list of Best Moments from the Olympics- not the best achievements, but the moments that made me feel so good.

In no particular order..

Michael Phelps – The Magnificent Farewell

            As Michael Phelps powered home the anchor leg of the U.S. 4×200-meter freestyle relay, he did something he had never done before underwater during a race: He started smiling with about 20 meters left. He could not help himself. (Washington Post)

How does it feel to be the first ever medallist of a country?

           Just a lap away from the end. After one hour and 15 minutes of walking, you are 4^th, apprehensive if the country’s blank slate will continue to remain so. But if you are Erick Borrondo, you will get that last kick to hold your nerves, not lose hope and end with silver. He became the first ever medallist from Guatamela.

Inspiring

            This will be one of my most favourite moments. To see Tirunesh Dibaba just sprint away in her last lap of the 10000m race and win by a huge margin was the most inspiring moment of the London Olympics for me. Her last 2 laps would be in the top 20 timings for the 800m this year. Not for nothing is she known as the “Baby faced Assassin.”

Intimidating

            Sharapova, the World No 2, was playing an opponent, who just had recovered from a career threatening injury, and way below her ranking. But the scoreline read 0-6, 1-5 against her. Because, on the other side was Serena Williams, sending down an ace that would have made most male players proud. At one point, Serena had more aces than points won by Sharapova. This is what you call “Intimidating”.

The Curse of the 100m hurdles

Liu Xiang, the 2004 Athens champion, the most celebrated athlete of China, in his own turf, Beijing, had to pull out of the finals at the last moment, depriving us of what was expected to be a marquee race. Dayron Robles had hurdled to the Gold and a World Record. This London Olympic was supposed to be redemption time for him. But tragedy struck again as he fell down and injured himself in the first hurdle itself. The curse of the 100m hurdles was complete when Robles, the defending champion also hurt himself in the finals and lost. But heartrending it was when, Liu refused the wheelchair offered and walked through the 110m on one leg and supported by the winner of the race.

The most competitive event of the Games

            This is for the most passionate lovers of the Games. The top 5 women in the 200m were World Champions in 100, 200 and 400 metres in the recent past - Allyson Felix, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, Carmelita Jeter, Veronica Campbell and Sanya Richards Ross. It was so competitive that Sanya Richards said that she would not even run again among such great champions.

Jack of all trades but...

            Decathlon is one of the toughest events in the Olympics. While Bolt did his 7 races covering 1000m over a period of 8 days, this has 10 events happening in just 2 days. But this also means that they are not proficient in all of the events, while Bolt is, in his event. This led to quite a funny scenes, particularly in Pole Vault – jumping in a crazy style, in the opposite direction, falling face flat on the mat were some of the scenes witnessed.

What a moment!!!

            This is very difficult for me to explain. This picture tells the complete story. This is how Carmelita Jeter( My Darling) reacted when she realised she is going to set a WR in the 4*100m relay.

Who am I?

Guor Marial completed the Men’s marathon at 47^th position but still made headlines in atleast a dozen countries. Why? He ran away from his home in South Sudan to the US when he was 15, but he is not a US citizen yet. And South Sudan has still not been recognised by the Olympic committee. So he ran under the Olympic flag itself signalling hope to millions of people like him, His position in the race was never a matter of concern, wasn’t it?

Never again say “Dont cry like a girl”

            This has been a universal phenomenon in this Games – grown up men crying like babies. Two particular winners stand out – Mo Farah and Felix Sanchez. They just couldn’t stop crying on the podium.

                    I am still waiting for the day when I could be one among those 80000 cheering the most competitive race, a double amputee running, grown up men crying, a photo finish to a punishing triathlon or a injured athlete spiritedly finishing his race. 

In search of "Super-Extraordinary"

                There are moments in our life when our voice chokes and we almost cry or even cry in happiness. Below is the result of some confused thinking about these moments..

“On Top of the World” moments

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2012 Men’s Singles Finals... Five and a half hours into the match, already the longest match in Aus Open History, the score was tied at 5-5 in the final set. Both Nadal and Djoker were cramping, not even able to stand between points. It was as much a test of their will as their physical fitness. Australian Summer, crowd pressure and unbelievable tennis. Then came the moment.. Nadal found the net. That moment, when the world disappeared before his eyes, when Djokovic felt ”On Top of the World”.. that moment..I almost cried.. for the quality of tennis, for the will power, for pushing further than your opponent.. Goosebumps..

2011 May, England... The target, set more than 20 years ago, that appeared more difficult than climbing Mount Everest, ridiculed for even attempting to do it, to overtake, convincingly so, Liverpool for most titles..was achieved.  19^th EPL Title.. Alex Ferguson, would have lived his past 25 years again.. From obscurity, a mediocre footballer, to the greatest coach ever..Despite all criticisms, jokes, prejudices... That moment, when his side lifted him on their shoulders, Fergie definitely felt, “On Top Of the World” .. that moment.. A true Manchester United fan would have almost cried.. Goosebumps..

2008, Beijing Olympics.. 100M finals.. 100000 people cheering.. Less than 10 seconds to prove the world that you are the best.. To prove yourself.. A false start, a slow start, a look beside you, any minute mistake would spell doom.. Difference between Immortality and obscurity..And it was over even before you realized it had started. Usain Bolt became the “fastest man of all time”.. that moment.. his chest-thumping moment..when the timing made you think you were dreaming.. that moment..I almost cried.. Goosebumps..

8611 Metres above sea level.. Mount K2.. X has reached the summit..”the savage mountain”.. most dangerous to climb.. for every 4 who climb 1 dies, has been climbed by only 300 people compared to 2700 for Mount Everest.. but.. conquered.. by X.. Yes, he is not known to the world. Yes, he will appear in the papers tomo, in a small piece which would occupy less space than Rakhi Sawant’s next drama. Yes, he will be forgotten into obscurity by man.. But, today, this moment, he is “the One”.. Purveyor of everything in front.. Literally and Figuratively “On Top of the World”.. Goosebumps..

“What more does one want moments?”

2010 February, Chennai.. in the 3^rd attempt.. after 10 exams, 7 interviews and 2 years.. would have been my last attempt come what may.. 99.74 percentile in CAT.. in office on a Sunday.. I still remember that moment.. I spoke aloud what I saw on screen.. 99.74, 99.74, 99.74.. Yes it is true.. I have done it.. I have “arrived” on the big stage.. Wat a moment.. It was bliss.. cried in Happiness.. “what more do I want in life?”

May 27^th 2012, Coimbatore.. A innocently happy looking banner outside the marriage hall.. just near the bus stop.. I was looking at it.. for how long I don’t know..  A happy couple photo.. But I knew the history.. the struggle.. the determination of my friends.. to unite.. to marry.. the will power, the sacrifice, the patience..touchwood.. It took a few passersby looking at me strangely to remind me where I was.. in the middle of the road..that moment.. I almost cried.. in happiness.. “What more do I want in life?”

March 2012, Peling, West Sikkim.. Usually never alone and talkative, I was numb with amazement and happiness as I looked at a snow capped mountain for hours.. from 5 in the morn when it was snow white dazzling in the full moon.. 6AM when the snow white changed to pure gold with the sunlight.. “Glorious” is the word.. till 9 in the morning when it was shining in all its majesty.. just 40 kms away.. Kanchenjunga.. I would exchange anything to get those 4 hours again.. and again.. and again.. Wow.. What a sight.. What a moment.. “What more does one want in life?”

                      The 2 sets of extraordinary moments gave me the same happiness.. I am sure when his daughters were born, Federer would have felt as happy as winning his 16 Grand Slams.. But what is the difference?  I say the second set is the “extraordinary” moments of an ordinary man.. It happens with everyone.. And the other is, what I call, the “super-extraordinary” moments of extraordinary people. While the “extraordinary” moments make me cry in happiness and feel contented, a feeling of satisfaction, of bliss, the “super-extraordinary” moments are in a separate league. At those moments, the great people involved were always ready for more.. in a “Give me more” mode.. Djoker would have got the strength to play for another four hours, X would have felt he can climb another 2000 metres,  Bolt would have thought he can run 5 more kilometres in the same speed and Fergie is ready for another 20 titles..

                This, I think is the difference.. To get back to the Tennis court the next day, get ready for the Clay court season, to get ready for the next Olympics, to hit the Gym again to climb the next mountain.. this is the difference.. to do the same “super-extraordinary” efforts again and again.. go up up and higher.. To up the standards.. this is the difference.. between “extra-ordinary” and “super-extraordinary”

Open Letter to Sachin Tendulkar - Let the Final be your last ODI

Dear Sachin,

The question most of us have in our minds is not "Will India win the World Cup?" It is "Will Sachin win the World Cup?" And you know it. The stage cant get bigger than this. And I think I wont be wrong in saying that this would be biggest match of your life. Most of us also know that this would 99.9% be your last World Cup match, but I wish it is your last ODI match. Why do I say so?

You do realise that you are the greatest cricketer ever, possibly with the exception of the Don. And the greatest needs the biggest farewell. and what bigger stage than this? World Cup Final, with or without the 100th, with or without the Cup. No great sportsperson has had a fairytale farewell at peak of his powers. Michael Schumacher, Michael Jordon, Lance Armstrong kind of people had great farewells, true, but they spoiled it by their comeback when they were not able to regain their powers. Pele, Muhammed Ali, Donald Bradman also had great farewells, but after they were very much expected to leave, after fitness concerns and injuries. Pete Sampras had possibly the best farewell in Tennis history but that was tribute to his career rather than his prowess in his last two years. Maradona had the worst possible exit. Steve Waugh and Shane Warne had ignominous exits in the ODIs though they had very good farewell series against their best opponents in Tests, India and England. Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Roger Federer dont look like getting the best possible farewell.

Muralitharan possibly will have a fairytale last match. He played his last Test in his homeground against his most difficult opponent, India and reached a Bradmanesque milestone of 800 wickets. and he will play his last ODI again against Inda in the biggest possible stage, World Cup final.

We know that you would like to play till you enjoy your cricket, we know that we(a generation that grew up watching you) would stop watching cricket once you retire but still lets think of what you deserve. In Tests, your last tour abroad should be against a great opponent, preferably Australia. That chance comes in Dec 2011 tour of Australia and follwed by that is the Test series against Pakistan at home. That would be the perfect stage to say bubbye to Tests. But ODIs. The stage cant get bigger than today. World Cup, at home, chance of an 100th. It just cant get bigger than this.

Please Sachin, Let this be your last ODI match, not because we want to see your end - that will mean our end too, but because you deserve nothing less than this.

One Helluva Trip - Rishikesh

To Go Or Not To Go? That was the question. As Bijli was busy bargaining for a meal extra with the camp operator and Dhamankar was busy double-crossing tourist bus agents to lower costs, I was doing nothing at all but waiting for signals from my tummy that had wrecked havoc the past week. Thanks to the discipline enforced by my dear roomie, I felt better and finally decided to embark on my most adventurous trip ever – Rishikesh.

In the bus, the usuals started. One group singing songs and another, surprisingly small group, Smirnoffing. The songs slowly became too difficult for me and so I decided to join the intellectual conversation happening on the other side. These guys, I have to say, become exceptionally brilliant when drunk. There was a terrific discussion on Congress and politics, which, to my anger, they didn’t even remember the next day. After a few ‘Secretary, Sports’ and ‘EOM’ dialogues people started sleeping though my height and weight meant I couldn’t. But I had Miss.PS for company. She has taken an oath never to sleep on trips like these.

The extra meal that Bijli successfully fought for was missed as we reached late helped by the traffic and fog. A small trek and we reached the Camp Zero. Ganga for the first time. Oh My God. Amazing. This was the ‘Jumping around Phase’. I was so happy that I couldn’t stop shouting and jumping around. Very Happy. Just couldn’t take my eyes off her. But it was time for Lunch. But in this tour there were two things that should be mentioned. At times I felt, “ Was the purpose of the trip taking photos?” coz, thats the only thing we did. The other was the excess of would-be-managers in the group. Everyone was part of the decision making process and naturally sometimes ‘Too many cooks...’. After some volleyball we were ready for Rafting, the best part of our trip.

This is ‘the Anup Rao Phase’. It really was the most adventurous hour of my life. For most of us I guess. There were too many instructions from our boat ‘Captains’. Zero Degree Ganga was splashed on us for us to get accustomed to getting drenched in it. Life Jackets were tightened and ‘Ganga Mata Ki Jai’ bhajans were shouted. The first Rapid came. Anup Rao went. Deep into the water. Panic followed and he reappeared the same way but this is one event he is not going to forget ever. Neither will we. Manali too fell but was able to come out immediately even before she had the time to panic. In the next rapid Gathoskar thought ‘Why should Anup Rao take all the limelight’ and fell as well. He didn’t panic much and was rescued. Then all of us jumped into the water in clear peaceful waters and did some fake swimming.

By this time, while the other blessed souls were ready for cliff jumping, my ‘Shiver-a-thon’ started. I enjoyed too much it seems. I continuously shivered for 2 hours. Couldnt speak or walk even. Nothing doing. Finally when we reached Camp Zero at night it was time for Camp Fire, the first in my life. I expected a lot of dance, singing, shouting. Something to happen all the time in the camp. But nothing happened. It was ‘Melody time’. My attempts at singing songs like ‘Ashiq banaya’ or ‘Dhoom Dhooom come and add my fire’ failed. Again I had PS, anup and Dhamankar for company as we heard a few Tamil songs as well and finally slept around 2.

Next is the ‘Romantic Walk Phase’. Disclaimer: This only means that the time was best suited for such a walk. But we were 3 boys and 3 girls taking photos and enjoying the walk in the early morning as others were sleeping. We were supposed to start at 7.30 in the morning and we promptly started at 9. Naturally we missed Haridwar. I had the most beautiful breakfast of my life(Never used this adjective with BF) on the banks of the Ganga under Glorious sunlight.

Then came the ‘Walk-a-thon Phase’. We walked and walked and walked. Saw Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and an Ashram. Lunched at Chotiwala. Then started the Fantasy League Phase. From then on till 5 in the eve when we had Tea, we spoke nothing but the World Cup. Who scored how much, how did he get out, who ran him out, what was his economy, what did yuvraj have for Lunch. All these were discussed too much that it became infectious and the next phase started.

The customary Antakshari didn’t happen but DumbCharades was played. Gathoskar, Arora, Dhamankar, Vishal came up with unknown films, the Dukanians were brilliant and all of them worked hard to give me a simple Hindi title and heaped praises on me as I enacted them. Then ‘the Great Mail Scam’ broke out. For once, all of us became ‘Hypa’. All of us told ourselves not to speak about it yet were doing anything but that. It is another issue that Manali and Rusty were sleeping blissfully unaware. Anything more about this here would screw me.

Then after Happy Birthday singing for Bhadada, we reached hostel, again later than we expected. But this was one helluva trip. Not to be forgotten as easily. Though a bit overshadowed by ‘the Great Mail Scam’, the happy memories are on top of my mind. On others’ too I guess. Thanks Bijli and Dhamankar. Gujju and ViSa took care the finances, rightly. Thank you Amar, Swati, Manali, Arora, Kanika, Dukanians, ‘for all seasons PS’, Anup Rao, SCSS, Gangs, Photographer Raghu, Laxman, the only swimmer in the group Rusty and Gathoskar for making this time Memorable. And the biggest Thanks is to the Holy Ganga. Waiting to see you again.

What next Fedex?

An hour or so ago, history was created at Wimbledon when Roger Federer lost to Thomas Berdych in the Quarter Finals. Fedex has reached the finals evertime since 2003 at SW19 and hence this comes as a surprise. What happens next to Federer.

Lets see what happened to Fedex since the time he lost to Nadal at Wimbledon in 2008. That marathon match was considered the best ever Wimbledon match. And while it demoralised Fed, it boosted Nadal and he won Olympic Gold and Fedex was forced to vacate the top spot. As expected everyone started plotting the demise of the greatest champion of Tennis.What happened next? He won the US Open and again the whole world came n support of him. And the next year proved to be one of the best. First French Open and 15 Grand Slam titles. Back as World No 1. and lost very narrowly in the Finals of the Us Open. FEDEX was officially back and was expected to be at his best forever. Add to that this years Australian Open and his status as the greatest player of all time was almost sealed.

But in all these was forgotten that the exploits of Roger in the last 2 years did not come at the expense of Nadal but at his absence. He still had a losing record to Nadal and he has not beaten Nadal in a Slam final after Wimbledon 2007. So when Nadal was back at his imperious best, people expected Roger to have a better answer. But still he didnt. He lost to Nadal again in the Madrid Masters.

Another new aspect of Fedex this year has been his rare immodesty. Its becoming too apparent these days. Though he failed to reach the semifinal of a Grand Slam at the French Open this year , he looked so confident of his grass court chances. He promptly lost in the finals of his warm up event. Now comes his Wimbledon defeat.

What next? One of several things may happen. One, he may be back again this hard court season with a few titles and the Us Open and again will be expected to be at his best. Two, if he loses again in the US open before the Semis then the final days have started. Here one of two things may happen, like an Agassi or Schumacher, his last days wont be his best and he ll retire as a player ranked around 7 or 8 in the world . Otherwise, this is what I expect the most, he may have a last flourish left in him and may win Yet another Grand Slam and then retire. You see, I am a fan of Pete Sampras.

Roger Federer needs a great farewell, of a kind no sport has heard of. Bettter than Schumacher, Bradman Michael Jordon or any others. . Doesn't he?

But there is another curly haired guy from India who has reserved the Greatest Farewell of all time. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

The Most Memorable and the Happiest Day In My Life

The most memorable and happiest day in my life answered the question I posed in the previous blog.

This happened on the day of my sister's marriage. I mean my friend who I consider my sister. This may seem strange to some. But thats the way it is. She is my sister.

Some background info before I start. She is the one who loved me as much as my mother possibly could have. The four plus years I have spent with her will remain the best I have had. Her father was a little weak in heart. He has high blood pressure and is a diabetic. Naturally he was excited a lot by his only daughter's marriage. But a little too excited it turned out to be.

The bride was in Chennai, the bridegroom in Mumbai and the bride's brother in Malaysia. So the huge burden of organizing the marriage(you know how Indian marriages are!!!) fell on both parents. And both proved equal to the task running hither and tither , doing everything needed. All set for marriage. But Providence had other ideas. He had a mild heart attack on the Tuesday before Saturday's marriage. And was admitted to the ICU in a reputed heart specialty hospital .This was not informed to the Bride or the Groom's family. But still he could not keep himself out of the preparations and excitement. AGAINST DOCTOR'S ADVICE he wanted to get discharged from the hospital and he forced his family to do so.

But the family members were wise enough not to allow him work anymore. On Thursday , after his daughter came ,a little too excited again, he had another attack,this time a bit stronger. The celebration mood came to a standstill. Its a matter of life and death. Doctors naturally were angry with him and the family. He was ordered not to think even of moving out of the ICU for a week . His ECG showed his life was at stake and he had to undergo a Bypass surgery as soon as possible. He should forget attending his own daughter's marriage. You have to see him and hear him speak how much he likes her. MISSING OWN DAUGHTER'S MARRIAGE?. Can you just imagine missing your daughter's marriage?

Prayers started to flow. His wife was with him in hospital throughout. He missed the Engagement Function held on Friday. The groom's family provided valuable support once they were informed. He was asked not to get tense. Doesn't it seem absurd? Your only daughter is going to be married. And you wont be attending it. And you should not get tense. nervous , excited or emotional.

Discussions were held with the doctors who strongly advised against getting out of bed for 5 minutes even. What was everyone supposed to do?

He missed Engagement on Friday. Friday's report of his health was not encouraging. All lost hope of him attending the marriage. All looked up at the supposed Supreme Power and exclaimed "What the hell are you doing about the miseries happening here? " and then " Do you really exist?"

I was there for marriage on Friday to help what I could. There was no excitement at all. No celebration mood. So after doing some petty work I was late to the Church. The bride and the groom had walked to the dias. I had some space to stand only at the last. One of my friends( I have a crush on her!!) who was standing at the front, called me.

What I saw will remain etched in my memory for eons to come. There he was sitting upright, with a serene face. His wife and brother were near beside him. That image flooded my eyes with tears. Even this moment when I am trying to put these thoughts into words( miserably so) , I am getting emotional. That is THE most memorable moment in my life.

That moment made me look up into the sky and exclaim " Oh My GOD, You have done it. Thanks "

Whatever be the medical explanation that the doctors may give, I don't care. Its some Super power that made this happen. That Super power may be his Wife who stood with him throughout, may be the doctors who are going to cure him or the prayers and hopes of the well wishers. Anyways I consider it a miracle.

And seeing my sister hand in hand with her soul mate made it the happiest day in my life.

And today his Bypass surgery is over and he is doing fine.

In a lighter vein, here is my epilogue.

My roommates, Gaje, Mani, Viji and Vinoth( I wont tell his nickname) want me to add their names in my post just like authors dedicate their books to someone special to them.

So here it is. Thanks guys and I dedicate this post to you all.

What is God?

One of the most mysterious issues modern mankind(probably our forefathers too) loves to debate and fight over is GOD.

So, now , I too am plunging into this dirty, already overcrowded pond.

Now that this argument can become too aggressive for some, here is my disclaimer.

All the issues dealt with in this post and my blog are my views. If it offends someone, I am not to be blamed.

Let me start.

There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who devoutly beleive in God, those who deny its existence and the rest. I wont call the 'rest' as agnostic for the reason , the rest include the whole lot of people whose minds waver with respect to their views of God.

All these 3 kinds of people dont have answers when probed too much on their stance.

The pious keep giving explanations like "He is formless, colorless, cant be comprehended by lowly souls like humans , blah blah blah..". But when rationality is brought in and we explain how acts once attributed to God are now being explained by Science and ask them to be more precise (2+2 = 4 anytime everywhere) and question them further they ought to get stumped though the fanatically devout wont accept it. That they will introspect later is altogether a different matter. These people killed Galileo and created many heretics out of scientists, refused to accept scientific explanations for hitherto inexplicable behaviours and attributed diseases to act of Devil.

The non-beleivers (the so-called rationalists) pride themselves in the fact that they dont beleive in God. They say explanations are available in Science for everything and will be available for the unexplained. But when asked some serious questions like "what happened before the Big Bang?" their stand wavers. And when things get too emotional like death of one's parents , the heavenly ( I have to use this word though these people do not believe in a heaven or hell) bliss we feel when we are treated to nature's best features, the coincidences we find in nature that Science cannot explain or when you sincerely hope(the beleivers call this prayer) things will work out right after an interview which decides your life they start thinking about an unknown power that may influence the world.

The other group includes all the others. They need not be probed too much to disturb their stance. They readily accept or reject His presence.

Where do I stand? Undoubtedly in the third set.

Let me try to put my thoughts in writing. It will look extremely fuzzy that you will stop midway and think "What the hell does he want?"

In the earliest of times deers knew by instinct and experience that chatting with a tiger is certain death and chatting with the opposite sex means an offspring. Similar thoughts like these developed over time and reached greater heights with the chimpanzees who scientists attest are brilliant relative to other animals. Many of these knowledge transferred through several species and generations and reached mankind, when he finally evolved. People belonging to this school of thought debate if Devil came first or God came first. My opinion is that both compliment each other. As earliest man attributed his diseases to a Devil, he definitely would have thanked his God for the good things happening to him. And fearing his God many desert him he started offering sacrifices to God as we did see in "Apocalypto". This God does more harm than good to this world.

Lets look at it another way. There is archeological evidence of David ruling Jerusalem, of the Trojan War and of the Kurukshetra War. These stories actually form the foundation of religion and God. Homer sang Iliad and Odyssey to the descendants of the victors from the Trojan War. In order to get praised and rewarded, he slowly exaggerated their heroics . Over centuries these exaggerations multiplied exponentially resulting to the present form.

Similarly the Ramayana and Mahabaratha were exaggerated over centuries to its current form.

Later came Buddha, Mahavira , Jesus and the Prophet. I view them as extremely ideal people who preached people. They did something unheard of those days in real life. Soon they became Sons of the Supreme Power. But for the advent of Science and mankind's increased rationality, Gandhi and Vivekanandha would also be considered so. As a famous author once said, "Had Gandhi been born 3000 years ago, his birth would have been in myths, his youth in miracles and he would have been worshipped as God".This kind of god would do more good than harm to this world.

What will happen if one says "All the best" to you before you appear for an importan exam? In absolute terms, nothing. I equate this with prayers. Nothing happens but that feel good factor will do a lot of good. doesnt it? The concept of God helps here.

A feeling that God looks after us and will punish us in case we do harm is absolutely necessary in today's world.

And there is this symbolism part. Most beliefs inherent in any religion symbolizes something. As an example we can cite Muslims wearing Purdah. This started because they had to save their skin from scorching sun in the Middle East where it all started.

In my view, at some point of time in everyone's life looks up ( God supposedly resides there) and says " Who are you? What the hell are you doing about the miseries happening here? " and finally " Do you really exist?"

I got a answer to these last week. That comes next