Shame No:1 - India did not qualify for Olympics 2008 in Hockey - National Game, happened for the first time in 80 years after it sent its first team in 1928.
Shame No:2 - Results show an alarming decline in the number of Tigers, National Animal of India.
I was going through these news articles and started abusing and criticizing IHF, Indian Hockey Federation and Ministry of Forest, in short the government thinking they did not take the right steps and responsibility to retain the pride and the royal grace of our National Symbols.
Introspection showed that I could be in some or the other way the reason for this National Shame.
How I brought in the 1st cent of shame?
I can hardly name 4 current Indian Hockey Players. I only heard the name of Dyan Chand and I bet I cannot recognize him if someone shows his portrait. Dhanraj Pillay is the only Hockey player I can recognize.
Having said that, I am no exception. Many Engineers, Doctors and Graduates who have grown up with the fantasy and passion for cricket hardly care about humongous other sports, and the Indians who try to bring a light into them.
Logic is simple, my knowledge is low about hockey => I drive low passion to watch it => I drive less money through sponsors => Less number people play this => Competitive Spirit is less => We lower the standard and quality of our game.
Hence, I am a part of National Shame in one way :(
How I brought the 2nd cent of shame?
Poaching is of course the prime reason for the reduction in number. Smuggled skins fetch poachers a lot of money which they use for living, food etc. But there could be a teeny tiny possibility that deforestation could lead to habitat disorder for Tigers.
Logic again simple - I always leave my computer locked and power on before leaving office => more power consumption => requirement of more thermal power => deforestation.
Yes, I am a great contribution to National Shame :(
Many asked me what my Resolutions of the New Year were, though it is 3 months I wish to make few today -
1. Try to learn a little about Hockey and watch the game. Learn and find Indians in other sports too.
2. Try max to save power and paper.
3. Sponsor a small portion of money to a Tiger cub in some zoo. In this way, the zoo authorities would be more instrumental to create the right habitat. (I stole this idea from an ex-colleague)
I blog my resolutions so that I keep myself reminded just in case the thought-strand slips by.
SatP
