A debate is brewing if Sachin Tendulkar is a deserving candidate for India's top-most civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna (Jewel of India). A "fan" of his would vouch for it, but entertaining the Indian citizens by his sheer, doubtless cricketing talent, isn't making of a deserving candidate for the top honour. A jewel doesn't come so easily, does it?
A hundred "hundreds" is a feat none could attempt, equalling or surpassing is a distant dream. Or even contributing to the game for over two decades isn't something that happens even occasionally. His perseverance, determination are attributes that all could imbibe and use to better lives. Youth, professionals, et al could take a few leaves off his mammoth book to learn how to do things better, not get bogged down by pitfalls, criticisms, etc. No wonder he is adored by boys and girls, and also men and women!
The day after he scores a huge, scintillating hundred, springs seem to appear in everyone's shoes, and just that. It stops at dissecting his "performance" at offices, schools and canteens and pubs. A few of such events are remembered even today, and, at best, a "feel good" whizzes up the swine. There is no evidence of anything that enhances the value of the nation across parameters or indices - social or economic. Sensex, GDP, employment - nothing has changed drastically over a period of time just by that "feel good" whiz!
He has only made his "fans" die for him. The innumerable people who have made India to die for should not be forgotten. And there are countless of them out there, not necessarily in the comfort of luxury, in pursuit of making India a better place, which they might not experience, in the first place!
At least, for Sachin, NOW is not the time. Let not the euphoria influence the people who matter to take a call in haste. Unfortunately, for India and Indian cricket, the "people who matter" might also comprise cricket administrators of the country, who also might lend a voice to the euphoria! May good sense prevail.
A hundred "hundreds" is a feat none could attempt, equalling or surpassing is a distant dream. Or even contributing to the game for over two decades isn't something that happens even occasionally. His perseverance, determination are attributes that all could imbibe and use to better lives. Youth, professionals, et al could take a few leaves off his mammoth book to learn how to do things better, not get bogged down by pitfalls, criticisms, etc. No wonder he is adored by boys and girls, and also men and women!
The day after he scores a huge, scintillating hundred, springs seem to appear in everyone's shoes, and just that. It stops at dissecting his "performance" at offices, schools and canteens and pubs. A few of such events are remembered even today, and, at best, a "feel good" whizzes up the swine. There is no evidence of anything that enhances the value of the nation across parameters or indices - social or economic. Sensex, GDP, employment - nothing has changed drastically over a period of time just by that "feel good" whiz!
He has only made his "fans" die for him. The innumerable people who have made India to die for should not be forgotten. And there are countless of them out there, not necessarily in the comfort of luxury, in pursuit of making India a better place, which they might not experience, in the first place!
At least, for Sachin, NOW is not the time. Let not the euphoria influence the people who matter to take a call in haste. Unfortunately, for India and Indian cricket, the "people who matter" might also comprise cricket administrators of the country, who also might lend a voice to the euphoria! May good sense prevail.
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