Gerald D'Cunha

  “Excellence endures and sustains; it goes beyond motivation into the realm of inspiration.” Azim Premji   I didn’t watch a single match of the just-concluded T-20 World Cup; but, my son did. Occasionally, I would take some updates from him… and, that’s about it. But, I wanted to watch yesterday’s Final – India Vs South Africa. And, as most Indians did, I watched it fully with my son and wife… The hangover of the high of our victory still makes my head dizzy… “What a victory… What a turnaround… What a thrill…!” Yes, like everyone else, I have been saying this aloud, and, rightfully so. There were so many goosebumps moments in last night’s contest… So many heartbreaking and heartwarming moments alike… In the end, as the famous line from the ABBA song goes – ‘The Winner takes it all.” Doesn’t he? Or, does he? I still remember my state of mind when we had lost the World Cup Final in 2023 in Ahmadabad. If that was a disturbing night, yesterday’s was exceptionally ex...

T hough I haven’t watched any of the on-going World-Cup (cricket) matches, I have kept myself reasonably informed about them. Like, we have won two matches – one against South Africa and the other against Australia. I have, also, kept myself informed about one more victory – a special one, I suppose, for millions of sports lovers, including me. This victory belongs to our dynamic Captain, Virat Kohli. Now, look at this scene: Australian player Steve Smith, who had pleaded guilty for his ‘sin’ of ball tampering (in a test match against SA in March 2018), had already served his one-year ban from playing first-class cricket. Yes, he deserved that punishment; and, he, also, deserved our admiration for the courage he had displayed by owning up to his mistake. He was the Captain; and, though he was found not directly involved in this incident, Smith took it upon him and apologized to his country and the world.   He had publicly cried; and, I don’t think, they we...

M y son was watching the last night’s India vs. England ODI. He called me to watch the presentation ceremony. That’s when I learnt what had actually happened! My son is a massive fan of Virart Kohli. I am particularly happy for that… Call me selfish or call me over-optimistic about one’s children, it’s okay… Let me reason out as to why young-ones – leave alone my own 24-year-old – yes, let me reason out as to why young-ones, today, need an icon like Virat Kohli, the present Indian Captain in all three formats of cricket… 1.       FOR BEING FAITHFUL TO HIS CHILDHOOD PASSION FOR CRICKET. I find a few young -ones remaining steadfast to their passions. Be it studies, sports, music, acting,  business, politics, writing, teaching, social work, even relationship,  whatever… young ones get distracted very fast, these days… they get carried away by changing fads… the commitment, integrity, dedication, a long-term vision… and, above all, the...