Hail Tricolour!!

The strains of 'Jan Gan Man' still give me goose pimples. The sight of the Tricolour, as it is slowly hoisted on the post sends adrenalin rushing through my veins. The cry of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' fills my heart with immense pride.
Cut to the election scene and the talk of it, including symbolisms. Somewhere along the line saffron has become associated with a particular political party accused of a non-secular agenda. Green is associated with another religion. From my balcony, I was extremely distressed to see some saffron and green flags come up in the neighbouring colony on the roof-tops. Next day, the dimensions of the flags and the length of the posts had increased. This went on for a couple of days, till there were no roof-tops available. It was as if a proxy war is on.
Can we take a lesson from the national flag. It has saffron, white and green and they coexist as one piece of a larger symbol, our collective identity as a nation. They are of the same fabric and bound by the same cord. Aren't we also bound by common customs and traditions.
I have always wondered whether the 'sashtang pranam' or the process to be followed during 'namaz' had something to do with exercising the body along with the mind. It was heartening to read that researchers have established a link between the physical activity during prayers and Yoga.
Going back to the National flag, the flag-post signifies the issues faced by all of us, the citizens. We have to collaborate and surmount the difficulties and resolve the issues, if the flag has to fly high.
To sum up, besides valour,peace and prosperity, the three colours of the flag could also signify, in these sharply polarised times, all religions- equal, of the same fabric and forming part of a greater humanity.The cord signifies our languages, customs and traditions which bind us. The flag pole is the common denomination for all the problems that beset our nation and hamper its growth. If we are to mount the post,we have to pull the cord in the same direction. Look for similarities rather than differences.
Let us stop putting each other down, be honest with ourselves and not suppress our inner voice, our conscience. I think if each one of us did our bit, within our area of influence, the cumulative effect would be extremely rewarding for our children.

More Lessons for Life from Golf

Last two months have been a real treat. One has been able to play golf four times a week. The open air, thick canopy of leaves, verdant lush fairways, birds chirping and bumble-bees bumbling along and parking themselves on your ball just when you are about to take a shot.... o! its exhilirating.
And i specially looked forward to Saturdays and Sundays. These two days my ten year old would accompany me. She would advise me during the walk to the tee, would continue during the pre-shot routine and then carry out a detailed analysis of the shot while we looked for the ball in the woods. She had usurped the position of a 'coach' just because during one of our practice sessions, she had hit the ball better than me!!
Now this particular Saturday morning, it was a roller-coaster ride. I played very well on the first three holes and then the game went downhill. Would not get a tee-shot right, would slice the ball sending it flying into OB repeatedly... you know what i was going through.This went on till the seventh.
As we walked to the 8th tee, I was lamenting the day. Complaining, cursing. Having heard me, my daughter said," Dad you were so excited after the first three holes that you kept talking about those good shots and you were not focussing on the tee at 4th." "And after the 5th hole you have been only cribbing. Why don't you just play your game?"
I looked at her askance, wondered what she said and then the full import of her words hit me. She was telling me - do not rest on your laurels and do not be bogged down by setbacks. Each shot is a new shot. As the saying goes in golf - "You never play your previous shots".
So it is in life. One has to take each day as it comes and do your best on that day.