06 March 2008

Uniting the Nation


With Raj Thackeray politically trying to create divide amidst Maharashtrian by accusing north Indian migrant of swamping state financial situation, blaming them for lack of opportunity for the fellow Maharastrian. Along with which few big bollywood names lending support to his cause, it look surprising, instead of going ahead, we are creating plans and vision for the nation to lead it backward. There are contentious issues, sporadic event occurring throughout that scares the uniting fabric of the nation.
But what surprised me completely as I watched the second finals between young Indian blue and Oz down under, with the Team India defeated the world champ by 9 runs to claim there first tri-series series against Australia in Australia. It was a great cricketing achievement for the nation to be proud of its young sportstars. The nation goes frenzy and start to throw abuse on every possible cricketer, captain and coach when the team loses, but then praises lavishly on team members for there victory. Every news channel have at least a hour of news daily about cricket, though it might have no relation to any on-field event. Cricket news sell more hotter than the news regarding Darfur Crisis, US presidential election or may be even recently concluded Indian budget.
What really bind the nation amidst the geographical boundaries is the spirit of cricket, it unites the old and young, rich and poor, illiterate and literate. No wonder the game of cricket is aptly called the 'Religion of the developing India.' With Sachin, Yuvraj, Dhoni or even Dravid raised to the status of demigod. It's no doubt that they have become a sort of ideal personality for youngsters to cheer about. Every Indian has a variety of suggestion, comment and advice for the players, (God knows how many ever played on ground with full guard) but yet each have a comment to share on everyone of them.
Nation being cricket crazy brings upon itself an unique way of bringing it citizen dwell on some common interest they share among themselves. Cricket gives the citizen a platform to express themselves, which otherwise people have really nothing to share or comment with others. For many it looks the game has taken priority over many other relevant issues and other forms of game. But what is more important is it has brought under itself variety of people with all possible background to share a common agenda. If cricket can be used as a medium to impart some message to the nation, its bound to reach the corners of the boundary.
Rarely does an country can boast of some issue that can bring it entire clan to be proactive, but here in India, cricket has achieved the status which no other agenda, issue or event can bring the entire nation on the edge of it chair. If utilized properly as a right medium, cricket has the ability to unite the nation, beyond the realm of any social, religious or political framework.