June

June had been hectic on work front. Schools have reopened. Rains had their entry in Pune. But has taken some respite as usual. No picnics till rains reappear, though had a small drive to hadshi a beautiful place in Maval. it will be matter of concern if this dry spell continues. Food prices are already up. if rains continue to desist then we are having an issue. Fuel prices have increased. Not so good time to live in.... but for football.
Its that time after four years when world stops. For us, we have to lose out on sleep due to late night matches. Everyone talks about demi gods like Maradona, Baggio, Ronaldo, Zidanne, Beckham, Rooney, Messi...... Pubs, restaurants are all abuzz with action. No other sport carries that mass appeal. maybe because its very simple. Man with a ball to kick. Thats it...
For me memories go back to days in 82 when paola rossi's headers caught imagination. Then it was Maradona's world cup that led into addiction. I remember in recesss time we used to discard cricket to play football for that month. 90 was boring WC. 94 I was in Kharagpur , i was doing project in vacation.Whole hostel was empty but for 3-5 mtechs and bhains (nick name of a wingie)with me. WC in bengal is a crazy experience. Everyone in market talks about it.
Final match was played on second day of sem when everyone was there. It was fun....There wer 6 of us supporting Italy against atleast 80 odd brazil supporters. Italy has been team of my choice due to their style of defense and counter attack. But this time i am supporting argentina...
98 I was in Mumbai . i used to share flat with some likeminded people at andheri. Mumbai rains was the memory alongside. and water logging was often. so soccer was only source of entertainment. 02 i had opportunity to see it live in Korea. My client had booked tickest for all office. we took a bus. It was some tempo. De hamaniguk was the chant. Ads of Korea team fighting were all around. Some fun and dream come true for me. When Korea lost yesterday, my client gave me a call and i had to console him. 06 was good WC with some good matches. I enjoyed at my club.... Now we are here in 10, almost half way. But clear pattern emerging of south american teams doing well... lets see if argentina goes all the way.
Another June highlight is memory of PL. I remember 10 years back, it was on 12th June he passed away. I felt a huge loss and attended his funeral, went to his home. PL has been a great inspiration. Even now after hectic day, i listen to haritatya, or asami in my drive back. And i am unwound... Simply a great person apart from being a great writer, orator, singer, musician,actor, social activist.... and so on..... A person who lived life and enjoyed every bit of it. He is a light and role model to demonstarte how one should live his life. .... He is know for humour but i feel he gives serious dimensions to make us think , guide us as to how one should live. But for that one should study his life, literature, drama, history etc.... There is a criticism that he dwelved upon only middle class values and was not all inclusive. To answer that, i feel though the medium he chose was based on middle class experiences but issues addressed were global. Also human values in each of his character are much deeper than his humour. salute to a great man...
last aspect of june is start of wimbledon, waiting for semis and finals...
And most importantly waiting for Rains so we can have picnics, treks and whole countryside turing into heaven....