మిగ్ స్వగతం

 

బెంగళూరు HAL మ్యూజియం లో మిగ్-21 యుద్ధ విమాన రెప్లికా మోడల్ తో నేను (2016)

(26 సెప్టెంబర్ 2025 న సుమారు అరవై రెండు వసంతాల తర్వాత భారత వాయుసేన, దేశానికి ఎనలేని సేవలందించిన మీకోయాన్-గురివిచ్  మిగ్-21 యుద్ధ విమానానికి సగౌరవంగా వీడ్కోలు పలకనున్న సందర్భాన్ని పురస్కరించుకుని.....  

మిగ్ స్వగతం i.e, మిగ్-21 యుద్ధ విమాన మాటల్లో........ )

 

విశ్రాంతి కై శాశ్వత విరామాన్ని అనుభవించబోయే సమయం లో, మోగే చప్పట్ల మోత కన్నా, వెకిలి నవ్వులే పెద్దగా వినిపిస్తున్నాయేమిటి ? నాలుగు హాలీవుడ్ సినిమాలు చూసేసి, నాలుగు రోజులు కరెంటు అఫైర్స్ చదివేసి, F-16 తో పోల్చి నన్ను తక్కువ చేస్తూ చిన్నబుచ్చుకునే వారికి నేను చెప్పే సమాధానం - తిక్కన గారి భారతం లో రారాజుని చూసి అర్జునుడన్నట్లు "ఏనుంగు నెక్కి పెక్కేనుంగులిరుగడరా పురవీధుల గ్రాలగలదె." 

ఎక్కడో రష్యాలో పుట్టిన తుప్పట్టిన విమానాన్ని (యంత్రాన్ని), నేను తెలుగు తిక్కన గారి పద్యం చెప్పడం ఏమిటి ? అంతా A.I. మహిమే.   

ఇంకా మొదలయ్యి, అవ్వని ప్రచ్ఛన్న యుద్ధం సాక్షిగా, వెండి వెన్నెల ముద్దల లాంటి యూరాల్ పర్వత శ్రేణుల నడుమ, 1950 ల లో ఒక ప్రేమికుల దినోత్సవం నాడు నేను ఉద్భవించాను. 1962 లో ఒక నమ్మకం పటాపంచలయ్యింది భారతావనికి. అగ్రరాజ్యాల అలజడులు మధ్య, పొరుగింటి పోట్లాటల తో దేశ ఉనికికే ఎసరు అయిన రోజులు, అదిగో అప్పుడే సరిగ్గా 1963 లో మొట్టమొదటి సారిగా, నా మెట్టినింట అడుగుపెట్టాను. విచిత్రమేమిటంటే, ఇదే సోవియెట్ రష్యా మొట్టమొదటి సారిగా ఒక పొరుగు దేశానికి మిగ్ విమానాన్ని, తదనుగుణ సాంకేతికతను బదిలీ చేయడం. 

ఉత్తర ధృవానికి బాగా వంటబట్టే యాంత్రికతని కలిగిన నాకు, ఇక్కడికి వచ్చాక, ఇక్కడి పరిస్థితులకు ఇమిడే మార్పులు చేశారు.  చండీగఢ్ చేరి, సేద తీరేలోపు, మొదటి పుష్కరమే ఎన్నో పరీక్షలు. అన్నింటా జయకేతమే! 1965, 1971 లో త్రివర్ణ పతాకం రెపరెపలాడింది. కలకత్తా గగన వీధుల నుండి, కార్గిల్ పర్వత శ్రేణి వరకు, నాది ఒక 'అభినందనీయ' పయనమే. అయిదు పుష్కరాల పాటు దక్షిణ ఆసియా లో తిరులేని యుద్ధ విమానం, ఒక సింహస్వప్నం!  నాకు షష్టి పూర్తి అయ్యేసరికి, ఒక 870 మిగ్-21 లను వాయుసేన ఉపయోగించింది,   అందులో హిందుస్తాన్ ఏరోనాటిక్స్ లిమిటెడ్ (HAL) వారు సుమారు 600 మిగ్-21 లను తయారు చేశారు . 

కానీ, కాలం మారింది. పుట్టినిల్లు విచ్చిన్నమయ్యింది, గోర్బచెవ్ గారి ప్రయత్నం విఫలం అయ్యింది. 'ఎగిరే శవపేటికలు' అని మెట్టినిల్లు మొట్టికాయలు వేసింది. 'విమానాన్ని (యంత్రాన్ని) కదా, నాకు ఏమి హావభావాలు లేవు. అందరు కొత్త ని కోరుకుంటున్నారు. కానీ 'వేయిపడగలు' లో విశ్వనాథ సత్యనారాయణ గారన్నట్టు, "నూత్నత్వము నూత్నత్వమే కానీ శక్తి ఎలా అవుతుంది?" 

అయిదు పుష్కరాల లో ఎంతో జరిగింది. ఇప్పుడు 'తేజస్' లాంటి దేశీయ వారసులొచ్చారు. వివిధ సాంకేతిక సమస్యల వల్ల అమరులైన ఎంతో మంది ధీరులను తలుచుకుని మనస్సు చివుక్కుమంది. 'ఎగిరే శవపేటిక' అనే అపవాదు ఇంక ఎప్పటికి పోదు ఏమో నాకు. అయినా, విమానాన్ని (యంత్రాన్ని) కదా, నాకేమి ఉంటాయి లే హావభావాలు. 

సమయమాసన్నమయ్యింది. అదిగో, భాస్కరుడు ఉదయించబోతున్నాడు. ఇదే ఇక చివరి వీడ్కోలు. చరిత్ర పుటల్ని తిరిగి ఏదో ఒక రోజు తీరిగ్గా తిరగేసినప్పుడు, కాస్త నా గురించి కొంతైన మంచి గా తలుచుకోండి. జై హింద్.     

         

బెంగళూరు HAL మ్యూజియం లో మిగ్-21 యుద్ధ విమాన రెప్లికా మోడల్ తో నేను (2016)

మిగ్ స్వగతం 

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.

25th of September, 2025. 

Tribute to Sri Manmohan Singh

Dr Manmohan Singh Ji with Sri P V Narasimha Rao JI

 

"History will be kinder to me" - Dr Manmohan Singh Ji (January 2014)

Dawn brought with it the sad news of the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh Ji. For a man who disliked Politics and yet was a Member of Rajya Sabha for over three decades, and an economist who served all top finance related posts in Republic of India, his life remained a contrast of humility and economic excellence. His role as our Prime Minister is much studied, maligned and poorly resembles a film that has a decent first half and a disastrous second half. In unshackling the reins of the Indian economic giant and waking it out of the Quota Raj induced stupor, his role as Finance Minister, although in near past is sweeter. 

As he humbly quipped, two phone calls spaced 15 years apart went on to change his life, and the fate of our country, if that is not so much of an overstatement. The first one made him the Finance Minister and the second and more popular one was in 2004. In his illustrious life, Dr Singh straddled with ease as an Economist, Educator, Bureaucrat and Political Statesman. He was mocked for his silence and the so called Policy Paralysis (2011), but he could address the most troubling and gargantuan press conferences with ease and grace. Under his watchful gaze, India reinforced her place as the World's fastest growing economy, pulling the 123 Deal with USA. A slew of welfare measures marked the reformer's era, but alas there was always much to be desired. A dash of courage and creativity perhaps... 

As I am from Andhra, I've seen his wish of Special Status to the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh (Rajya Sabha Statement, February, 2014) wither into a cruel call in wilderness - was that a genuine concern or simply wishful thinking of a work in progress politician - no one knows. Three decades prior, his Political mentor Sri PV Narasimha Rao Ji, famously quoted in USA -  "Not being a historian, I am under no obligation to remember the Cold war, and I'd skip it." But, in Dr.Singh's case, it's a twist of fate that a great political statesman looks to history for some genuine appreciation. And, he deserves our respect.

Tribute to Sri Manmohan Singh 

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
27th of December, 2024.

Tribute to Swaminathan

In the winter of 2006, when I was a X class student participating and attending the 93rd National Children's Science Congress at Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University in Hyderabad, Dr Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan's well deserved fame was ubiquitous. The so called 'Swaminthan effect' displayed at an exhibition, where two rice bags were placed next to each other, one small and crumpled, belonging to pre green revolution era of the 60s and the next one large and full, symbolizing the post green revolution success was a raging hit. The great agricultural ecologist was, however, always humble, unmindful of the fact that his was the most popular scientific name, next only to the then Hon'ble President Kalam at the event. 

Dr Swaminathan's tale is a synonym of humanitarian concern meeting scientific genius, tenacity matching humility. After his birth in Kumbakonam, and a successful but initially zig zag academic career that was studded with clearing the Civils exam, the Bengal Famine of 1943 has had a terrific impact on the young Swaminathan and drew him towards agriculture and farmer welfare. For the UNESCO fellowship scholar, that was just the beginning. Despite all the talk of India being a predominantly agricultural country, the late 50s and 60s saw a spate of ill-timed macro-economic decisions, complete lack of support for agriculture and a series of famines and droughts. Agriculture was always a gamble on the monsoon. It appeared that Pandit Nehruji's thrust on scientific temper, alas was only meant for rapid industrialization. India's 'Ship to Mouth' existence was a terrible psychological blow, as the nation was forced to rely on wheat supplies from USA. Enter Swaminathan...

Modelled after the high yielding verities (HYV) championed by Norman Borlaugh, backed by political will, Dr Swaminathan ushered in an agricultural revolution, and is rightly regarded as the father of India's green revolution. With a targeted focus on mechanization, genetic variations, and never ignoring farmer welfare, this revolution was a success as by early 70s, India became self-sufficient in food grain production. The legend was established. But, for a man regarded as the father of economic ecology by UNEP, Dr Swaminathan is someone who is not blinded by success. He propounded an evergreen revolution, and although post green revolution, agriculture was once again ignored, the sector came back with a vengeance as 'Prime moving force' of Indian economy during the X five-year plan (2002). Heading the National Commission on Farmers (2004), Dr Swaminathan's observations and recommendations are timely, much needed and effective if implemented. The PM Kisan scheme has had its intellectual Genysis there. 

In his passing away, we lost a beloved humanitarian who prioritized farmer welfare, a scientist unwavering in spirit, the architect of India's greatest revolution. It is fitting and proper that we remember and honor Dr Swaminathan.

Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street,
Palakollu

Gorbachev

Mikhail S Gorbachev

"

The sick sickle and hammer suffered since the sixties,

when the war that wasn't hot was too hot to handle,

there was beauty in struggle, like autumn's lillies,

brought up in the red banner of Moscow's granduer.

 

A clash of ideologies set after a gory war, 

brought no glory to the common man,

swollen pride mattered little with prices they can't bear,

and one man understood the rut, a reformer in a dying clan.

The warriors of west, those champions of democracy mocked 'Trust but verify',

with the ashes of the second world consigned in Afghanistan's battlefields.

But, one little Gorbi made one last stand, 

hated by left right and centre, still not corrupted by power. 

Glasnost and Perestroika, the comrade general secretary ensured in letter and spirit, 

unmindful of history's partisan junior judges, unaware of the betrayals by one and all,

Tried till the last to hold the republics, but never forcing the winds of change, 

'This is how it ends, Sasha' said the maligned Gorbi and quietly slipped out with no applause.

"

 

Mikhail S Gorbachev passed away in August 2022. He was the president of the Sovier Union from 1985 to 1991, whose well meant reforms of Glasnost and Perestroika could not save the Union from disintegration. Although there is divided opinion on his legacy, one should accept his role in the end of cold war and his unappreciated efforts to save the people reeling under an in-efficient socio-enconmic system, his untiring efforts to unite the union till the last, and his stoic refusal to quell rebellions in the republic. 

Tuesday, 27th of September, 2022

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, 

Palakollu

ఆంధ్రకేసరి

 (ది.23/08/2021 సోమవారం ఆంధ్రకేసరి టంగుటూరి ప్రకాశం పంతులు గారి 150వ జయంతి ని పురస్కరించుకుని)

రక్త మాంసాలు కల్గిన ఒక మనిషి ఇంత ఆదర్శం గా జీవించారు అని ముందు తరాల వారు నమ్మకపోవొచ్చు అని గాంధీ మహాత్ముని గురించి ఆల్బర్ట్ ఐన్స్టీన్ ఒక గొప్ప మాట చెప్పారు.  Scrupulous honesty, unflinching integrity, courage కి నిలువెత్తు నిదర్శనం ఆయన 'ఆంధ్రకేసరి' టంగుటూరి ప్రకాశం పంతులు గారిని తల్చుకుంటే పై మాటే గుర్తుకి వస్తుంది. నేటి ప్రకాశం జిల్లా వినోదరాయునిపాలెం (23 August 1872) లో కటిక దరిద్రం లో జన్మించి, లాయర్ గా కొన్ని తరాల పాటు తరగని ఆస్తి ని సంపాదించి, సహాయ నిరాకరణోద్యమం తో స్వాతంత్ర్య సమరరంగం లో దూకి, చివరకి ఆస్తులన్నీ దేశం కోసం ధారపోసి ప్రాణత్యాగం చేసిన ప్రకాశం గారి జీవితం ఎంతో ఆదర్శం. 

రాజమహేంద్రి పురపాలక సంఘ అధ్యక్షుని గా ప్రారంభమైన వారి రాజకీయ జీవితం, ఎన్నో పదవులకు వారు వన్నె తెచ్చే విధంగా దిగ్విజయంగా సాగింది. ఎనాడూ పదవుల వెంట పడకపోయినా, ముక్కుసూటితనం తో, మోండిధైర్యం తో, నిజాయితీ తో వారు ఏ పదవి లోనూ ఎక్కువసేపు కొనసాగలేకపొయారు. స్వాతంత్ర్య సమరంలో వారిది ప్రత్యేక పాత్ర. సహాయ నిరాకరణోద్యమం తో మొదలై, సైమన్ గో బ్యాక్ ఉద్యమం లో భాగంగా మద్రాస్ లో వేరే నాయకులు భయపడుతున్నప్పుడు, బ్రిటిష్ తుపాకి కి ఎదురుగా రొమ్ము చూపి 'అంధ్రకేసరి ' అనిపించుకుని, ఉప్పు సత్యాగ్రహం సమయం లో మరీనా బీచ్ సత్యాగ్రహన్ని ముందుండి నడిపించడం - ఇవన్నీ చిరస్మరణీయం. 1937 లో మద్రాస్ రాష్ట్రానికి రెవెన్యూ మంత్రి గా, భూసంస్కరణలకై వారు చెసిన ప్రయత్నం విఫలమైనా, ముందు తరాలకు ఒక Blueprint లా అయింది. 1945 లో మద్రాస్ రాష్ట్ర ముఖ్యమంత్రి గా Firka Development Scheme ని ప్రవేశపెట్టారు.    

నాటి కాంగ్రెస్స్ పార్టీ లో అంతర్గత కలహాల వల్ల కొంతకాలం ఆ పార్టీ కి దూరం గా వున్నారు. కాని అందరూ గౌరవించేవారు వారిని. రాబోయే political crisis ని దృష్టి లో వుంచుకుని, చాలా మంది తర్వాత తరం నాయకులని (Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, Bejawada Gopala Reddy, etc,.) వారు స్వయంగా ప్రోత్సాహించి, leadership vacuum లేకొండా చేసిన దార్శనికులు. పండీట్ నెహ్రూ గారు 1953 లో ఆంధ్ర రాష్ట్రం ఏర్పడ్డాక, పార్టీ లో లేకపొయినా ప్రకాశం గారినే మొదటి ఆంధ్ర రాష్ట్ర ముఖ్యమంత్రి గా వుండడం శ్రేయస్కరమని భావించి, కబురంపించరనడం అతిశయోక్తి కాదు. 

చివరి రోజులలో పడ్డ ఆర్ఢిక కష్టాలని లెక్కచెయ్యక, తుదిశ్వాస వరకూ ప్రజాసేవకే అంకితమైన ఆంధ్రకేసరి ని స్మరించుకోవడం ఒక భారతీయుడి గా, ఒక తెలుగు వాడిగా చాలా గర్వంగా అనిపిస్తుంది. 

 

 ఆంధ్రకేసరి (Telugu)

Tribute to Sri Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Garu (c.1872 - 1957 CE) - politician, political statesman, freedom fighter, lawyer and the first Chief Minister of Andhra State, famed for his scrupulous honesty, unflinching integrity and courage. He was fondly known as Andhra Kesari i.e, Lion of Andhra. 23rd August 2021 marks his 150eth Birth Anniversary.

 

 

Maheeth Veluvali, 

Sunday - 22nd of August, 2021,

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.

India @ 75

Seventy Five years ago, our nation began her tryst with destiny,

with an echo of freedom that warmed few million hearts.

An era of despair and destruction ended emphatically;

but all's not good, for the new nation was already scarred.

 

Unified yet diverse, from the lofty Himalayas through the Gorgeous Ganges;

with bountiful plains and forests of yore, is a timeless ideal that seized the minds of men,

and lusted by traders and conquerors, this land of Bharatas;

Our India, an amalgamation of ideals and melting pot of cultures!

 

As we scan the annals of our glorious history, our chests fill with pride

at the supreme sacrifices of freedom fighters and nation builders,

And in the march of nations, ours is but a unique tale,

as we celebrate 75 years of freedom, wonder with what glorious tales of success the future beckons!

 

 

Poem (English) - "India @ 75" - On the eve of 75th Independence Day of India. 

 

Saturday, 14th of August, 2021,. 

Maheeth Veluvali,

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.

అంతర్మథనం

(Tribute to PV Narasimha Rao on his birth centenary)

డిసెంబర్ 2004
ఇంక నా జీవితం ముగుస్తోంది. వచ్చిపోయే వారిని గుర్తుపట్టడం కష్టం గా వుంది. పెరిగిపోయిన కోర్టు కేసుల్ని ఎదుర్కోవడానికి అప్పోయింట్ చేసిన మా ప్లీడర్ గారు ధరించిన నల్లని కోటు లో నలుపు మాదిరి ఒక కారు చీకటి ఎప్పుడూ కమ్మేస్తోంది నా ఆలోచనల్ని. కేసులు అంటే గుర్తుకి వచ్చింది. ఇంకా ఎన్ని కేసులు మిగిలాయి? అవి నేను గెల్చానా? ఓడిపోయానా? గుర్తుకి రావట్లేదు.  ఆలోచనలు పరిపరివిధాల పోతున్నాయి. అసలు ఏది ఆరంభం? ఏది అంతం!
ఎక్కడ మొదలైంది ఈ ప్రయాణం? ఎన్ని మజిలీలు? త్రిపురీ సభ లో పండిట్ నెహ్రు గారి ప్రసంగం విని నైజం ప్రభుత్వం పై కదం తొక్కింది నేనే నా? అది త్రిపురీ సభా? హరిపూరీ సభా? గుర్తుకి రావట్లేదు. హై కమాండ్ ఉద్దేశాన్ని పూర్తిగా తెలుసుకోలేక, భూ సంస్కరణలు ప్రవేశపెట్టి, పదవి కోల్పోతే, ఆహా, ఒక ముళ్ళ కిరీటం తల మీంచి తీసినట్టు అయింది. అది 1971 ఆ ? 1973 ఆ ? గుర్తు లేదు....

భాషలు నేర్చుకునేకొద్దీ మౌనం లో వున్న మాధుర్యాన్ని, నియంతృత్వ పోకడలు కల్గిన నాయకుల తో మెలిగిన కొద్దీ consensus decision making లో వుండే అందాన్ని, inevitability ని సుకుమారంగా గ్రహించాను. నూతనోత్తేజం నిండింది 80 వ దశకపు భారతావని లో, నా సన్యాసానికి ఇంకా మార్గం సుగమమైంది. కానీ విధి విచిత్రం. నవ్వినా నాప చేనే పండింది. ఏమి తెలుసు నాకు ఆర్ధిక  వ్యవస్థ గురించి - ఆర్ధిక శాస్త్రాన్ని ఎప్పుడూ లెక్కకట్టలేదు. లెక్కకట్టాల్సిన అవసరం వచ్చింది. పది మంది సభ్యుల మద్దతు లేక ఎప్పుడు పడిపోతుందో తెలీని నా హయం లో సంస్కరణలు అసలు ఎలా జరిగాయి? అది ఒక అబ్భుతమా? అందున, నా పాత్ర నామమాత్రమేనా? రాజ్యంగ నిర్మాత డా.అంబెడ్కర్ గారు అభివర్ణించినట్టు, మన దేశం నిజం గా ఒక Indestructible Union యేనేమో.  తూర్పు వైపు చూడమని, అగ్రరాజ్యాల వాంఛలకు తలొగ్గకుండా, పొరిగింటి వారికి పాఠాలు చెప్తున్నప్పుడు ఎంతో హాయిగా అనిపించింది. ఢిల్లీ రాజా వీధుల లో పంజాబ్ కార్యకర్తలు 'పీవీ నరసింహ రావు కి జై' అని జై జైలు పలుకుతువుంటే, వేరెవరైనా పులకరించిపోయేవారే - కానీ అట్టి పొగడ్తలు, భౌతిక శుఖాలు నా లో అంతర్మథనాన్ని ఆపలేకపోయాయి.

అది 1996 ఆ ? 1998 ఆ ? గుర్తు లేదు - టికెట్టు కేటాయించలేదు నాకు. రోజులు మారాయి. మనుషులు వస్తారు, పోతారు,వ్యవస్థే శాశ్వతం! నమ్మిన వారు నట్టేట ముంచారు. ఇంకెంతకాలమో జీవితమనే ఈ వ్యధ . నా పాత్ర ముగిసింది. కానీ నా లో ఇంకా ఆ అంతర్మథనం ఆగలేదు!

అంతర్మథనం - Tribute to PV Narasimha Rao on his birth centenary (Telugu)

Maheeth Veluvali, 

Monday, 28th of June, 2021

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu.

Tribute to an unknown spy

"..At the risk of violating a cardinal rule of intelligence, it might also be the opportune moment to pay a silent tribute to one of the most outstanding secret agents of recent times, whose name and pseudonym will, however, have to remain a secret, but whose exploits were no less than that of the most celebrated spy of World War II, Richard Sorge."

- An article in The Hindu dated 26 April, 2021 by MK Narayanan, former director of Intelligence Bureau, (inter alia) paying tribute to an as yet unknown, classified spy who worked for India during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. The poem is a tribute to the unknown spy.

 

 

Away from the glare of public, where false heroes rise and fall everyday,

bereft of the crazy romanticism that shatters focus in every way, 

what silent deeds committed by little men makes things work?

In the mundane shadows of daily life, what dangers lurk? 

Over the waters of Bay of Bengal, when the seventh fleet arrived with superb speed,

and Searchlight launched to destroy and bleed Bengal of the hoary past, 

Then, in those troubled times, a young nation rose with a unified voice, 

A game of skill and nerves of steel was played, nothing left to chance. 

 

O unknown spy, I bow to your service in troubled times, 

What scale could measure your worth, in an era of war crimes?

The greatest secret is better kept that way, the best hero is one unknown, 

and when the issues of nation matter, covers remained unlbown.

 

It is a grateful nation that offers tribute to you, 

It matters not what we speak, and what was due, 

It only mattered what you did there, however little and unsung, 

for those silent deeds of a spy made a difference and packed a sting.

 

 

Poem - "Tribute to an Unkown Spy" based on an article written by  MK Narayanan, former director of Intelligence Bureau, (inter alia) paying tribute to an as yet unknown, classified spy who worked for India during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. 

Maheeth Veluvali, 

Monday - 26th of April, 2021,.

16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.

Our Colonel has fallen

(On 15th of June, 2020 Indian soldiers of 16 Bihar Regiment were forced to confront the intruding Chinese armed forces in Galwan valley. As grisly details emerged later on, after six hours of intense fighting, 20 Indian soldiers were martyred, including the commanding officer on field, Colonel Santosh Babu. This poem is a tribute to the brave men who made the supreme sacrifice)

 

Col. Santosh Babu - Image Credit unkown 

Tents perched atop the heights of Ladakh mocked the talks that happened, 
blowing hot and cold, breathing fire and fury, the Dragon's done mapping.
When the durbar of Delhi was ill-prepared for the assault, 
Sun Tzu struck sneakily and rubbed a terrible wound with salt.
 
With so little backup but so much at stake, brave men marched to the front;
O sons of heaven, o masters of Asia, be prepared for the righteous brunt. 
And those lofty mountains witnessed the clash that unfolded, 
as the enemies snooped southwards, and with terror, the arena exploded. 
 
Out-manned in a brazen barbarous attack, the men fought, so brave and calm. 
But for the loss that followed, what gods would offer the best balm? 
O dear colonel - our colonel has fallen; along with his loyal troops bloody but unbowed
O Galwan river, carry those fallen with respect; and for the supreme sacrifice, our entire nation bowed.

Maheeth Veluvali, 

Saturday - 29/08/2020, 

Palakollu,.

Dhoni - A Tribute

Dhoni in action - ICC CWC Final, 2011 - Credits to Sportstar, The Hindu

 

April  2005 - Pakistan were touring India, and the stage was set for the second ODI at Vizag's ACA-VDCA Stadium (Much later, the stadium was renamed as Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium). During the first innings i.e, Indian innings - at one down, the new wicket-keeper was promoted. The only problem I had that day, as with many other people who watched the game, was with the name. It must be Tony, I heard as my junior class boys raved about his batting. It was the beginning of a cult - Mahendra Singh Dhoni! Cricket in India is a sacrificial arena where new Gods are born and old Gods whither - the eleven Gods were expected to entertain and perform every single day. Heroic exploits on field were cherished but winning games - something that we lagged then, didn't seem to bother us. But the new boy was exhilarating. His carefree batting did not confirm to bookish standards and that was all that mattered, or so it seemed...

 

September 2007 - The 50 over World Cup was a disaster for India. After a tragic but necessary turn of events, Dhoni was made the Captain of the T-20 World Cup team. And the era of captain cool had just begun! This was when I truly learnt that all the aggression, rage, intent in the world is nothing when you don't possess a cool and calming brain - the ability to remain level headed and be dictated by logic rather than emotions. And how would I forget the final with the arch-rivals - I was in my Intermediate - AP residential junior college at Nagarjuna Sagar. We got to listen to the dying moments of the game, thanks to the cell phones and radios of our lecturers, and as Ravi Shastri started shouting 'Andd there is Shreeshaaaant....!', we went berserk with joy. What calculated gambles that man behind the stumps took that day! And something strange happened - his calmness rubbed off - we started winning games big time. I'm not an expert to discern if India really had the right balanced team at that point of time, but some if not the greater part of the credit goes to the Captain cool. From 2008 till 2011, Team India had a steady rise. And, the new hero, thanks to the nerves of steel,  marked himself with distinction as a finisher sharing the likes of Michael Beavan - a desperate role India needed in ODIs. 

April 2011 - It was the World Cup Final. I've had to work that day, and for the greater part of the Indian innings (Night), I was in a buss that took me from my work place Vijayawada to my home town Palakollu. I missed most of the Mahi magic that went on at Wankhade, on live. But, what a day it was as India lifted the cup! And again, those riveting words of Ravi Shastri, 'Dhooni finishes it off in style' still ring in my ears. Life came a full circle for the hard core Indian cricket fans. And the man of the moment didn't hog any limelight - a lesson in class!

 

August 2020 - Dhoni went on to lift the 2013 Champions Trophy on behalf of India - the only captain till date to hold all the three ICC trophies - World Cup, T-20 World Cup and Champions Trophy. Over time, he became more cautious in his batting - a usual trait of a senior middle order batsman. He became the poster boy of IPL. His performance behind the wickets however got better. And one fine day in Manchester, as India was simply outclassed by New zealand, his cautious but valiant efforts ended in a heart breaking run-out. I was passing through the city  (Vijayawada)  where I missed Dhoni's exploits of 2011 World Cup Final, when a quick check on twitter confirmed the news that was doing rounds as a rumour since so long - the retirement of Dhoni. And a whiff of nostalgia descended upon me. 

 

Thank you Dhoni!

 

 

 

Maheeth Veluvali, 

Monday - 17th of August, 2020.

Palakollu,.

 

there would never be another Seshan...

TN Seshan in 1994 (File Pic), Wikipedia

A nation of millions shook in the nervous nineties -
in an era of political gimmicks punctured by electoral malpractices.
But one man rose from the corridors of power,
and an institution was rebuilt from scratch, so the corrupt could cower.

Cards of Identity to the embattled voters;
the good changes invited crass curses from those with vested powers.
Pitched battles were fought for the victory of truth, in consecutive annals;
Be it Punjab or Bihar - the commission's word was perfectly final.

A culture of adherance to rules began on the high altar of democracy -
for once, the dumb millions shook with happy pride despite the official obstinacy.
Elections will come and go like seasons; - mother nature's variation
but there would never be another Seshan for this gigantic nation!



Tirunellai Narayana Iyer Seshan (1932-2019), popularly called TN Seshan was the tenth Chief Election Commissioner of India (1990-96) whose adherence to rules, style of functioning and electoral reforms are a stuff of legends - under him, the Election Commission of India became one of the glorified Constitutional institutions running on the pillars of Transparency and Accountability, winning universal public acclaim and respect, but also earning him brickbats form unscrupulous elements (i.e, the political class who always bent the rules during elections)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T._N._Seshan 
Picture above - Credits to Rishabh Tatiraju from Wikipedia

Generations to come...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi

 

“Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth."

         - Albert Einstein on Mahatma Gandhiji

  

In an era of World Wars, a half naked seditious fakir strode in London, annoying the powers that be.

And empires rose and fell, clutched by seeds of violence as a stark necessity. 

Truth and Non-Violence - weapons of the weak? Wondered the wicked rulers of the Sea..

'Salt, Mr.Viceroy' said the little man, as people flocked to him as a sign of destiny.

A long struggle for freedom and reform followed as many heroes came to the fore, 

And his presence strengthened the moral courage unmatched with neither power nor position.

But the greatest crowd puller was cowed down as bloodshed came to the fore...

'The light has gone out', so to speak, with the stalking ghosts of freedom and partition.

Alas, his legacy was exploited as he was either revered blindly or criticized mercilessly, 

A life of confused experiments and Himayalan Blunders - he was not a sage,

but at least had the courage to say 'My life is my message' and adhere to it meticulously!

And truly, in the march of a nation, this Mahatma's role is revered at every stage!

Tuesday - 2nd of October, 2018. (149th Gandhi Jayanthi)
Palakollu.

http://gandhi.gov.in/

Be Like Buffon

Tribute/Poem

(For the first time since 1958, Italy failed to qualify for the Football World Cup to be held in Russia, 2018. One of the greatest goal-keepers & inspiring footballers of all time, Italy's own Gianluigi Buffon retired from International Football. The Poem is a tribute to him and his inspiring presence in the Global football arena for almost 22 years.)

"

Not always does man's valiant efforts yield results,

Not in every tale does success follow struggle. 

In a game of Genius, chance intervenes and strikes...

The tables get turned, bringing all troubles. 

But when the Azzuri's own numero uno takes guard, 

Standing tall at the citadel of Juventes and Italy's defence, 

Goal-keeping seems an art & skill much like the verse of the bard, 

Many duels emerge in a team's game in a strictly speaking sense.

An example - In 2006, a flying push to deny Zidane's header in Berlin,

Laurels and awards, 175 appearances, consistently saving...

Beyond a mad rush of statistics, the control and the gentle grin, 

Being honest to the game and not to winning or losing.

Too much to learn and get inspired from one of the greatest goal-keepers of all time!

Still, times change and legends weep, and all that's good comes to an end. 

Those acrobatic saves and that inspiring presence shall be missed for nostalgia is not a crime.

When life kicks at you, be like Buffon and say - "I'll stop but not bend." 

"

Place & Date

Tuesday, 14th of November, 2017.

#16-7-16, Bhramara Ground Floor, Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh - 534 260.

"Be Like Buffon" (Tribute/Poem)

Gianluigi "Gigi" Buffon (born 28 January 1978) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper. He captains Serie A club Juventus, and formerly also captained the Italy national team. He is widely regarded by players, pundits and managers to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and, by some, to be the greatest ever. Buffon is known for his "outstanding shot-stopping" and for being "a vocal organizer of the defence and a key dressing room personality"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianluigi_Buffon

Picture source

English: Juventus FC goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon reacts during the Italian Super Cup match against AC Milan in Doha, Qatar. Doha Stadium Plus - K Mohan.

They spilt their blood so that...

(Tribute - Poem -18th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas) 

"

A shepherd brought a shuddering news - another silent betrayal by the neighbour,
We forgot to verify the trust, and time now to pay the price of this backstabbing saber.   

As men descend with blessings from Rawalpindi, towards the valley of Kashmir,

And an Asian giant is drawn into an unwilling battle, there was always a chance of nuclear threat, damn here.

Slowly but surely, plans were drawn to beat the repeated intruders untamed,

Because of the sacrifice of the brave, the territorial sovereignty was reclaimed .

An aggrieved nation rose in fury, for once all petty differences were ditched.
But battles were won by strategy and sacrifice, not by passion or propaganda stitched.

As the Gurkhas sang 'Ayo Gurkhali', and the Howitzers fired tirelessly,
The National Highway to Srinagar was targeted by the foes, most dastardly.
As we waited in bated breadth, the select few made us hold our heads high,

The fighting was fierce, death was imminent to many, but they never said 'Nahi'. 

And the armed forces fought, for every inch, like every time...
The Tricolor flew high - At Dras and Kargil, On the peaks of Tiger Hill and Tolo-Ling. 

That just meant another decisive victory attained within two months.

Every year this day, we salute the heroes of Kargil....
They spilt their blood so that we may have tears of joy, and not sorrow.

"

References (If any)

1. Place and Date -

@ - Palakollu, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh.

On -26th of July, 2017

2. Subject - "They Spilt their blood so that...!" (Tribute - Poem - 18th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas)
26th of July, 2017 marks the 18th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, which commemorates India's famous and decisive victory in the Kargil War (May-July 1999). Facing International diplomatic pressure and the capable strategy and tactics employed by the Indian Army (Operation Vijay, more popularly affiliated with the entire Kargil Operations) and Indian Air-Force (Operation Safed Sagar), Pakistani paramilitary forces and insurgents withdrew from Kargil and other occupied areas.

The war was anxiously observed all the world over, because, perhaps, for the first time in Human History, two nuclear-armed countries were engaged in a conventional war, and thankfully, the conflict did not escalate.

However, a terrible price had to be paid by India, in the form of loss of lives of brave soldiers (c. 527 causalities). To them, this poem is dedicated. Jai Hind!


For further details  -
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kargil_War


Picture on top - Indian soldiers during the war at Batalik Sector https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37865373
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kargil_War

For the Scape-Goat, At the Least!

(Tribute - Poem) 

 

"

At the turn of the 90s, the double digit inflation was a persistent reality, 
The nadir of macro-mismanagement evident as the economy's an amputee.

Even before the Sickle and Hammer fell, a minority government's in order,

Will the reforms be a reality, that is the question, more hard than the word 'harder'.

Then in the Durbar of Delhi, one man organized a team of mis-fits,

To borrow from IMF and join the global village, the beginning was just in bits.

Amidst the dust of political bickering, the wheels of the Indian Economy started moving,
The License Raj was slayed as the doomsday pundits of India stopped mocking.

Let there be competition, however small the beginning, 
Let there be fair play and celebration of private innovation, but no skimming. 

The Great west took notice, as the Elephant marched on,

Alas, the one man responsible was forgotten, seems the nation moved on.

He was neither a messiah, nor incorruptible, But when an old dynasty...

needed a scape-goat, he was the answer, a perfect mis-match finally!
A few words of respect and a few moments of remembrance....

A few acknowledgements and a few thank yous....
Would suffice for the scape-goat, At the least! 

"

References (If any)

1. Place and Date -

@ - Vijayawada, Krishna, Andhra Pradesh.

On -28th of June, 2017

2. Subject - "For the Scape-Goat, At the Least!" (Tribute - Poem)
Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha Rao (28 June 1921 – 23 December 2004) (Telugu: పి.వి.నరసింహ రావు) was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 9th Prime Minister of India, from 1991–1996.^[3] His ascendancy to the prime ministership was politically significant in that he was the first holder of this office from a non-Hindi-speaking region, belonging to the southern part of India. He led an important administration, overseeing a major economic transformation and several home incidents affecting national security of India.^[4] Rao, who held the Industries portfolio, was personally responsible for the dismantling of the Licence Raj, as this came under the purview of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.^[5] He is often referred to as the "Father of Indian Economic Reforms".

Today is his birth anniversary (Jayanthi), and his role and legacy is often understated in the context of Indian Politics and Indian Economy. However, it is rather reassuring to note that things have started to change, at least now. This Poem is a tribute to him,especially during the famous Macro-Economic reforms in 1991, when India was forced to go for a conditional loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and grudgingly accept Globalisation, Liberalisation and Privatisation in the wake of the notorious License & Inspector Raj, Double Digit Inflation and overall mismanagement. And on top of it, the sad reality that he is remembered for all the wrong reasons, as a scape-goat.

For further details and due credit to the first para supra in 'subject' -
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._V._Narasimha_Rao


Picture on top - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._V._Narasimha_Rao

Cotton

Cotton 

(Tribute - Poem) 

" The Ships from the West bring only disaster and death,
Skilled Traders and Traitors, hell bent on loot and lust.
In the deltas of the twin rivers, where Goddess Annapoorna roamed,
Floods and Famines raved and ravaged and everything was doomed.

The Ryot and the Zamindar - in quandary and equally effected,
The Cow and the Child - listless, lifeless and dead.  
The cries for hunger grew louder, with no one to heed,
The thoughts of desperation were heavier, in deed.

Then fighting against his own men, came Sir Cotton,
An Engineer and a General, but more a human being.
In the city of Rajamahendri, a wonder was conceived and done,
A tale of sacrifice and ingenuity, and it was the people who won.

A network of canals and aqueducts, and the Rice bowl became Rice bowl again,
Every family in the region offers the great man a Pinda, his sacrifice is not in vain.
And, in the annals of history, let this inspiring tale be gently told,
Of this engineer and general - but more a human being - the Modern Bhagiratha - Sir Arthur Cotton."

References (If any)

1. Place and Date -

@ - Home Sweet Home - #16-7-16, Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu (West Godavari), Andhra Pradesh - 534 260

On -15th of May, 2016

2. Subject - Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton- Cotton (Tribute - Poem)
World Famous British Irrigation Engineer and General, responsible for the construction of Dowleswaram Barrage and many canals and aqueducts in the Godavari - Krishna Region of Andhra Pradesh. He is well venerated in my region. Today is his 213th Birth Anniversary. 

 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Cotton