We, talking
about our generation specifically, grew up with the history of Mahatma
Gandhi—how he made India
independent through complete non-violence a movement based on truth and how the
greatest Indian leader of all time was assassinated on the fateful day of 30th
January, 1948. We grew up with Nelson Mandela hearing about his movement
against the racist policy of Apartheid in South
Africa based on the same Gandhian ideals, later watching
him go about his noble ways and hearing his inspirational speeches—in India and
everywhere. How he finally won like Mahatma Gandhi ending Apartheid and
becoming the first black President of South Africa in 1994. He has been our
Gandhi live and heart wrenchingly we lost him on Thursday evening, the 5th
of December, 2013—losing a continuous source of leadership, indomitable spirit
and inspiration. Of course, we knew that he had not been keeping well for the
last few months being in and out of the ICU, and that he had reached the ripe
age of 95. But you never actually want to lose anything that is good and
lastingly good.
The world became
one in paying tributes to Nelson Mandela, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, in the
deepest spontaneous respect and admiration. As the news hit India early
morning on Friday it became the top story in all media channels and in all the
newspapers today. His rousing speeches earlier recorded in India went on
air. The Indian Parliament on Friday adjourned for the week paying tributes to
Mandela. The Government of India announced five-day state mourning with all top
dignitaries and leaders giving moving condolence messages. Nelson Mandela has
been as relevant for India
as for South Africa
and the world. We salute the great leader for humanity and justice.
The same night
on Thursday mighty Team India fell in tatters losing the first one day international cricket match in Johannesburg against the hosts South Africa by a
shattering 141 runs. India
won the toss, had the first opportunity to use the fresh track and also avoided
the possibility of the dew factor later in the night. But the Indian bowlers
failed the team miserably as the top South Africa
order fired relentlessly to set an almost impossible target of 359 runs for India. There
were explosive knocks by HM Amla (65), Quinton de Kock (a brilliant century of 135
off just 121 balls), AB de Villiers (77 off just 47) and JP Dumini (59 not out
off just 29 balls). Such was the domination of South Africa batting and poor
Indian bowling that the Indian fielders started losing heart and mission
opportunities. In the forgettable Indian chase there was just one half century
by captain Dhoni who managed only to prolong the misery.
In fact there
was some uncertainty about the India-South Africa cricket Series going further.
As some of the match dates clashed with prayers and homage programmes of Nelson
Mandela Cricket South Africa (CSA) sought the advice of the government regarding
the future of the Series. However, after supposed consultations CSA confirmed
last night that the Series as well as most sporting events would go on as
scheduled.
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