April 30, 2011
April 29, 2011
DAV College Jalandhar Fly Over Ready - Inauguration by 15-05-11
The Railway Over Bridge ( Fly Over ) at the Jalandhar -Ferozepur Railway Line near DAV College Jalandhar is ready and is likely to be inaugurated by 15-05-11 .
BMC Chowk Jalandhar fly over is , also , nearing completion and is , also , likely to be inaugurated in the month May .
Construction material for the spans ( steel trusses ) have reached Domoria Pull flyover site. There appears to be resumption of the final work ( over head railway line spans ).
BMC Chowk Jalandhar fly over is , also , nearing completion and is , also , likely to be inaugurated in the month May .
Construction material for the spans ( steel trusses ) have reached Domoria Pull flyover site. There appears to be resumption of the final work ( over head railway line spans ).
Tags: News, Trade and Commerce
April 28, 2011
Gurkirat ( Gikki ) Sekhon 's Antim Ardas / Bhog on 01-05-11
Gurkirat Singh Sekhon ( Gikki ) , ( Expired 21-04-11 )
Bhog Shri Akhand Path on Sunday ( 01-05-11 ) 12 Noon to 2 PM at Lyallpur Khalsa College For Women Auditorium , Jalandhar
http://punjabjalandhar.info/2011/04/jalandhar-citizens-very-upset-over.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bhog Shri Akhand Path on Sunday ( 01-05-11 ) 12 Noon to 2 PM at Lyallpur Khalsa College For Women Auditorium , Jalandhar
http://punjabjalandhar.info/2011/04/jalandhar-citizens-very-upset-over.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17-07-11 - Late Gurkirat Sekhon's 31 st Birthday
Sunday -17-07-11
Sukhmani Sahib Path
From 5 PM to 6 PM
Model Town Gurudwara Sahib ,
Jalandhar City
Followed by Candle March 6.30 PM
" We seek and solicit the same support that we have been getting from you for the larger interest of the security of the society and our coming generations "
Sekhon Family And Friends
Hotel Sekhon grand
Jalandhar City
98140 - 41163
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concerned citizens have sought public co-operation , also , by emailing and sending SMS of this Message to all like minded people .
Sukhmani Sahib Path
From 5 PM to 6 PM
Model Town Gurudwara Sahib ,
Jalandhar City
Followed by Candle March 6.30 PM
" We seek and solicit the same support that we have been getting from you for the larger interest of the security of the society and our coming generations "
Sekhon Family And Friends
Hotel Sekhon grand
Jalandhar City
98140 - 41163
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concerned citizens have sought public co-operation , also , by emailing and sending SMS of this Message to all like minded people .
Tags: News
April 27, 2011
Global Education And Career Fair in Jalandhar on 03-05-11
Attend
Global Education And Career Fair
Date : 03-05-11
Time : 10 am to 5 pm
Venue : Radisson Windsor Hotel , BMC Chowk
Jalandhar
University Representatives from Australia ; USA ; UK ; New Zealand ; Canada ; Singapore ; Ireland , Germany
Courses
MBBS ; Engineering , MBA ; Pharmacy ; Biotechnology ; Business ; Hospitality , IT and many more
( Bring 3 sets of photocopies of academic records for Spot Assessment )
Hosted by
SIEC
,41-A ,
BMC Chowk ,
Jalandhar
Tel : 0181-4635143 ; 4638143
Want an Invitation
Register online at
or
Call Free
1800-102 -2625
Global Education And Career Fair
Date : 03-05-11
Time : 10 am to 5 pm
Venue : Radisson Windsor Hotel , BMC Chowk
Jalandhar
University Representatives from Australia ; USA ; UK ; New Zealand ; Canada ; Singapore ; Ireland , Germany
Courses
MBBS ; Engineering , MBA ; Pharmacy ; Biotechnology ; Business ; Hospitality , IT and many more
( Bring 3 sets of photocopies of academic records for Spot Assessment )
Hosted by
SIEC
,41-A ,
BMC Chowk ,
Jalandhar
Tel : 0181-4635143 ; 4638143
Want an Invitation
Register online at
or
Call Free
1800-102 -2625
April 26, 2011
Fancy Car Numbers Auctioned in Jalandhar-Series PB-08-BT , PB-08-BU
PB-08-BT
0002 - Rs. 30,00
0007 Rs. 20 ,000
0008 - Rs, 28,000
0013 - Rs. 30 ,000
PB-08-BU
0002-Rs.37000
0004- Rs.22,000
0005 - Rs. 25000
0007 - Rs.25 ,000
0008 - Rs.20,000
0009-Rs.51000
0011- Rs.20,000
0013-Rs.11,000
0021- Rs.25,000
0099- Rs.25,000
1313- Rs.11,000
Top transport deptt. officials of Jalandhar , DTO Babita Kaler , ADTO Mahinder Pal , RTA MS Sidhu were present at the auction proceedings.
Tags: News, Trade and Commerce
April 25, 2011
Jalandhar Citizens Very Upset Over Gikki Sekhon 's Murder
' Justice For Gurkirat Sekhon " campaign has been launched by the concerned citizens of Jalandhar.
A candle light protest was taken out and a massive gathering held at Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall to show solidarity with the aggrieved family..
People are demanding swift justice in a Fast Track Court.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/1-000s-express-their-outrage-against-gikkis-murder-on-facebook/780443/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Unite-to-bring-Gikky-justice-RIP-Gurkirat-Sekhon/187225074656470?sk=wall
http://punjabjalandhar.info/2011/04/gurkirat-gikki-sekhon-s-antim-ardas.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A candle light protest was taken out and a massive gathering held at Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall to show solidarity with the aggrieved family..
People are demanding swift justice in a Fast Track Court.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/1-000s-express-their-outrage-against-gikkis-murder-on-facebook/780443/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-Unite-to-bring-Gikky-justice-RIP-Gurkirat-Sekhon/187225074656470?sk=wall
http://punjabjalandhar.info/2011/04/gurkirat-gikki-sekhon-s-antim-ardas.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17-07-11 - Late Gurkirat Sekhon ( Gikki )'s 31 st Birthday
Sunday -17-07-11
Sukhmani Sahib Path
From 5 PM to 6 PM
Model Town Gurudwara Sahib ,
Jalandhar City
Followed by Candle March 6.30 PM
" We seek and solicit the same support that we have been getting from you for the larger interest of the security of the society and our coming generations "
Sekhon Family And Friends
Hotel Sekhon grand
Jalandhar City
98140 - 41163
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concerned citizens have sought public co-operation , also , by emailing and sending SMS of this Message to all like minded people .
Sukhmani Sahib Path
From 5 PM to 6 PM
Model Town Gurudwara Sahib ,
Jalandhar City
Followed by Candle March 6.30 PM
" We seek and solicit the same support that we have been getting from you for the larger interest of the security of the society and our coming generations "
Sekhon Family And Friends
Hotel Sekhon grand
Jalandhar City
98140 - 41163
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concerned citizens have sought public co-operation , also , by emailing and sending SMS of this Message to all like minded people .
April 24, 2011
Ramgarhia Institute of Engg. And Technology , Satnampura , Phagwara
Managed by Ramgarhia Educational Council ( Estd . 1929 )
Imparting Technical Education Since 1949
Approved By AICTE , New Delhi and Punjab Government
Affiliated to Punjab Technical University ( PTU ) Jalandhar
Courses Run by RIET
Information Technology
Computer Science And Engineeing
Electronics And Comm . Engg.
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
MBA
MCA
M. Tech
For More Details Kindly Contact :-
01824-324181 ; 324182 ; 510266 ;
98554-58966
98159-89470
email
ramgarhiaphagwara@gmail.com
www.riet.ac.in
Imparting Technical Education Since 1949
Approved By AICTE , New Delhi and Punjab Government
Affiliated to Punjab Technical University ( PTU ) Jalandhar
Courses Run by RIET
Information Technology
Computer Science And Engineeing
Electronics And Comm . Engg.
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
MBA
MCA
M. Tech
For More Details Kindly Contact :-
01824-324181 ; 324182 ; 510266 ;
98554-58966
98159-89470
ramgarhiaphagwara@gmail.com
www.riet.ac.in
Tags: Education
April 23, 2011
April 22, 2011
Good Friday Observed In Jalandhar
Good Friday was observed in Jalandhar with due solemnity . The devout visited the churches and held special prayers.
It was a Central Government holiday in Punjab.
It was a Central Government holiday in Punjab.
Tags: Religious
Satya Sai Baba's Devotees in Jalandhar Pray
There are many devotees of Satya Sai Baba in Jalandhar,
Every body is praying for Satya Sai Baba .
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13167420
Every body is praying for Satya Sai Baba .
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13167420
April 21, 2011
Jalandhar Traffic Police Takes Action Against Pressure Horns and Dark window Films
Traffic Police Jalandhar under the charge of ACP Traffic , DS Dhillon , is doing a great job of conducting special challan drives to remove pressure Horns from buses and dark black window glass films from cars
Tags: News
April 20, 2011
Fashion Show - Jullundur Gymkhana on 21-04-2011
Jalandhar's premier club Jullundur Gymkhana , in association with Krome's Fashio Next is holding Spring Summer Fashion Show
Date : 21-04-2011
Venue Gymkhana Club Jalandhar
Time : 7 . 30 Pm
Date : 21-04-2011
Venue Gymkhana Club Jalandhar
Time : 7 . 30 Pm
Tags: News, Trade and Commerce
April 19, 2011
Dargah Baba Beri Waley , Model House Jalandhar - Mela on 19-20 -04-11
31 st Annual Mela and " Bhandara " at the Dargah of Baba Beri Waley at Chaar Marlley , Model House , Jalandhar is being celebrated on 19 th and 20 th April , 2011
Tags: Religious
April 18, 2011
April 17, 2011
Freak Rains in Jalandhar - Wheat Harvesting Affected Again
Rains and fast winds made their presence , again , in Jalandhar and around.
While such freak weather brought relief by way of cool temperature , it is affecting wheat harvesting.
While such freak weather brought relief by way of cool temperature , it is affecting wheat harvesting.
Tags: News, Trade and Commerce
April 16, 2011
Immigration of Nurses to Canada / USA - Seminar Held in Jalandhar
A seminar on the topic of " Shortage of Nurses in the USA / Canada " was held in Hotel Residency Jalandhar .
The seminar was organised by
Dmasters Immigration And Education Consultants ( P ) Limited
Chandigarh
Tel : 0172 - 2653488 , 4003088
99142-37688
For Student Visa , PR , Work Permit
email
enquiry@dmastersimmi.com
info@dmastersimmi.com
For Nursing Staff Immigration
email :-
nursing@dmastersimmi.com
The seminar was organised by
Dmasters Immigration And Education Consultants ( P ) Limited
Chandigarh
Tel : 0172 - 2653488 , 4003088
99142-37688
For Student Visa , PR , Work Permit
enquiry@dmastersimmi.com
info@dmastersimmi.com
For Nursing Staff Immigration
email :-
nursing@dmastersimmi.com
Tags: NRI, Trade and Commerce
April 15, 2011
Harvestor Combines on Highways - Drive Carefully
Wheat Harvesting season has commenced in Jalandhar and else ehere.
Many harvestor combines would be plying on the roads including highways.
Motorists should be mindful of Harvestor Combines and drive carefully.
Many harvestor combines would be plying on the roads including highways.
Motorists should be mindful of Harvestor Combines and drive carefully.
Rain in Jalandhar - Wheat Harvesting Affected
There was a short spell of heavy rain and fast winds in Jalandhar an d around.
Such freak weather , which has resulted in prolonging the winter , is affecting wheat crops which are ready for harvest.
Such freak weather , which has resulted in prolonging the winter , is affecting wheat crops which are ready for harvest.
Tags: News, Trade and Commerce
April 14, 2011
Indu's Exclusive LUCKNOW CHIKAN Dress Collection - Hotel Shangri - La 14-15-04-11
Soothing , Inspiring
Stay Cool in Summer
Indu 's Exclusive
Lucknow Chikan
Dress Material
Girls' Tops
Hotel Shangri - La
Near Guru Nanak Mission Chowk ,
Jalandhar City
On 14 - 04-11 and 15-04-11
10.30 am to 9 pm
( M) -98155-72972
Stay Cool in Summer
Indu 's Exclusive
Lucknow Chikan
Dress Material
Girls' Tops
Hotel Shangri - La
Near Guru Nanak Mission Chowk ,
Jalandhar City
On 14 - 04-11 and 15-04-11
10.30 am to 9 pm
( M) -98155-72972
Tags: Trade and Commerce
Contraception - Interactive Seminar at SGL Hospital ( Garha ) at 5 PM -14-04-11
Topic - Contraception
Contraception - What does it imply ?
What , Why , Which , Where , WHERE NOT - Important Issues in Contraception
Planning Marriage - Newly Weds
Having Completed Your Family
Dr. Nivedita Singh
MD ( Gyane )
Date 14-04-11
Time 5 PM
SGL Charitable Hospital
( Founder Chairman Baba Kashmira Singh ),
Garha Road ,
Jalandhar -144022
Ph
248-1205
248-1206
email
info@sglhealthcare.org
Contraception - What does it imply ?
What , Why , Which , Where , WHERE NOT - Important Issues in Contraception
Planning Marriage - Newly Weds
Having Completed Your Family
Dr. Nivedita Singh
MD ( Gyane )
Date 14-04-11
Time 5 PM
SGL Charitable Hospital
( Founder Chairman Baba Kashmira Singh ),
Garha Road ,
Jalandhar -144022
Ph
248-1205
248-1206
info@sglhealthcare.org
Tags: News
April 13, 2011
Baisakhi Today -Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti Tomorrow - 14-04-11 - Holiday
It would be a public holiday on Thursday , 14-04-11 in Jalandhar and else where.
Today is Baisakhi . It marks the beginning of the harvesting season
Today is Baisakhi . It marks the beginning of the harvesting season
Tags: News
April 12, 2011
Multimedia Course -Mehr Chand Technical Institute Jalandhar
Admission Open
Multimedia Course
( 1 Year and 2 Years Duration )
Mehr Cand Technical Institute ,
Opp Burlton Park ,
Mahatma Hans Raj Marg ,
GT Road ,
Jalandhar City -144008
Tel ;
98883-40474
98144-17970
0181-2255464
0181-2255730
email
mcitcjal@yahoo.com
Multimedia Course
( 1 Year and 2 Years Duration )
Mehr Cand Technical Institute ,
Opp Burlton Park ,
Mahatma Hans Raj Marg ,
GT Road ,
Jalandhar City -144008
Tel ;
98883-40474
98144-17970
0181-2255464
0181-2255730
mcitcjal@yahoo.com
April 11, 2011
For Water Proofing And Anti Termite -Long Man Engineer
Jalandhar
Also For
Injection Grouting
Terrace Gardenung
Long Man Engineer
, Mobile
94179-04003
94179-02333
Tags: Trade and Commerce
April 08, 2011
India For Aam Indians - God Bless Anna Hazare
Britishers may have departed in 1947 but it seems , Indians would get true freedom in 2011.
Elections do not mean democratically elected dictators . There is no meaning of independence for Aam Indians if the so called " elected representatives " continue with a mind set of colonial " Mai Baap Sarkars".
Shrieking Red Lights on official cars terrorizing common Non VIP Indians on roads are indicative of a " collective " mind set which has not given up the Colonial or Feudal ( Jagirdari ) class ( The Twice Born ) of " privileged " Versus the Non - Privileged., of the VIPs Versus Non VIP Indians.
In free India there are neither VIP Indians nor Non - VIP Indians but only INDIANS.
Corruption has been destroying India . It is because of it that India lags behind China in growth . Powers that are should be facilitators rather than speed beakers . Our leaders and public servants should feel proud to identify with common fellow Indians and should not hanker after VIP - category status .
GOD BLESS ANNA HAZARE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elections do not mean democratically elected dictators . There is no meaning of independence for Aam Indians if the so called " elected representatives " continue with a mind set of colonial " Mai Baap Sarkars".
Shrieking Red Lights on official cars terrorizing common Non VIP Indians on roads are indicative of a " collective " mind set which has not given up the Colonial or Feudal ( Jagirdari ) class ( The Twice Born ) of " privileged " Versus the Non - Privileged., of the VIPs Versus Non VIP Indians.
In free India there are neither VIP Indians nor Non - VIP Indians but only INDIANS.
Corruption has been destroying India . It is because of it that India lags behind China in growth . Powers that are should be facilitators rather than speed beakers . Our leaders and public servants should feel proud to identify with common fellow Indians and should not hanker after VIP - category status .
GOD BLESS ANNA HAZARE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red Beacon on Car -Jalandhar Citizens Hail Mamta Bannerjee 's Move
Jalandhar citizens have expressed great appreciation and even gratitude at Mamta Bannerjee's move to do away with a red beacon and siren of her official CM car . This is the victory of the " Aam " Indian and a big step forward towards doing away with culture of VIP ism which is the bane of present day India.
All politicians and officials should voluntarily remove the Beacons and sirens from their vehicles . Shrieking sirens scare common motorists and are a major traffic hazard. The days of the kings and Jagirdars are long over. Let us not create a new class of Post 1947 " Jagirdars "
All politicians and officials should voluntarily remove the Beacons and sirens from their vehicles . Shrieking sirens scare common motorists and are a major traffic hazard. The days of the kings and Jagirdars are long over. Let us not create a new class of Post 1947 " Jagirdars "
Tags: Views
Cricketing Career in Punjab -Guidance Wanted By a Blog Reader
|
Tags: Views
Support For Anna Hazare -Rally in Jalandhar by Youth
Youth in Jalandhar took out a Rally from Guru Gobind Singh Stadium in support of Anna Hazare and his Gandhian campaign against corruption.
Aam Aadmi ,especially the youth are fed up with corruption which has been destroying India.
People demanded that black money stashed abroad be brought back to India . This amount should be used for development purposes and foe alleviating poverty,
The culture of VIP ism ( exemplified by shrieking Red Beacon on official Cars ) has no place in Independent India .
In free India there are neither VIP Indians nor Non - VIP Indians but only INDIANS.
With the youth in Punjab awakening , hopes have arisen that exploitation of Urban Punjabis on Petrol ( Rate in Punjab - around Rs. 68 , whereas in Haryana it is around Rs. 58 ) and penal rates of electricity on Businessmen , euphemistically called " COMMERCIAL RATE " would end soon.
The culture of Vote Bank politics in Punjab would also come to an end with the youth taking up the leadership.
God Bless Anna Hazare
Aam Aadmi ,especially the youth are fed up with corruption which has been destroying India.
People demanded that black money stashed abroad be brought back to India . This amount should be used for development purposes and foe alleviating poverty,
The culture of VIP ism ( exemplified by shrieking Red Beacon on official Cars ) has no place in Independent India .
In free India there are neither VIP Indians nor Non - VIP Indians but only INDIANS.
With the youth in Punjab awakening , hopes have arisen that exploitation of Urban Punjabis on Petrol ( Rate in Punjab - around Rs. 68 , whereas in Haryana it is around Rs. 58 ) and penal rates of electricity on Businessmen , euphemistically called " COMMERCIAL RATE " would end soon.
The culture of Vote Bank politics in Punjab would also come to an end with the youth taking up the leadership.
God Bless Anna Hazare
Prof. VK Tiwari Honoured With Life Time Achievement Award
The Punjab Teachers' Forum honoured Prof VK Tiwari , former Principal DAV College , Jalandhar with Life Time Achievement Award.
Dr. VK Tiwari has been appointed Dean , Languages , Panjab University , Chandigarh.
Dr. VK Tiwari has been appointed Dean , Languages , Panjab University , Chandigarh.
April 07, 2011
Play " Kal College Bandh Rahega " on 16-04-2011
RCMS ( Romesh Chander Memorial Society )
Presents
" Kal College Bandh Rahega "
Date : 16-04-11
Venue : Red Cross Bhavan , Jalandhar
Time : 7 PM ( sharp )
Writer : Dr. CD Sidhu Winner of Sahitya Academy Award )
Director : Ravi Taneja
( Entry By Invitation Only )
Presents
" Kal College Bandh Rahega "
Date : 16-04-11
Venue : Red Cross Bhavan , Jalandhar
Time : 7 PM ( sharp )
Writer : Dr. CD Sidhu Winner of Sahitya Academy Award )
Director : Ravi Taneja
( Entry By Invitation Only )
Tags: News
April 06, 2011
Punjabis Demand Justice on Petrol And Electricity Discimination
Jalandhar citizens have welcomed Anna Hazare 's initiative in ending corruption in India. Corruption has been destroying India .
Petrol in Punjab is around Rs. 68 a litre whereas in Haryana it is around Rs. 58 . This discrimination should end.
In Punjab Urban Shopkeepers and other Businessmen are charged electricity at penal rate which is euphemistically called " commercial rates " as if it is a crime in Punjab to earn a livelihood. This exploitation should end immediately.
There should be equality and end to Vote Bank politics.
Petrol in Punjab is around Rs. 68 a litre whereas in Haryana it is around Rs. 58 . This discrimination should end.
In Punjab Urban Shopkeepers and other Businessmen are charged electricity at penal rate which is euphemistically called " commercial rates " as if it is a crime in Punjab to earn a livelihood. This exploitation should end immediately.
There should be equality and end to Vote Bank politics.
Tags: Views
April 05, 2011
Free Eye Camp Organised by a NRI in in Village Khojkipur Salala ( Adampur ) Jalandhar
Prem Lal ( of England ) organised a free eye camp in the memory of his departed parents at Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital , Village Khojkipur Salala ( Adampur ) near Jalandhar.
More than 250 patients were examined . Free medicines and spectacles were ,also , given .
More than 250 patients were examined . Free medicines and spectacles were ,also , given .
April 04, 2011
Study Visa - Cyprus - Contact Master Key Overseas Jalandhar
Contact :-
Master Key Overseas ,
Near Narinder Cinema ,
Jalandhar Ciuty
Phones
0181-4618354
0181-4018356
Master Key Overseas ,
Near Narinder Cinema ,
Jalandhar Ciuty
Phones
0181-4618354
0181-4018356
Tags: Trade and Commerce, Views
April 03, 2011
Navratras Begin From 04-04-11 - Mata Temples Decorated in Jalandhar
Devotees from Jalandhar are preparing to make pilgrimage to " Jai Mata Di " shrines of Mata Vaishno Devi , Mata Chintpurni , Mata Jwalaji , Mata Chamunda Devi and others.
Temples of Jalandhar including Devi Talab Mandir are decorated ans beautifully lit.
http://punjabjalandhar.info/2009/02/devi-talab-mandir-jalandhar.html
Temples of Jalandhar including Devi Talab Mandir are decorated ans beautifully lit.
http://punjabjalandhar.info/2009/02/devi-talab-mandir-jalandhar.html
Tags: Religious
April 02, 2011
Cricket Final -Windy And Cloudy Night - Jalandhar Ready For Celebrations
Fast winds blowing and possibility of a light drizzle has not lowered the enthusiasm of Jalandhar citizens who are all prepared for both street and home celebrations
We wish India all the best.
We wish India all the best.
Tags: Trivia
April 01, 2011
Book Fair In Jalandhar From 02-04 11 to 10-04-11
A Book Fair is being organised in Jalandhar by National Book Trust at Desh Bhagat Yadgaar Hall .
Dates : 02 -04 -2011 to 10-04-11
Entry Free
10% Discount on all books.
www.nbtindia.org.in
Dates : 02 -04 -2011 to 10-04-11
Entry Free
10% Discount on all books.
www.nbtindia.org.in
Tags: News, Trade and Commerce
Cricket Brings Pakistan And India Closer - A View From Pakistan
To Afridi, with LoveBlog Shlog, Other Voices | Maheen Sadiq | March
31, 2011 at 2:51 pm
------------------------------
There’s a lot to be said about the cricket tournament, especially our
match against India. And it has a lot more to do with Misbah-ul-Haq
and Umar Gul’s bad luck, and Sachin Tendulkar’s good fortune.
Cricket speaks to our nation in a way our government never has.
And Shahid Afridi addressed the nation in a way our president never
has – unselfish, genuine, modest. So when Afridi apologized to
Pakistan, millions listened and were humbled by the gesture. Our eyes
filled with tears and our hearts with love and strange kind of sorrow.
Shahid Afridi, you need not apologize to the nation. We are proud of
you and our entire cricket team! You didn’t bring back the cup, but
any excitement, any happiness, any hope that Pakistanis have felt in
the past few months is because of your brilliance. We’ve been hearing
a lot of “Pakistan needs something to celebrate,” but what Pakistanis
really needed was something to look forward to, and the green team
gave us that with the anticipation of each game played.
The funny thing about cricket is that it can unite the nation through
a victory or a loss. It would have been wonderful to go out on the
streets and celebrate with dhols, etc, as we did when we won the 20/20
Cricket World Cup in 2009. But even after our loss yesterday, the
people of Pakistan, in their state of disbelief, came out and shared
their sorrow. Misery loves company. Cars on streets, people driving
around slowly, quietly, patiently. No honking, no cursing, no where to
go, no where to escape. It was surreal. This only goes to show what
cricket means to us and the massive void it fills for our nation.
Cricketers, you made us patriotic. You made us passionate. You made us proud.
And these precious adjectives are some that Pakistan rarely gets the
chance to associate itself with.
So again, Afridi, your apology is appreciated but not needed. You
conducted yourself with patience, grace and dignity, encouraging your
own with a smile, and congratulating the opponents with an even bigger
smile. You didn’t win the semi-finals, but you won our hearts. Thank
you for showing the world we are not an aggressive nation.
To Pakistan, I propose this: if there’s anyone who needs to apologize it’s us.
So to Afridi and the team, I apologize for the pressure I put on you
to win the World Cup. It comes from my own shortcomings. So lazy and
so cowardly am I that I am incapable of creating for myself a reason
to celebrate Pakistan. Since as far as I can remember, my patriotism
has tenaciously clung to cricket. It is unfair. I know.
To those Pakistanis who thought this was a match between Hindus and
Muslims, I’m glad India won. This was never a battle between nations,
or a jehad against Hindus. It was a semi-final cricket match, and if a
loss is what it took to be reminded of this then I’m glad we lost.
Victory would have only made you gloat over something you had wrong
all along anyway.
However, if there was one thing I was relieved to discover it was that
we don’t hate India. We may hate America, but we don’t hate India. No
burning of the Indian flag, no bitter remarks, no threatening
reaction. Phew! Just healthy competition and a pure love for the game.
So we don’t hate India. In fact, we hate Zardari. What pleased me even
more were the numerous text messages and facebook statuses I came
across that poked fun at Zardari. My personal favourite is, “We
congratulate India on winning the semi-finals. As a good-will gesture,
India can keep Pakistan’s prime minister. And if it wins the finals,
we will give our president too.”
Ahhh, Zardari jokes. They never get old. He’s our scapegoat now. It’s
his fault we lost. Somehow.
That being said, think. It’s time we stop asking of our cricketers
something we should have been asking of ourselves. Or our government.
Lets find ourselves a reason to be patriotic and celebrate Pakistan,
and let cricket be a sport, not an identity. If we all just took a
little responsibility, maybe our beloved team can finally approach the
pitch as cricketers, not as soldiers entering the battlefield. We owe
it to them.
Welcome back, boys!
Tags: Views
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)










