India's WC win reflects the Winner India of the next decade

India won the ICC World Cup 2011 post a thriller of a match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 2nd April 2011, beating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets. An entire generation's dreams and wishes were fulfilled when Indian Captain M.S. Dhoni lofted the Sri Lankan bowler to a magnificent six to score the winning runs. 

The win is historic, coming after 28 years since Kapil Dev's team lifted the World Cup in 1983 at Lords, England. While the 1983 win initiated the dream for the young nation to emerge as a winner in the global economic scenario, the 2011 win reflected the ambitions and aspirations of a nation who time has come. 

In these 28 years, the face of the nation has been transformed. From a developing nation with policies on liberalization starting to get the thrust, it was fitting to see the architect of this transformation Dr. Manmohan Singh at the helm of affairs and enjoying the match from the stands. When India lifted the World Cup again in 2011, its a nation that is neighbor's envy and country men's pride. One of the fastest growing economies, it is set to be one of the top two countries to decide the world economy in times to come. 

In many ways, the Indian Cricket team displayed similar qualities to those being displayed by the nation as a whole in all spheres - be it industry, commerce, politics, education, science & technology, research & innovation. This is a nation full of courage, determination and focus to emerge as a winner under adverse conditions and take on the world with confidence. 

Indeed, M.S. Dhoni's men have truly captured the imagination of the current generation and generations to come and has shown the way to go. Go India Go !!    

There are gods and then there are others

They say its the teens and twenties that make a man and what the world makes of him and this is also a period of time when he is greatly influenced by the role models he looks up to and attempts to emulate. I would like to write on a few I have always looked up to and still do.

These personalities are drawn from different walks of life. They are the gods and then there are others...

Sachin Tendulkar

For the last 21 years, he has been a phenomenon to reckon. He has gone past tags such as best batsman in the world and transcended to a plane where no man has ever gone. Close to a hundred 100s, he is a legend who nobody may be able to surpass. The best aspect about him is that even todau when he takes guard, he brings with him the same amount of passion to the game, the same level of ethics and team spirit. Even today the country winning brings more joy than achieving personal milestones. 

A great human being and a fabulous ambassador of the game of cricket. 

Top qualities: focus, concentration, goal-oriented, self-belief, humility, fair play, passion

Mahendra Singh Dhoni 

When the cricketing fraternity was in turmoil with the 'cricketing greats' with illustrious profiles and reputations would often choke to produce results, there came a young man from the small town of Ranchi, whose appearance was in tune with his intentions. A strong man with broad shoulders capable of shouldering immense burden, flowing mane of hair with a fearless heart. He believed in keeping things simple and sticking to basics. He inculcated the value of playing with pride, for honor - to never give up without a fight and gradually the team comprising individual stalwarts formed orbits around this center of inspiration. 

The T20 World Cup, The ODI World Cup and India as the No. 1 Test Playing nation are a result of sublime leadership of this man who could channelize the talent to tangible outcomes. The Indian cricket team had never been short of talent. 

Top Qualities: leadership, maturity, approach, level-headed thinking, ability to remain calm & cool in pressure situations

Shah Rukh Khan

Another god gifted individual with tremendous levels of passion and energy which differentiates him from the rest. An actor par excellence, who has consistently been at the top for more than 21 years, he has transformed from an actor to an entertainer. His involvement in his projects, 200% commitment to do a improved job for his audience sets him apart. You can love him or you can hate him, but you can't deny that he has ruled and is set to rule.

Top Qualities: Passion, Energy, Belief in the cause, focus on providing 100% entertainment to his audience

A R Rahman

A musical whizkid who has broken the frontiers of excellence in creation of music. He experimented and innovated with music and changed the landscape of Indian film music and private albums. The confluence of western elements and Indian elements in his music introduced a new genre which is now followed by the likes of Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Pritam and others. A game changer who stormed into the industry with 'Roja', he has consistently provided musical gems to establish that he is an exceptionally talented musician. Today he is a global name to reckon with hollywood hits under his belt and an Oscar. 

Top Qualities: Creativity, Humilty, Simple and focused