Bhajji and the “Monkey"

I see this whole episode of racial slur by Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh in a different perspective. Australian cricketers and people have been rightly hurt by the “letting off” of Bhajji after he racially abused Andrew Symonds, and the way BCCI leashed its powers in the cricketing arenas to get the decision in its favor. If I see this issue in isolation, Yes Bhajji did wrong; Yes BCCI influenced justice!

But that’s not the way to see it. I see it as a part of the larger picture. A picture that was painted by the brush of the Australians themselves. They are the fathers of sledging. Today the same has come back to them, albeit in a nasty manner. For the fist time I see Australians in a helpless situation, with long faces. They seem to have understood that shouting on the pitch does no good and they can be at the receiving end at times.

However it is surprising that not many are taking the issue towards a discussion that makes contemporary cricket a better game. People are debating whether Bhajji used racial words or not, whether BCCI arm twisted the ICC or not, but hardly any discussion towards formally banning sledging on field. See this episode as a TRIGGER to stop it, and the time is ripe for it because now the Australians have realized that others can sledge… and sledge better!

This done, cricket will be a gentleman’s game once again.

The "Virginity" of Dive Aagar

(Dive Aagar is a village on the west coast of India, in dist. Raigad of Maharashtra)

Dive Aagar beaches are said to be “virgin”. Now what could that mean? Visit the place and you know it. (Something like Melody Khao Khud Jaan Jao!)

Yes the beach has not been screwed. One can see the fine sand grains under the layers of crystal clear ocean water. No crowds, no filth… It’s one of the finest choices for beach lovers who stay in Pune and Mumbai.

Route from Pune: The drive is about 220 km and takes 4 to 5 hours (without stopover). Prefer a SUV or a mid-sized sedan for the journey as most of the distance is on hilly terrain. Do not forget to get the basic engine maintenance done before you push off. Also, a full tank would be advisable as you don’t find many petrol stations or garages on the way. From Chandni Chowk take the road that goes to Mulshi/Paud. Once you cross the western ghats you land at Mangaon (on the Mumbai-Goa highway). From Mangaon take a right turn and then the journey to Dive Aagar begins. The road surface is exceptionally good and is metalled with reflectors to make the night journey convenient. It’s a narrow path but you don’t find much traffic. Dive Aagar is a popular place and one can stop to ask the route from bystanders, if lost.

Route from Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Goa highway from Panvel to reach Mangaon. From Mangaon it’s the same as above.

Stay and Food: One can stay in the MTDC’s Exotica beach resort. It offers you a pleasant stay in individual cottages that are not too heavy on the pocket either (Approx. 1500 per night). Many villagers too offer their hospitality to the tourists for a reasonable price. One can stay at their house where food is also served. Finding accommodations is easy as dozens of boards dot the streets of Dive Aagar. If one is looking for an experience of the real coastal life then prefer the second option. Once in Dive Aagar, it’s some wonderful seafood that awaits you. Crabs, Prawns, Shrimps and Kingfish are the flavor of the day. I pity the veggies but then there are plenty of vegetables available too. There’s one “Patil” on the same street as Exotica resort who’s known to cook some real good seafood. We had two large crabs cooked for 250 bucks!

Other Attractions: Sunset at the beach, a famous Ganesha Temple.

Note: Only BSNL mobile phones work in and around Dive Aagar.