In the Hindu mythology, there are innumerable stories about various God and deities. However there is one Hindu God that is immensely popular across the world. No wonder this God is worshipped and loved by people of all ages and race. Wherever you travel, you will certainly come across shops selling photos, pendants, idols, wall hangings, and even decorative pieces of the Elephant God – Lord Ganesha or Ganpati. The combination of man and animal in the same form is also seen in the history of other countries as well.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular of Hindu festivals. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesh and falls on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad (somewhere falling around August - September).
Lord Ganesha represents the power of the Supreme Being is also known as Vighnaharta (the divine destroyer of obstacles) and ensures success in human endeavors. He is the chief deity of all the deities representing wisdom and intellect. Hindus therefore worship Ganesha first before beginning any religious, spiritual or worldly activity.
Ganesha is identified with the Hindu mantra Aum (ॐ, also called Om). The term oṃkārasvarūpa (Aum is his form), when identified with Ganesha, refers to the notion that he personifies the primal sound.
There are innumerable stories about Lord Ganesha and especially about his marriage. It is said that Lord Ganesha wanted his wife to be as beautiful as his Mother Parvati. Since there wasn’t anyone as beautiful as his mother, he decided to stay (celibate). So in South India, Ganesha is a celibate but in other parts of India they say Lord Brahma created two beautiful girls Riddhi (Abundance. Opulence, Wealth) and Siddhi (Spiritual Prowess) / Buddhi (Intelligence) and they were married to Lord Ganesha. In Bengal he is married to Kala Bo and linked with banana tree. It is said that if one has Riddhi but doesn’t have Siddhi / Buddhi then it is worthless. Possessing only Siddhi without Riddhi is also futile. Lord Ganesh bestows both these blessings to His ardent devotees.
If you look carefully at the Lord Ganesha, you will see a small mouse that act as his transport (Vahan), large ears, a big belly and four hands. If the trunk of 'Ganesha' is curved to the right, He is called 'Sidhi Vinayaka' and requires special and strict rituals to be followed during worship. Normally people get Ganesha idols with trunk curved to the left. Lord Ganesha sits with one foot on the ground and the other folded up, above the ground. This posture indicates that while we must operate in the world, one must be constantly aligned to our spiritual nature.
On Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh idol (made of special clay) is brought home. Chants of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangal Moorti Morya' rents in the air as the idols of Ganesha known as the 'Vignaharta' (remover of obstacles) slowly inches its way into the homes and hearts of his followers. These idols are kept for 1 ½ days, five days, 7 days, and 10 days and in some exceptional cases even for 21 days. During the days of India’s freedom struggle, Bal Gangadhar Tilak started public Ganesh pooja to bring people together and spread awareness about our freedom struggle.
Whether we witness green shoots or yellow weeds i.e. economic recovery or recession, nothing stops us from making more and more bigger idols and installing them in artistically decorated 'mandaps' ( large stage) across Mumbai, Pune and across the country. Thankfully people have started to get eco-friendly idols and observe eco friendly practices during immersion (Visarjan). Let’s hope in time to come we are able to eradicate the crass commercialization in Mumbai and allow free access to devotees to see the various beautiful idols.
Keeping the traffic congestion in mind, there are many who bring the idol a day before and next day devotees formally welcome the arrival of Ganesha and do the 'sthapana' (installation) of idols in sacred corners of their homes. Almost a fortnight before all preparations begins. Young and old assemble together and decide upon various contemporary themes and began decorating mandaps and even their homes. Family gatherings, entertainment programmes and meetings with people make this festival truly a cultural and social affair. Interestingly the old recordings of Lata Mangeshkar’s mellifluous rendition of Ganesh bhajan and songs are still enjoyable and are avidly played in various homes, radios, TV channels and in various housing complex and mandals
The best part always comes after the prayers and aarti (devotional songs) when the Lord's favourite 'Modak' (sweets) and ‘Laddoo’ are offered as Naivedya (Bhog or Prasad) is an offering to God. There are lots of fruits which are also offered and even used to decorate the place where the idol is installed. After the pooja is over people are served lunch on banana leaves.
It is difficult to resist delectable, mouth watering ‘Ukadiche Modak’ (Sweet stuffed rice flour dumpling - momos). You will find them in many Maharashtrian households. The pleated shape is called as-Modak shape!
The dough is given the shape after filling it with a stuffing that usually comprise of grated coconut mixed in sugar or jaggery with additives of spices like cardamom, clove, and roasted Khuskhus (poppy seeds), cashew nuts, salt etc.
A restaurant called Diva Maharashtra in Mumbai innovatively serves Khima Modak i.e. Modak stuffed with minced lamb and equally tasty Paneer Karanji.
Modak is very easy to make and the recipe is available on the net. Ask any women and she would claim that her mother’s recipe is the best. You can also enjoy deep fried Modaks- the external coating is prepared out of Maida (flour). In market you will come across shops largely selling modaks made from Khawa ( Mawa) and available with Kesar (Saffron) Modak, Chocolate Modak, Malai modak, Pista (Pistachio) Modak and so on..
The 'Shlok' or Prayer for Lord Ganesh:
Vakratund mahakaay suryakoti samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurume deva sarvakaryeshu sarvadaa
Its English translation reads as: “O mighty God with a trunk, your brilliance is like that of a thousand suns; free my path of all obstacles in all auspicious works that I undertake.”..
May Lord Ganesha bless you and your dear ones with health, wealth, intelligence and clear away all the obstacles from the path....
Ganapati Bappa Morya!!...
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Some Chayageet – Soulful Music of a Bygone Era !...
Whether it is the newspapers, TV news, reality shows, FM radio, and even the advertisement hoardings, almost anything you watch or hear it is replete with news about bollywood, celebrities, their latest flicks and the latest hit songs. But during the days of good old single channel and the great Doordarshan, apart from Sunday movies, Chayageet was the only programme that provided glimpses of Hindi silver screen on our old Black and White idiot box…it really brought soulful music into our living rooms.
There are so many beautiful old songs and it is difficult to select the best out of them. However here's some treasure for you...some of my favourites...
These songs are epitome of evocative emotions, good lyrics, soulful music, brilliant cinematography, amazing direction and simplicity and are indeed a treat for someone who wants to learn about film making, and romance !..
Zulmi Sang Aank Ladi – Film Madhumati - Vjyantimala’s elemental beauty haunts you and she dances her heart out.. Supported by wonderful coordination from village belles…. And handsome Dilip Kumar at his best... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xugaLJCRR5w
Mora Gora Aang Lai Ley – Film Bandini – The Maestro Bimal Roy’s classic international award winning film. Salil Choudhury’s music and Gulzar’s first song… What simple and yet amazing poetry…. The cinematography and direction is incredible….beautiful Nutan and her expressions are simply seen to be believed. An actress who conveyed much more with her beautiful eyes….just a look or fleeting glance. No wonder Lata Mangeshkar singles her out as the heroine whose expressions came closest to suggest she was genuinely singing the song herself!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v5VCev5Sgs
Uden Jab Jab Zhulphe Ter- Film Naya Daur - A splendid movie …not to be missed …this feet tapping song by Mohammed Rafi and Asha….lyrics by Sahir … is immortal …Dilip Kumar and Vjyantimala dance their heart out… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSoYs6BvXQ8
Accha ji mein hari – Film Kala Pani - Both the song and ethereal beauty Madhubala are irrestible and enchanting. Asha has performed incredulously and Madhubala’s acting brings out different emotions … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOypYdeJBIE
Dil Tadap Tadap ke kehen raha – Film Madhumati- Vjyantimala personifies dancing and Dilip kumar at his best …magic of Mukesh, Lata and legendary Salilda…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te0ZdZ1ndyw
Chod do aanchal – Film Paying Guest – A sweet romantic duet by Kishore and Asha… Ever green Dev Anand flirting with ravishing Nutan.. look at her large ear rings…appears as sliced lemon dangling and later another new set of rings are seen… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOTs0EqVgj8
Ajeeb Dastan hein Yeh – Film – Dil Apna Aur Preet Parayi…Shankar Jaikishan’s haunting music…Shailendra’s lyrics and Lata’s honeyed voice coupled with Eternal beauty – Meena Kumari…her expressions and the song keeps playing on your mind for a very long time…Nadira looks beautiful and Raj Kumar attire reminds us of our uncles from old family albums .. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJLdL5_QkVo
O Sajna Barkha Bahar Aayi-Film Parakh- the magic of Shailendra, Lata and Salil Choudhury…makes this extremely difficult composition melodious…the sound of sitar is simply majestic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2wjW36dPVk
Ja re Ud Ja Re Panchi – Film Maya – Lyrics by Majrooh Sultan Puri and again the combination of Lata and Salil Choudhary….Mala Sinha another eye candy in Hindi films… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytyoj0CU0Nc
Ae Dil Kahan Teri Manzil – Film Maya – the lyrics actually present a philosophy and brings out the human sufferings ….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4iWTECF1bE
Tera Mera Pyaar Amar – Film – Asli Nakli –Directed by the talented and great Hrishkesh Mukherjee…Lata and Shankar Jaikishan combination…..Look how gorgeous Sadhana looks..reminds me of my mother who braided gajjra( flowers) in her hair and the picturisation is simple and yet touching… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAh_0Mv09tA
Dil ka Bhawar kare pukar – Film - Tere Ghar Ke Samne - Remember Kate Winslet in Titanic ..standing on ship board with her hands wide against the breeze….see a similar shot in this song ….Nutan and Dev Anand bring a new dimension into romance…Nutan’s simplicity, her sharp prominent nose and height enhanced her looks … BTW, when was the last time you saw a big girl joyfully hopping and descending the stairs …perhaps in college…and look how she blushes and covers her face when our hero proposes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WZBBqGAkUM
Hum Hai Rahi Pyaar Ke – Film Nau Do Gyrah – S.D. Burman at his best. The whistling sets it apart from other songs. An immortal rendition by Kishore Kumar. Debonair Devanand drives down Fatepur Sikhri, Taj Mahal, on the streets of Delhi and in the hinterlands of Central India to reach Mumbai …. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvWPx63CYAQ
Aankhon mein kya ji – Film - Nau Do Gyrah – the beautiful Kalpana Kartik and Handsome Dev Anand bring on screen the magic of versatile Asha and rocking Kishore Kumar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uX3yLYhi0gY
Yaad Kiya ne dil ne kahaan ho tum – Film Patita …Lata and Hemant Kumar and Shankar Jaikishan music and lyrics Hasrat Jaipuri .. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVPxPcxvB18
Tum Mujhe Bhool Bhi Jao – Film Didi – deep, meaningful lyrics by Sahir….A masterpiece by legendary Sudha Malhotra and artistic Mukesh…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU30FxQy2gU
Tum Apna Ranjo Gum – Film Shagoon – enjoy the lyrics and the piano….Khaiyam’s music and supposedly sung by Jagjit Kaur ..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkLWWWuJa6s
And finally let me end this Chayageet by urging you to enjoy this masterpiece…
Abhi na jao chod kar - Dark eye brows, prominent cheek bone ..typical Sindhi beauty…Sadhana..And her famous Sadhan Cut…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnh8GgsOpm4
Monday, August 17, 2009
A humble tribute to A Brilliant Athlete, All-rounder and The Inimitable Head Boy!
A young lad runs in, cleverly uses his height and shoulders to generate some pace. The ball falls on its seam and bounces higher. The bowler gives a wry smile, clenches his teeth with disappointment, bite his lips, swirls his neck, turns and walks slowly back to his bowling march.
Except for his athleticism, there was nothing classical in his bowling action yet there was something magnetic that kept you glued to him. There was a unique style and something, incredulously infectious about his attitude. Perhaps what differentiated him from the other players was his intensity of focus and determination.
Every afternoon this boy would stand near the school stage. Soon he would be surrounded by other students. These older boys talked incessantly, poked fun at others and giggled a lot. There was a spring in his step, certain deftness in his mannerism and he often spoke with a self assured tone.
Perhaps no other student in St John High School, Goregaon, received so much admiration, adulation and even respect from all, including teachers and his own batch mates. I am talking of a handsome, tall, medium built lad who sometimes played cricket with his school friends in my colony.
That day the batsman who evaded the bouncer was Anil from Shastri Nagar and the handsome bowler who was disappointed with the extra bounce – Farhat Siddiqi.
Farhat resembled my childhood heroes Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Botham, John McEnroe, Vivian Richards and few other great sportsmen - in the way he remained a human being, keeping his sport as merely part of his life so that it did not arrest his development or even reduced his responsibilities as an adult.
Once I saw Farhat boxing with his friends and later hitting hard at the punching bag. Reza Sir, the school coach was yelling at him and pushing the bag with force in his direction. Farhat jumped and moved aside. Next moment the bag hit him hard on his face. Farhat looked tired but he continued punching at the bag. There was an amazing chemistry between Reza Sir and Farhat. Perhaps Reza Sir considered Farhat as his son and it was evident, Farhat immensely worshipped him.
Reza Sir and I guess the entire school had lot of expectations from Farhat and young Farhat did live upto those expectations. Almost every afternoon, Farhat diligently practiced boxing for hours in the school compound. Self absorption is often detected in those blessed with exceptional talent. I suspect Farhat craved for the freedom of his youth and bravely followed his whims.
One fine day, my mother picked me early from school. On my way back, I saw Farhat and few other boys packing their boxing kit. Like any other kid in school, I screamed “Farhat”, “Farhat”…he looked at me and smiled back.
Mom told me that her school has organized an inter school boxing tournament and wanted me to accompany her. By the time we reached Dahisar it was already past 6: 30 p.m. Mom got busy with the organizing committee and requested some of her students and a peon to keep an eye on me. With a bottle of gold spot in hand, I went around the school building where all participants were getting ready. Soon I saw a familiar figure.
Farhat was standing under an electric bulb. I ran towards him. His face and shoulders glowed in that bright light. Farhat was wearing a red nylon shorts and sparkling white singlet (baniyan). Reza Sir with thick moustache and a young Louis D’Mello sir were standing next to him. The other team members were warming up. I went closer, shouting, “St John’s,”…. “St Johns”,… “Hip, Hip, Hurray”…Farhat and everybody around were puzzled and looked down…probably glad and definitely bewildered to see a lone supporter… They didn’t speak much …just said …. “Watch the match and keep shouting!”…
A tall, well lit, huge boxing ring stood in the center. The ring was separated by a thick rope. Only the officials and participants could enter inside these ropes. The sofas for dignitaries were kept close to the rope. There were more than 200 people including many students seated on wooden chairs around.
One of our school alumni lost the match. I was annoyed and started sulking. In few minutes, Farhat entered the ring. Whenever Gavaskar got out early, the Indian team would wrap up; and the same logic applied in case of Farhat and our boxing team.
Farhat’s opponent was slightly taller and equally strong. I remember Farhat was lagging in the first round and the scores were tied in the second round.
The second round was over and Farhat sat in one corner….there was pain on his face and it had almost turned red. Reza Sir rushed inside the ring with a towel, ice and a water bottle…. He later massaged Farhat’s arms and shoulders. I ran around the corner and stood watching Farhat and Reza Sir…Reza Sir was whispering something in Farhat’s ears…. Later, I could hear Reza Sir screaming … “Look at his eyes”…. “Keep looking at his eyes” ….and “use your left hand”… “Left hand”…
The bell rings…..Reza Sir was out of the ring…Farhat and the other boxer came together…the audience was loudly supporting Farhat’s opponent…the referee in the ring announced ‘Box’….
Soon both the boxers were ready…this was the final round….Farhat looked tired….but was determined…..the boxers came close….Farhat ducked…both of them hit at each other…they took blows on shoulders, in stomach….every time Farhat tried to attack, his opponent would cleverly cover his face, and somehow catch Farhat’s neck and embrace him…In that deadlock, both of them would try and hit at each others back…The referee again intervened…scolded Farhat and his opponent… and separated them…
In the next minute, Farhats opponent steps forward, and swung his left arm….and hit Farhat with few quick blows ….Farhat somehow managed to get out of that onslaught… moved behind…started breathing heavily…. ….
In the next moment, even before you could have blinked your eyes, Farhat stepped forward…..the opponent realized …and tried to jab with his left arm ….Farhat blocked…..now Farhat jabbed with his left arm…. The opponent blocked with his right arm … the opponent tried to hit Farhat with his left arm….Farhat quickly ducked…and THUD !!!….Farhat had hit a powerful left under cut….and before his opponent could realize, Farhat started treating his opponent as a punching bag !….
Farhat seized the moment and began assaulting right, left, right, left, right and WHAM !!! …at his opponent’s left ear….in those days …the boxers never wore a head guard… ….suddenly there was silence around….the other boxers from our school shouted, “Keep hitting Farhat”, “Come on Farhat”, “Farhat”……
His opponent was confused, tried to break free and soon another loud THUD !! on the chin…Farhat had hit again with his left hand …his opponent almost lost his balance….
Farhat was quick, hopped in the ring, almost jumped in air and stood on his toes and gave another right, left, right…..The referee rushed in ….It seemed Farhat didn’t want to stop….the referee asked Farhat to move to another corner…the referee started counting …1,2,3,…and before he had reached ‘6’…the other boxer conceded the match ….The referee in white clothing raised Farhat’s hand….the spectators begin clapping loudly…..My hero had won a tough bout….
The next day I happily shared this incident with my friends in class…
It was a proud moment for all when Farhat shared the ring with the legendary Muhammad Ali during his visit to Bombay. I remember watching Farhat on TV. I ran around my building telling everybody about Farhat and his match with Muhammad Ali.
Despite appearing on national television and in newspapers next day, Farhat never seem to relish the spotlight nor tried to avoid it, but simply accepted it and adjusted his life accordingly. As a Head boy, he probably set a tough benchmark in sports and academics and perhaps even for his younger siblings. Sometimes I feel the Siddiqi living room must have been converted into a make shift boxing ring with younger siblings - Arshaad and Zubair getting lessons from Farhat and reckon Asma must have been the referee.
Farhat was capable of extraordinary capabilities and yet it was boxing that seemed to be his ultimate passion. I knew that someday Farhat would represent our country in sports…He eventually did….and at a greatest level…By joining the air force he must have fought many battles - much tougher than those boxing bouts. He became a martyr during the Kargil War. Unfortunately I never got a chance to talk to him …Alas … never will…
Farhat finished school and left a grand legacy behind. I saw him only once …he looked different and guess sported a thick moustache. In someway Farhat influenced me and I am glad that he had been part of my growing years.
Perhaps this is the only way I can salute and express my tribute to Farhat, who personified the school emblem – Brave and Truth….
May his soul rest in peace!
Except for his athleticism, there was nothing classical in his bowling action yet there was something magnetic that kept you glued to him. There was a unique style and something, incredulously infectious about his attitude. Perhaps what differentiated him from the other players was his intensity of focus and determination.
Every afternoon this boy would stand near the school stage. Soon he would be surrounded by other students. These older boys talked incessantly, poked fun at others and giggled a lot. There was a spring in his step, certain deftness in his mannerism and he often spoke with a self assured tone.
Perhaps no other student in St John High School, Goregaon, received so much admiration, adulation and even respect from all, including teachers and his own batch mates. I am talking of a handsome, tall, medium built lad who sometimes played cricket with his school friends in my colony.
That day the batsman who evaded the bouncer was Anil from Shastri Nagar and the handsome bowler who was disappointed with the extra bounce – Farhat Siddiqi.
Farhat resembled my childhood heroes Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Botham, John McEnroe, Vivian Richards and few other great sportsmen - in the way he remained a human being, keeping his sport as merely part of his life so that it did not arrest his development or even reduced his responsibilities as an adult.
Once I saw Farhat boxing with his friends and later hitting hard at the punching bag. Reza Sir, the school coach was yelling at him and pushing the bag with force in his direction. Farhat jumped and moved aside. Next moment the bag hit him hard on his face. Farhat looked tired but he continued punching at the bag. There was an amazing chemistry between Reza Sir and Farhat. Perhaps Reza Sir considered Farhat as his son and it was evident, Farhat immensely worshipped him.
Reza Sir and I guess the entire school had lot of expectations from Farhat and young Farhat did live upto those expectations. Almost every afternoon, Farhat diligently practiced boxing for hours in the school compound. Self absorption is often detected in those blessed with exceptional talent. I suspect Farhat craved for the freedom of his youth and bravely followed his whims.
One fine day, my mother picked me early from school. On my way back, I saw Farhat and few other boys packing their boxing kit. Like any other kid in school, I screamed “Farhat”, “Farhat”…he looked at me and smiled back.
Mom told me that her school has organized an inter school boxing tournament and wanted me to accompany her. By the time we reached Dahisar it was already past 6: 30 p.m. Mom got busy with the organizing committee and requested some of her students and a peon to keep an eye on me. With a bottle of gold spot in hand, I went around the school building where all participants were getting ready. Soon I saw a familiar figure.
Farhat was standing under an electric bulb. I ran towards him. His face and shoulders glowed in that bright light. Farhat was wearing a red nylon shorts and sparkling white singlet (baniyan). Reza Sir with thick moustache and a young Louis D’Mello sir were standing next to him. The other team members were warming up. I went closer, shouting, “St John’s,”…. “St Johns”,… “Hip, Hip, Hurray”…Farhat and everybody around were puzzled and looked down…probably glad and definitely bewildered to see a lone supporter… They didn’t speak much …just said …. “Watch the match and keep shouting!”…
A tall, well lit, huge boxing ring stood in the center. The ring was separated by a thick rope. Only the officials and participants could enter inside these ropes. The sofas for dignitaries were kept close to the rope. There were more than 200 people including many students seated on wooden chairs around.
One of our school alumni lost the match. I was annoyed and started sulking. In few minutes, Farhat entered the ring. Whenever Gavaskar got out early, the Indian team would wrap up; and the same logic applied in case of Farhat and our boxing team.
Farhat’s opponent was slightly taller and equally strong. I remember Farhat was lagging in the first round and the scores were tied in the second round.
The second round was over and Farhat sat in one corner….there was pain on his face and it had almost turned red. Reza Sir rushed inside the ring with a towel, ice and a water bottle…. He later massaged Farhat’s arms and shoulders. I ran around the corner and stood watching Farhat and Reza Sir…Reza Sir was whispering something in Farhat’s ears…. Later, I could hear Reza Sir screaming … “Look at his eyes”…. “Keep looking at his eyes” ….and “use your left hand”… “Left hand”…
The bell rings…..Reza Sir was out of the ring…Farhat and the other boxer came together…the audience was loudly supporting Farhat’s opponent…the referee in the ring announced ‘Box’….
Soon both the boxers were ready…this was the final round….Farhat looked tired….but was determined…..the boxers came close….Farhat ducked…both of them hit at each other…they took blows on shoulders, in stomach….every time Farhat tried to attack, his opponent would cleverly cover his face, and somehow catch Farhat’s neck and embrace him…In that deadlock, both of them would try and hit at each others back…The referee again intervened…scolded Farhat and his opponent… and separated them…
In the next minute, Farhats opponent steps forward, and swung his left arm….and hit Farhat with few quick blows ….Farhat somehow managed to get out of that onslaught… moved behind…started breathing heavily…. ….
In the next moment, even before you could have blinked your eyes, Farhat stepped forward…..the opponent realized …and tried to jab with his left arm ….Farhat blocked…..now Farhat jabbed with his left arm…. The opponent blocked with his right arm … the opponent tried to hit Farhat with his left arm….Farhat quickly ducked…and THUD !!!….Farhat had hit a powerful left under cut….and before his opponent could realize, Farhat started treating his opponent as a punching bag !….
Farhat seized the moment and began assaulting right, left, right, left, right and WHAM !!! …at his opponent’s left ear….in those days …the boxers never wore a head guard… ….suddenly there was silence around….the other boxers from our school shouted, “Keep hitting Farhat”, “Come on Farhat”, “Farhat”……
His opponent was confused, tried to break free and soon another loud THUD !! on the chin…Farhat had hit again with his left hand …his opponent almost lost his balance….
Farhat was quick, hopped in the ring, almost jumped in air and stood on his toes and gave another right, left, right…..The referee rushed in ….It seemed Farhat didn’t want to stop….the referee asked Farhat to move to another corner…the referee started counting …1,2,3,…and before he had reached ‘6’…the other boxer conceded the match ….The referee in white clothing raised Farhat’s hand….the spectators begin clapping loudly…..My hero had won a tough bout….
The next day I happily shared this incident with my friends in class…
It was a proud moment for all when Farhat shared the ring with the legendary Muhammad Ali during his visit to Bombay. I remember watching Farhat on TV. I ran around my building telling everybody about Farhat and his match with Muhammad Ali.
Despite appearing on national television and in newspapers next day, Farhat never seem to relish the spotlight nor tried to avoid it, but simply accepted it and adjusted his life accordingly. As a Head boy, he probably set a tough benchmark in sports and academics and perhaps even for his younger siblings. Sometimes I feel the Siddiqi living room must have been converted into a make shift boxing ring with younger siblings - Arshaad and Zubair getting lessons from Farhat and reckon Asma must have been the referee.
Farhat was capable of extraordinary capabilities and yet it was boxing that seemed to be his ultimate passion. I knew that someday Farhat would represent our country in sports…He eventually did….and at a greatest level…By joining the air force he must have fought many battles - much tougher than those boxing bouts. He became a martyr during the Kargil War. Unfortunately I never got a chance to talk to him …Alas … never will…
Farhat finished school and left a grand legacy behind. I saw him only once …he looked different and guess sported a thick moustache. In someway Farhat influenced me and I am glad that he had been part of my growing years.
Perhaps this is the only way I can salute and express my tribute to Farhat, who personified the school emblem – Brave and Truth….
May his soul rest in peace!
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