2016 December

December, 2016

“Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya, Har fikr ko dhuein mein udata chala gaya…..” is a popular Mohammed Rafi song from the film Hum Dono. Translated it goes like this “I just kept going with the life, Kept on blowing every worry like smoke..”

Originally I had something else in mind to write about, but after young Karun Nair (called Unni in close circles) smashed a triple ton yesterday to join an elite club of cricketers, I cannot but ponder if indeed Karun’s attitude towards the game is like this. Yesterday it did appear as if he batted without a fikr (worry) after he crossed some target but behind this ‘blowing the worry like smoke’ attitude is his steely grit, determination, focus and hard work. Having known him as a young boy with both my sons practising with him in the same cricket camp, I have seen him from close quarters. When he was selected for the KPL, I recall I had written about how a teenage Karun kept running for more than 2 hours one morning since his coach forgot to ask him to stop. Such is his discipline and obedience which has today stood him in good stead, making him fit, strong and level-headed. Here’s wishing him many, many more successes in a long and illustrious career!

If we as a nation want to see more kids taking up sports as a career, we must not only offer attendance and marks but create the right eco-system for it – more playgrounds (which are unfortunately being usurped by vested interests for buildings or welfare associations for parks and walking tracks), more coaches, more facilities, more financial assistance, less government interference, more CSR and above all a huge change in parental attitude. Parents must accept that sports is also a good career that needs to be nourished and that 10th standard onwards, it is not all studies and no play………….most children give up playing thanks to the gruelling coaching classes for competitive exams. There is lots more to say but I can vouch for the unstinted support that Karun’s parents have given him all through. Result is there for all to see and enjoy. The moot question is if your child loves sports and wants to work for it, do you believe in him / her? Can you support as much as you would for a traditional career ?

December has seen lot of activity with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code being notified w.e.f 1st December and most of the winding-up related provisions in the Companies Act, 2013 enforced through this code. Interesting and challenging times ahead for all professionals who can be appointed as Insolvency Professionals – new doors have been opened, are we ready to get in and create the room of confidence for the business class? I only hope we don’t blow away the opportunity in smoke !!