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Beyond Boundaries: My 2025 Reading Marathon kicks off with Cricket Fever, Part 2

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Part 2 : The Miracle Makers, By Bharat Sundaresan Yes, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 concluded on a disheartening note for Indian cricket fans. For those of us who closely followed the series, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Personally, I was deeply disappointed—not merely because we lost the series, but because, at some point, it felt as though our batsmen lost their edge, their spark, and the intent that often defines champions. Through this post, I share my personal reflections on the series—ones that may resonate with some and diverge from others. It was truly heartbreaking to witness Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggle so consistently in such a crucial series. Their lack of form drew inevitable comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar’s slump during the 2004 series—until that iconic 241 at Sydney, where he showcased extraordinary discipline in curbing his off-side instincts. Many of us hoped Virat would channel a similar resolve, refining his technique and regaining his rhythm. A...
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Beyond Boundaries: My 2025 Reading Marathon kicks off with Cricket Fever, Part 1

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I was eagerly anticipating the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 season. Although I didn't expect India to replicate the heroics of the 2020-21 series victory, I sensed that this series would be a closely contested affair. My hope was that they could at least retain the trophy for another term. The victory in Perth certainly raised expectations, but I was certain that Adelaide would pose a significant challenge, and it was no surprise when we faced defeat there. However, I believed the remainder of the series would present opportunities for redemption, which unfortunately did not materialize. I feel Virat Kohli's performance was a letdown this time. The bowlers delivered outstanding efforts, often putting the Australians under pressure, but our batting lineup failed to support them adequately. The most shocking moment of the series was R. Ashwin's retirement announcement. It seemed somewhat premature, especially with spin-friendly tracks yet to come. However, considering...
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Toastmastering in UK

In August 2010, as I eagerly awaited the processing of my UK work permit, my initial instinct led me to explore the Toastmasters International (TMI) website in search of clubs within the UK. Despite the absence of an issued visa and a specific project to align myself with, I found myself daydreaming about attending Toastmasters meetings in the UK – a testament to the transformative power of Toastmasters. It brings to mind the Tamil saying, “Kovil illada ooril kudi iruka vendam,” loosely translated as "Do not live in a city without places of worship." For Toastmasters enthusiasts, the sentiment might be rephrased as, "Do not reside in a city lacking a Toastmasters club." Considering the rapid emergence of new clubs, it won't be long before there's hardly a city in the world without a Toastmasters presence Undeterred, I revisited the Toastmasters International site and this time discovered the HOD Speakers Club at Stanmore. I reached out to the club's Pres...
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Perseverance: The Key to Unlocking Success

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  Have you ever wondered what separates highly successful individuals from the rest? While talent, intelligence, and opportunities may play a crucial role, one underlying trait stands out as the bedrock of achievement: perseverance. Perseverance is the ability to push through challenges, setbacks, and adversity, even when the going gets tough . It is the fuel that keeps us moving forward, relentlessly pursuing our goals and dreams. Those who possess unwavering determination to overcome obstacles are the ones who ultimately reach new heights of success. So, why is perseverance truly the key to unlocking success? Overcoming Challenges : The path to success is never smooth. It is filled with hurdles and roadblocks that test our resilience. Perseverance allows us to navigate these challenges, learn from them, and find innovative solution s. Each setback becomes an opportunity for growth and a stepping stone towards success. Staying Focused: Persistent individuals possess an unwaveri...
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The Power of Constructive Feedback: A Leader's Impact on Personal Growth

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20 years ago, at the early stages of my career, I found myself in a sales role for a prominent brand in the India IT Education domain. While struggling to close deals, my boss took the time to have a meaningful conversation with me that would eventually shape my perspective on professional growth. Instead of pointing out my mistakes, my boss displayed three key traits that had a profound impact on my journey. First, empathy - my boss approached the conversation with understanding and patience, creating a safe environment for open dialogue. By not harboring negativity, paved the way for a constructive conversation that would inspire growth rather than discouragement. Second, my boss demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback. It was focused on an objective analysis of my performance and highlighted a missing element of aggression that could have positively impacted my sales results. Additionally, during the process identifying a possible potential in program management sort o...
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A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: My Unforgettable Journey to Olympic Park, London

The realization of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity dawned upon my wife and me as we attended the Women's Handball Quarterfinal between France and Montenegro at the spectacular Olympic Park in Stratford, London. The culmination of this extraordinary experience left us reflecting on the possibility that we might never witness the Olympics live again. The Event Upon my arrival in London in 2010, the prospect of attending the Olympics in 2012 seemed like a distant dream, considering the unpredictable nature of our industry and projects. However, fate had other plans, and here I am, sharing a brief account of my inaugural Olympic experience. The journey commenced with the exhilaration of securing tickets online. Choosing the desired sport proved to be a challenging task, with limited availability and exorbitant prices. After persistent efforts, we successfully booked two tickets for the Women's Handball Quarterfinal scheduled for the night of August 7, 2012, at the renowned Coppe...
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Billa 2

My inaugural foray into film critique led me to the much-anticipated realm of Ajith's Billa 2, featuring my favorite actor. My expectations, akin to any devoted Ajith fan, were lofty. While Ajith and Yuvan didn't disappoint, Chakri Toleti left me wanting. The film, on the whole, hovered slightly above average, with the second half elevating it and the initial part lagging significantly. Positives: Ajith's Performance: True to form, Ajith embodied the role of David Billa in the prequel with flair. His portrayal exuded the required style and poise befitting a burgeoning don. While not an exceptional actor, he handled the role competently, delivering pivotal dialogues with the necessary punch. However, attention to fitness is an area where he could improve, as certain segments of the film showcased him appearing somewhat heavy. Yuvan's Music: Yuvan's musical prowess, as always, shone through. The background score, though not surpassing the brilliance of Billa, effect...
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