**Amla, the accurate
South African Test cricket captain Hashim Amla has shown the utmost courage, concentration, skill and steely character in scoring a timely double hundred in the second Test match against England at Cape Town. Amla's fourth double hundred in Tests could not have come at a more opportune time for him as well as for South Africa. One has to remember that in the last 10 Test matches, his grand total was just about 100 runs. His lean form led several English commentators to write him off and to speculate on his captaincy.
In a way, South Africa, which was the strongest cricket team for several years, had a whitewash in India recently and the English team also achieved a spectacular victory in the first Test at Durban.
In the first innings the English team made a huge score of 629 for 6 declared and the whirlwind batting of Ben Stokes (258) will be a benchmark for a long time.
It was such a gigantic score and with one wicket down for 7 runs, Hashim Amla had to regain his unique talent, show patience and carry on regardless, which he did so eminently.
Let's not forget Amla, of Indian (Gujarati) origin, is leading South Africa which was, just four decades ago during the dark days of apartheid, generating headlines when it refused to recognise and include Basil D'Oliveira, a coloured South African, in the English team.
Nelson Mandela has left a permanent legacy of a functioning rainbow nation where an Indian origin person is a cricket captain and another Indian origin man is a Finance Minister (Pravin Gordhan).
Non-violence is the only way ahead for almost all conflicts and challenges.
** Britain is unbeatable
This small island has always stood defiantly against any aggressors and bullies. Fascism, extremism and religious hatred cannot kowtow Britain as a nation.
Several major European cities were compelled to curtail or completely shut their public New Year celebrations under threats and intimidation. But not Britain.
In central London, just a stone's throw away from the Parliament, thousands of people celebrated and welcomed the New Year with all fanfare, without any fear of terror attacks.
Similarly, in Edinburgh in Scotland, thousands came out on streets and rejoiced to usher in the New Year with a bang. This is Britain. It may not be the richest or the most powerful nation in the world again, but surely it is a beacon of hope against terrorism and such inhuman aggressors.
** Muscular diplomacy: Modi in Lahore
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his spectacular and surprising initiatives, had a historic stopover in Lahore last week. It was most welcome and appropriate. It has every potential to lead to better environment in that region.
Both Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Raheel Sharif (no relation) are working together against Taliban and terrorism. After all Pakistan has paid the heaviest price in blood and toil. Let's not focus on the past. People make mistakes. Leaders make greater blunders. But when both Governments of India and Pakistan are trying to embark on the journey for peaceful co-existence, here comes Pathankot.
Some parties in India are politicising the terror attack which is neither necessary nor desirable.
It is very sad that some opposition parties in India are equally doing their utmost to throw spanners in the works of economic development which is so crucial for India.
The important legislations about the national sales tax (termed Goods and Sales Tax), land reforms for rapid infrastructure development and reasonable labour law reforms have been blocked in the Upper House of Indian Parliament where Prime Minister Modi's party/alliance is in minority.
In 19 months Prime Minister Modi has travelled to some 30 countries and forged an unprecedented relationship with the leaders in politics and business which could surely assist India, but the irresponsible behaviour of enemies of progress in India is delaying the development process. They may delay but can't stop. Sooner they learn, the better for everybody.
-CB
