My Favourite World Cup image....!

I was just so thrilled to spot this picture in the Asian Age this morning which captures two of my daughters (Arundhati and Anandita) at the historic match. Being a part of this stupendous event, was a life transforming experience they both said, with tears in their eyes. A memory they will cherish forever.... an occasion they will never ever forget. Understandable. Being amongst the lucky 33,000 mesmerised spectators inside the Wankhede Stadium as Dhoni ( super cool in his new 'ganja' avatar!) lifted the cup, has to count as a defining moment for any cricket-loving Indian. Seeing this picture in the papers has added to my daughters' thrill. It will be a really special memento to share with their own kids later in life.... and boast , "I was there when India won!" The girls were even more lucky this afternoon as they drove past Mantralaya and came alongside the team bus ferrying our Boys back from the reception at the Raj Bhavan. Fans who spotted them ( the cricketers ), cheered wildly as India's biggest ever heroes waved and smiled....looking exceptionally dashing in their brand new striped jerseys.

As for me, I am still marvelling at last night's miracle . Not just of winning the World Cup, but the explosion of pride and joy that erupted across India..... no, across the world. Mumbai was at its best last night - I should know. I was right there on Marine Drive at well past 2 a.m. amidst thousands of jubilant supporters of Team India ( not just in cricketing terms). Despite the charged up mood, not a single person misbehaved. No pushing, shoving, cursing or harassing. People spontaneously respected the sanctity of the moment, even as crowds surged ahead, yelling, whistling, singing and dancing. For once, our minds were on something bigger... higher... and one billion plus Indians have just eleven Magnificent Men to thank for this precious gift.