GOLDEN WORDS- By Roberto Baggio

THE SPEECH BY LEGEND ROBERTO BAGGIO IN SANREMO MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013.


"All young people and among them there are also my three children.
For twenty years I was a football player. This certainly does not make me a master of life, but now I'd like to work with young, so precious and irreplaceable. I know that young people do not like the advice, I was so. I, however, without arrogance, tonight some advice I would give. I would encourage young people to reflect on these words.

The first is a passion.
There is no life without passion and this is the only you can look within you. Do not listen to those who want to influence. The passion you can also transmit. Look inside and you'll find it there.

The second is joy.
What makes a successful life is to enjoy what you do. I remember the joy in the tired face of my father and my mother's smile in getting all ten in the evening, around a dinner table. And 'own joy that comes from that feeling of completeness of those who are living their lives fully.

The third is courage.
It 'important to be brave and learn to live by believing in yourself. Having problems or mistakes is simply a matter of course, you must not be defeated. The most important thing is to feel satisfied knowing that he gave everything he had done his best, in your own way and according to your ability. Look to the future and advanced.

The fourth has happened.
If you take joy and passion, then you can talk about the success of this word, which appears to have been the only value in our society. But what does it mean to be successful? For me is to put into practice what you have in the best way. This applies both to the player, the carpenter, the farmer or the baker.

The fifth is sacrifice.
I suffered an accident as a young man in his knees that I have created problems and pains throughout his career. I could live with and those living with pain thanks to the sacrifice, I assure you, it is not a bad word. Sacrifice is the essence of life, the door to understanding the meaning. Youth is the time of the building, so you must train well now. On this depends on your future. For this reason the years of your life are so important. Do not believe what comes without sacrifice. Do not trust me, is an illusion. The effort and hard work building a bridge between dreams reality.
All my life I made sure to get the guy who I was, who loved football and went to bed clutching a ball in the chest. Today I have a few more gray hairs and a lot of old scars. But my dreams are always the same. Those who make continuous efforts are always full of hope. Embrace your dreams and give chase. The everyday heroes are the ones who always give up in life.
And this is what I wish you and to my children. "

DEWAN TODAR MAL

Dewan Todar Mall was a wealthy Hindu merchant of Sirhind, who on the 13 December 1705 performed the cremation of the three martyred bodies of the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Zorawar Singh aged about 6, Fateh Singh aged about 9 and their grandmother, Mata Gujari.This incident occurred after the Sahibzade had been executed by the Mughal authorities on the 12 December 1705 for not renouncing their faith and the death from shock of their grandmother at the news of the sudden and despicable execution of the innocent youngsters. This wealthy merchant had to cover the required ground for cremation with gold coins to get the release of the three bodies.The compassionate Sikh trader of Sirhind, according to tradition, performed the last rites for the two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh martyred on the orders of Wazir Khan, faujdar of Sirhind, and of Mata Gujari, the Guru’s mother. It is said that landowners around the Sirhind Fort would not permit him to hold the cremation in their fields, until one Chaudhari Atta agreed to sell him a plot.The administrator’s stipulation was that the buyer (Todar Mall) will take only as much of the space as he could cover with gold mohars (gold coins), that he would lay out for the purchase. The diwan produced the coins and bought the piece of land he needed for the cremation. It is estimated that at least 7,800 gold coins were required to buy the required land.
History tells us the Seth ji raised the required number of coins and that he cremated the three bodies and putting the ashes in an urn which he buried in the land he had bought. The site is now marked by Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop at Fatehgarh Sahib, near Sirhind. Todar Mal was a true Sikh of Guru Gobind Singh. In the dark days when Guru Sahib made his way through the jungles of Machhiwara, and his younger sons were put on trial by Zikharia Khan many Sikhs betrayed the Guru.
As the tenth Guru made his way from Machhiwara through to Talwandi Sabo many so called devotees asked Guru to leave their premises as they were in fear that if the authorities were to hear of it then they would be persecuted. But not Todar Mal, he did not shirk his responsibilities, he put the Guru’s needs before everything.

Let us look at this in a little detail, say that a gold coin has a diameter of around 3cm and would take up an area of (3 x 3 ) 9cm squared. The land required for the martyred children would be approximately 2.0m by 2.0m a total area of 40,000 cm squared if laid next to each other. Add to this the area required for Mata Ji (2.0m by 1.5m) if the coins were laid horizontally then to cover this area would require around 7800 gold coins. Now, if the coins had to be stacked vertically then possibly 10 coins would be needed to cover the 9cm squared area, so vertically 7800 x 10 coins would be required, or 78,000. That is an awful lot of gold coins today, one can only imagine how much they were worth three hundred years ago. It is safe to say it was probably his life’s savings. Maybe he had to beg and borrow to raise the total amount, who knows, but the fact remains this was truly a noble deed. Todar Mal forsake everything for his love of Guru Gobind Singh, which is the reason why Sikhs hold Dewan Todar Mal in such high esteem.
A splended Gurdwara, Gurdwara Jyoti Saroop, now stands at the place where these three martyrs were cremated. This Gurdwara is at a distance of about a mile to the east of the main Gurdwara at Fatehgarh Sahib and the road connecting the two Gurdwaras is known as Diwan Todar Mal Marg and a commemorative gate called the Diwan Todar Mal commemorative gate has also been built on this connecting road. A spacious congregation hall has been constructed by the sikhs at Fatehgarh Sahib to commemorate his noble service which is a symbol of the great respect the sikhs have for the Dewan.

MOTI RAM MEHRA

Moti Ram Mehra
On the 24th December, 1705, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji along with Jagat Mata Gujri Ji (mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) were arrested by Kotwal Jaani Khan of Morinda at Kheri, the native village of Gangu, (Ganga Dhar Kaul ancestor of Nehru and Indira Gandhi). Gangu was a servant of Guru Gobind Singh who was allured by the money and jewellery which Mata Gujri Ji carried and, thus, informed the Kotwal of Morinda about their presence in his house. Jaani Khan brought them as prisoners to Sirhind. Faujdar Wazir Khan of Sirhind imprisoned them in the Thanda Burj (cold Fort). Baba Moti Ram Mehra was a servant in the Hindu kitchen of the Faujdar. Jagat Mata Gujri Ji refused to accept the food of Diwan Sucha Nand’s house. Baba Moti Ram Mehra was a great follower of Sikh Gurus. He used to serve the Sikhs on their way to Anandpur Sahib and back to their homes. The Sikhs took rest at his mud house, where the mother of Baba Moti Ram Mehra and Bibi Bholi Ji, wife of Mehra Ji, prepared food for these Sikhs. Baba Moti Ram Mehra could not bear the Sahibzadas sleeping hungry. He came home and told his family that he would serve milk and fresh water to these great prisoners. Bibi Bholi, his wife, told him that the Wazir Khan had made an announcement in the town that whoever tried to help and serve any type of food to the sons of the tenth Guru, he along with his family would be crushed alive in a Kohlu, (the oil squeezer). This information could not change the resolve of Baba ji.

Sensing his determination, his wife gave him her silver jewellery and some coins to bribe the gate man of the Burj and to keep this act a secret.. Baba Moti Ram served milk and water to the Sahibzadas and Mata Gujri Ji for three nights. On 27th December 1705, the Sahibzadas were slain after the attempt at bricking them alive in the foundation of the wall failed. Mata Gujri ji also breathed her last. Raja Todar Mall of Sirhind performed the cremation. He told Baba Mehra ji to arrange a cart of Chandan wood, which he brought from the forests of Atta Ali. After some time, Pumma, the brother of Gangu, told the Faujdar that his servant (Cook) had served the prisoners with milk and water. Baba Moti Ram Mehra, his mother, wife and a little son were arrested. He did not conceal his act and boldly told the Faujdar that, it was his dharma to serve the young children and the aged mother of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. So, Baba Moti Ram Mehra along with his father was sentenced to death by being squeezed in a Kohlu (oil press).
Bhai Himmat Singh (one of the Original Panj Pyaras) was Bhai Mehra Ji's uncle.

FRANK ZANE - A legend

Frank Zane (born June 28, 1942 in Kingston, Pennsylvania) is an American former professional bodybuilder and teacher.Education Zane received a B.Sc (Bachelor of Science degree) in Education from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania in 1964. For 13 years, he taught mathematics and chemistry while living in Florida and California. Later he earned a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts degree) in psychology from Cal State LA in 1977. Finally, he was awarded a Master's degree in Experimental Psychology from Cal State SB, California in 1990.

Bodybuilding career
Zane is a three-time Mr. Olympia (1977 to 1979). His reign represented a shift of emphasis from mass to aesthetics. Zane's proportionate physique featured the second thinnest waistline of all the Mr. Olympias (after Sergio Oliva), with his wide shoulders making for a distinctive V-taper. He stood at 5'9" and had a competition weight of 187-195 pounds when he won Mr Olympia (He weighed over 200 lbs when he competed in the 1960s). Zane is one of only three people who have beaten Arnold Schwarzenegger in a bodybuilding contest (1968 Mr. Universe in Miami, FL) and one of the very few Mr. Olympia winners under 200 pounds. Overall, he competed for over 20 years (retiring after the 1983 Mr Olympia contest) and won Mr America, Mr Universe, Mr World and Mr Olympia throughout his illustrious career. He has written many courses and books about bodybuilding.

In 1994, Zane was inducted into the 1st annual Joe Weider Hall of Fame. He received the Arnold Schwarzenegger lifetime achievement award at the 2003 Arnold Classic for his dedication and long-time support of the sport. He was given the nickname "The Chemist" due to his Bachelor of Science degree and, as he puts it: "Back in the day I took a lot of supplements and tons of amino acids. Still do. But back then it was pretty unusual. That's how I got the nickname The Chemist." There was also a perception that his nickname was given because he was very scientific in reaching his peak on the exact day of competition, year after year. In 1985, Frank and his wife Christine owned and operated Zane Haven in Palm Springs, CA where they conducted one-on-one sessions with clients who wished to possess a symmetrical physique. Today, the Zanes live in San Diego, CA and his learning center is now called Zane Experience. In 2005, Frank Zane played the IFBB Announcer and worked as the consulting producer in the movie "See Arnold Run." As of 2006, Zane currently runs his own website, appears at seminars and book signings. He still trains with weights at age 70.

Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Contest weight: 185 lbs (84 kg)
Off-season weight: 200 lbs (91 kg)
Arms: 18" (45.7 cm)
Neck: 17.5" (44.5 cm)
Chest: 51" (129.5 cm)
Waist: 29" (73.7 cm)
Thighs: 26" (66 cm)
Calves: 16.5" (41.9 cm)
Wrist: 6.5" (16.5 cm)
Ankle: 8" (20.3 cm)

Leslie Claudius Passes Away

FOUR TIME HOCKEY OLYMPIAN LESLIE CLAUDIUS IS NO MORE.
Indian hockey legend Leslie Claudius passed away in Kolkata today after prolonged illness. The Anglo-Indian had been sick for a while now and was previously hospitalized as well. He was 85 years old and is survived by his three sons. His son Robert Claudius was also a hockey player who passed away in a motor accident in 1978.Claudius had won three Olympic Gold medals for India at the 1948, ’52 and ’56 games, he also won a Silver at the 1960 games. He was awarded the Padma Shri for his achievements in 1971. Along with Udham Singh, he held the record of most number of Olympic medals in field hockey.

MESSI - Sets New Record

Superstar Lionel Messi set a new record for goals in a calendar year when he reached 86 for 2012 on Sunday. Messi had equalled German legend Gerd Mueller's mark of 85 goals from 1972 when he slotted the ball home in the 16th minute of La Liga clash at Real Betis. Last season, he became the most successful scorer in a La Liga season by hitting 50 goals in the league campaign."Messi will be the player to win the most Ballons d'Or in history," Dutch legend Johann Cruyff has predicted."He will win five, six, seven. He is incomparable. He's in a different league."

JATINDER SINGH BHULLAR

Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar, becomes the first person to guard the Queen wearing a turban instead of a traditional bearskin as F Company Scots Guard arrive for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, London. History was made at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday when a Sikh soldier became the first guardsman to wear a turban instead of a traditional bearskin.Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar, 25, was allowed to break nearly 200 years of tradition to wear his religious headdress while on official duty. He was spotted publicly Tuesday practicing at Wellington Barracks."Conducting public duties while being a practicing Sikh and wearing my turban is a great honor for me,” Bhullar said.

When INDIRA GANDHI asked," WHY SIKHS ONLY?"

WHEN INDIRA GANDHI ASKED:
‘WHY SIKH PLAYERS ONLY?’

This article is written by Ss. Prabhjot singh, senior correspondent of “THE TRIBUNE”
And can be read at http://www.probingeye.com/2009/06/when-indira-wondered-why-sikhs-play.html

“In 1974 when I was an Inspector-General in the Border Security Force I received a call from the Prime Minister’s Office that Mrs Indira Gandhi wanted to see me urgently that evening.

“I was on an inspection visit to some border posts in Kashmir near Gulmarg. I was stunned at this SOS from the PMO. A chopper flew me from Gulmarg to Srinagar from where I took a regular flight of the Indian Airlines to New Delhi.

“I could not guess the reason for the summons. There was not much happening in either the Border Security Force or Jammu and Kashmir. Anyway, I reached Delhi and went to call on the Prime Minister at the appointed time.

“After a formal exchange of greetings, I mustered some courage to ask the Prime Minister: ’Madam, you asked for me. Is there anything specific?’

“No, nothing much. The only reason I have called you here is to tell you that the Education Minister recently pointed out to me that you have been recruiting too many Sikh hockey players,’ said Mrs Gandhi.

“I kept quiet though I was very upset. I returned to the guest house and signed my letter of resignation from the presidentship of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) and sent it immediately to the then President of the Indian Olympic Association, Raja Bhalendra Singh. All my friends in sports in general and hockey in particular advised me against this step. But I was determined. I had so much faith and trust in my hockey players, most of whom were Sikhs. I could not have left them down.

“The contribution of Sikhs to Indian hockey has always been immense and I salute them.”

This is a part of the speech Mr Ashwani Kumar, who was once the doyen of Indian hockey, made at a function held in the union capital in April, 2006, to felicitate the top 10 Sikh hockey Olympians of India. The second part of his speech was how he and other members of his family fought violent protestors and arsonists during the anti-Sikh riots in Delhi in 1984. He then eulogized the contribution of great Sikh hockey players like Sahib Singh, Sarup Singh, Udham Singh, Harmik Singh and Ajitpal Singh to Indian hockey.

He complimented Sikh hockey players for their devotion, commitment, sincerity and hard work.

I do not think there could have been a more appropriate tribute to Sikhs who remained a part of every gold medal winning Indian Olympic hockey team since the country entered the competition in 1928.

It is not only Indian hockey but also international hockey which owes a lot to the Sikhs. Many Asian, African and North American countries emerged on the world hockey scene, thanks to the efforts and hard work of certain enthusiastic and energetic Sikh hockey players, administrators and sponsors.

In 1992 during the Barcelona Olympic Games, I met the then President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Etienne Glichitch, and presented him a copy of my book,” Indian Hockey 1991 – Road to Barcelona”.

He asked me about the wellbeing of some of former Indian players, especially Sikh players with whom he had played in Olympics and other international matches. He remembered Prithipal Singh, Dharam Singh, Gurdev Singh, and a few others.

He recalled some of his memorable moments with some Sikh Olympians. He was saddened when told about the murder of Prithipal Singh in 1983. “He was a great player,” was all Etienne could say.

Without going into history, it may be pertinent to mention here that wherever Sikhs went, both as a part of the British Empire or otherwise, they carried with them their game and hockey sticks. Interestingly, the British brought hockey to India, especially in military cantonments. That is how Sansarpur, the nursery of Indian hockey, earned its name and fame.

Let me quote the example of a family which has been associated with the game in three continents – Asia, Africa and America.

Hardev Kular, who retired from the police as Chief Prosecuting Inspector, represented Kenya in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games. His son, Harvinder, donned Kenyan colours in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

It all started in 1920 when Hardev’s father migrated to Kenya. “I was born and brought up in Kenya. Though my elder brother, Hardial, came to India for studies, I went to England. Then I joined the Kenyan police. In 1962, I accompanied Kenya’s national team on its first official visit to Pakistan. Two years later, we came to India to play hockey.

“There used to be an overwhelming response to Test matches between India and Kenya because the strength of our team used to be either Punjabi or Goan boys. In Bombay we were leading India 2-1 in front of a jam-packed stadium before a controversial goal was awarded against us,” laments Hardev.

Hardev Kular’s younger brother, Jagjit, played in the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games, while his elder brother, Hardial Singh, not only remained the Chairman of the Kenyan Hockey Union for many years but also headed the African Hockey Federation. He also remained the Vice-President of the International Hockey Federation.

When India organised the first Afro-Asian Games in Hyderabad a couple of years ago, Hardev accompanied the Kenyan contingent. At present Hardev is also the Chairman of the Kenyan Olympians Association, which was previously headed by Kepcho Keino, the Olympic gold medalist.

No other family in the world has perhaps contributed as much to hockey as much as the Kular family has done. Hardial remained a coach as well as an administrator of hockey in Africa for three decades. After the death of Hardial in 1998, Hardev Singh became the Chairman of the Kenyan Hockey Union and retired last year. Jagjit Singh Kular, who later moved to Canada, is still connected with the promotion of field hockey there.

This one example illustrates the point I am making. And if Kenya is no more a force to reckon with in international hockey, it is just because Punjabi expatriates have moved with lock, stock and barrel to either Canada or the United Kingdom.

The same is the case of Tanzania and Uganda which went to the Olympics or FIH tournaments mainly on the basis of the strength of Sikh players.

If England or Canada made a mark in world hockey in the last few decades, Sikh players must be given their due.

Back home in Asia, Malaysia, which continues to be among the top six teams in the continent, has always prided it in including versatile Sikh hockey players. Some other Asian nations, including Singapore and Hong Kong, were able to enter world-level tournaments, including the Olympic Games, because of Sikh hockey players.

The contribution of Sikhs to hockey never remained restricted to players. Many national teams in Asia, Australia, Africa, North America and even Europe had the benefit of being trained by Sikh coaches. Prominent among them were Balkrishan Singh, Baldev Singh, Ajitpal Singh, Gian Singh and Kartar Singh.

Principal Gursewak Singh, Gurdev Singh Brar, Tarlok Singh Bhullar and Avtar Singh “Tarri” are some of the international and Olympic hockey umpires the Sikh community has produced.

If Hardial Singh rose to be the Vice-President of the FIH, Raj Kumar Singh headed the Indonesian Hockey Federation. I met him by chance in 1986 in Brussels at the headquarters of the FIH.

Even today, the Kenyan Hockey Union is headed by a Sikh, Mr Resham Singh Bains. In Hong Kong, Honorary Secretary of the national hockey association is Mr Sarinder Singh Dhillon.

In India, Raja Bhalendra Singh was perhaps the first Sikh to head the Indian Hockey Federation. Mr KPS Gill was the next. In between Principal Gursewak Singh remained Honorary Secretary of the Federation.

*This is from my forthcoming book “Untold story of Indian hockey”.