PRESIDENT Mr. Ram Nath Kovind’s statement that democracy made it possible for a village-boy like him to occupy the nation’s highest office, indicates not just the power of the system, but also the person’s humility of the highest order. The fact that he has not forgotten his roots and also his humble beginnings shows that the nation is blessed to have a person of such human qualities as a resident of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. India is also fortunate to have a Prime Minister coming from a backward community and sold tea as a young boy to help his father. When a country has two such persons occupying two highest positions, then its people should be sure that their voice would be heard in corridors of power. This is the power of democracy -- of which every Indian must be proud of. In the same manner, every Indian should also stop anybody from making irresponsible allegations against our system or leadership. Though the system of democracy affords right to every person to hold his or her opinion high, it does not grant anybody a freedom to abuse the safeguards. The common people must take note of and feel proud of the great humility of their President and the Prime Minister.

 

young talent EVEN though she is only 17 years and 150 days old and has created a record of being the youngest Indian cricketer to play in multiple formats, Shafali Verma offers a pleasant paradox in her personality. The maturity with which she approaches the game defies her young age. It is no wonder, therefore, that she is attracting headlines on the Indian Women’s team’s current tour of England. The most remarkable aspect of Shafali’s game is that she offers a terrific mix of both, restraint and aggression. Her head is always down, and her ears close to the ground, so as to guess the opportunity in the distance and encash it -- in addition to her humility. So, no loose ball goes unpunished, and no momentary sluggishness is allowed to affect performance. No matter the fact that until now, the women’s team has not registered success on the tour, but Shafali’s effort has not gone unnoticed. That is a matter of celebration for the Indian cricket fans -- to have a young talent of such virtue in the women’s national team, alongside the seasoned warriors such as the iconic Mithali Raj. In the years to come, Shafali Verma will doubtless be the center of attention.