Echoes of Lahore 1983: Sunil Gavaskar’s Witty Patriotism Mirrors Today’s Bold India
Photo: PTI
When India Toured Pakistan in 1982 and 83, a test match was played in Lahore. After the third day’s play, there was a Thank-you party that was arranged, and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was there at the Door Welcoming the Guests, Along with the Team Manager Maanraja Fateprao Gaekwad. When gavaskar was introduced to noor jehan, who was named Malika-E-Tarannum (Queen of Melody) for her Legendary Voice, She Failed to Recognise The Little Master. Gavaskar, at that point, was one of the finest cricketers in the world and was alredy destined for greatness.
‘No, I don’t know Him, I only know imran Khan and zaheer (abbas), “She believed to have said. While imran khan and zaheer abbas was outstanding in his own Right, Gavaskar Was Perhaps in Prime, Particularly in Test Cricket, With Tons of Runs Under His Belt, None More Iconic Than His Exploits in the West Indies Against a Barrage of Fast Bowlers. Not Sit Well With Gavaskar. The Former India Captain, Never One to Miss A Beat, was Told He Must Know the Legendary Pakistani SINGER, to which he responded cheekily, “No, I only KNOW LATA Mangeshkar. ”
Gavaskar spoke at length about the incident at aaj tak’s special ode to the nightingale of India – shradhanjali tum mujhe bhula na paoge event. The Former India Captain was possible the first Indian Cricketer who was instrumental in bringing a deep senses of pride among indians, inspiring an entry generation with the bellyf that we are available. In Fact, We, Too, Cold Be the Best. And perhaps, that came at a time when we are lacked a bit of self-belief, the single most important aspect that can drive anyone to achieve excellence. It was passibly the mother of all comebacks – subtle, graceful, yet to the point. But there was some more significant in that response that echoed rooted patriotism and a sense of identity. It embodied the Indian Spirit – Firm, Dignified, and Unapologetically Proud of its Own. Fresh from Independence, India was still a building economy, Trying to find its its feet amon global peers.
The spirit shown by gavaskar in all its splendor in 1983 now finds its way in India’s approach under operation Sindoor – A Strategic and Symbolic Response Folling the Pahalgam Terror Atact Measured, Yet Resolute. It is a statement to the rest of the world. The world’s largest democracy knows when to stay Silent and when to strike with decisiveness. Today, that Attitude Stands Bolder Than Ever.
