Fatima Bhutto @ Kovalam Literary Festival

The famed Pakistani author Fatima Bhutto was the star attraction of this year's Kovalam Literary Festival. It was her first visit to the place where another renowned Asian author Mr.Shashi Tharoor is the elected MP of Thiruvananthapuram - the capital of Kerala. This ancient city was recently in the news due to the rich haul of temple treasure. Ms.Fatima Bhutto's itinerary included a visit to the ramparts of this temple (does she plans to write an adventure/mystery novel? ) and the near by sufi mosque. She also took time off to relax at the famed Kovalam beach.

At the press conference, Fatima refuted the stereotype that her nation is a failed state. She said her nation is rich in natural resources, but also added that successive politicians have let them down. Regarding the events in West Asia (known as Arab spring) she said the whole Islamic world is going through a transitional period, similar to the 18th & 19th century Europe. About her on-line presence, Fatima said she hates social networking sites like face-book due to lack of privacy. ( I can't agree with you more! After all, why should one parade your friends & well-wishers like a gizmo or gadget? ) Fatima denied that she has political ambitions but also added she's proud of the great sacrifices of her family. 'I'd rather stick to what I'm good at - ie. writing ' she concluded with a smile.

All Blacks : the winners

The All Blacks performs 'Haka' dance before their game against France in the final. New Zealand won the match 8-7. (photo - Sydney Morning Herald)

When the semi-final line up was completed, the winner was a foregone conclusion. What remained was how the opposition going to fare. The Wallabies (Australia) were demolished in the semis. The final against France expected to be a piece of cake. But France, the third time finalists gave a brave fight. Finally, the All Blacks scraped through to emerge as the winner of the Rugby Worldcup 2011.

Being hosts does not takes away the brilliance of All Blacks - the 'Brazil' of rugby. Like Brazil in football, it is a joy to watch the All Blacks in full flow. While other top teams rely heavily on their physical prowess, New Zealand always had a fine combination of power and finesse. Who can forget the exploits of Jonah Lomu & co. in the 1995 Worldcup ? Despite their great show and depth of talent, the All Blacks could not always translate it in the Worldcup. This truimph is only their second, and that too after a long gap of 24-years.

I completely missed the 2007 edition of Rugby Worldcup held in France, because then I was working in Saudi Arabia. This time too, I missed some of the action, mostly due to the odd time schedules. Nor was there a re-telecast (so far) on TV. The sports-channel Neo, after their initial excitment seems to have lost interest in rugby. Or is it that they have already sold time & space to money-spinners like football and cricket ? I hardly follow these games which are so numerous, boring and predictable.

Rugby may not be a 'cash cow' like football,cricket,golf, F-1 racing etc. Nor it has superstars, earnings and rankings to speak of. The nature of the game does not allow too much of individual effort. It's truly a team game. Let's hope it will remain that way. Atleast, there are sports that exists just for the sake of sports.

Road to the Finals

Quarter-final results :

Ireland 10 Wales 22


England 12 France 19


South Africa 9 Australia 11


New Zealand 33 Argentina 10



Semi-final line up :

Wales vs France (Oct.15 Auckland)


Australia vs New Zealand (Oct.16 Auckland)


FINAL (23rd Oct. Auckland)