NB Blogs

A Closely Fought Election, a Tribute to every Indian who Voted, a Vote for Indian Democracy, a Mature Mandate We close this article on the evening of 4 June, just in time for the deadline of this month’s issue. A new government is yet to be announced. But we do have some initial learning curves in our country’s march of democracy. This election will definitely add a few feathers to our cap as the world’s largest democracy, conducting our polls to the envy of many a nation. Here are some random pointers. End Result: A Vote for Modi! Let There be No Doubt There is no getting away from the fact that Narendra Modi is very much the single-most charismatic Indian leader. It was his fight, his mandate, his energy that resonated over the length and breadth of the country. He has been chastened but not beaten. It is during the last decade, under his leadership, that has brought about a new recognition of India as a potential power in the global play. Yes, we have not arrived there yet, but we w

IPL 2024 scored over its previous edition, just as every season it tends to outdo the last. There no losers in this game, only winners. 2024 was no exception. So, IPL 2024 came to its successful end. Yet another cricket festival, a bonanza for every player making a killing of a lifetime in terms of individual earnings. A rare feat where an Indian sport delivers so much money, steadily increasing over the years and making sure that there are no losers. Most of all, it is the viewer, the attendance at all the stadiums, each one getting their money’s worth, each one enjoying to the hilt, yet another good 60 days carnival. I have always pointed out that behind all the festive spirit, behind all the cheerleaders, there is that seriousness of intent with players competing against each other, vying for the international team, keeping up their commitment, for whatever works best for them, to each his own. It is a serious business at the beginning and at the end of the day. IPL 24? What was dif

Indian Aviation has been a Grave Yard for Numerous Brands, Big and Small, Will one More Make any difference? Indian aviation industry is well known for being a grave yard for the best of brands. Most notably, take the example of Indian Airlines, a name as good as any other, but it was shut down one fine day, in the name of a merger, which too did not work well, done with the best of intentions, notwithstanding. The fact is, that a brand well known, as the first Indian airline domestically, was given a go by, overnight. For no fault of its own. At one time, it was the only airline in the domestic skies. It had a legacy. It did get a dubious edge once we had the might of private airlines to compete with; it did find its feet slowly. Not for want of its staff or systems, but for government apathy. In those early days of privatisation, quite a few names had emerged. Short-lived but some had their day out in the sun – Damania was one. Others like Archana Airways and East-West are not in thi