thecatapult.in

The History of the Indian subcontinent is long, brimming with lessons for the diligent. Sifting through myth and legend, a military mind may note:

• The unending demonstration of a dynasty’s rise in the ability to govern, followed by degeneracy and decline.

• The inability (or reluctance) to convert excellent theoretical knowledge into usable military technology.

• Insularity from new means and methods of defence from abroad, while achieving great things in other spheres.

The Indus Valley civilization, it transpires from the main archaeological findings, boasted of civic amenities and social norms of a high order, and an enviable agricultural system. Yet that civilization huddled into isolated fortress communities, and that spelt its doom at the hands of Trans-Caucasian Aryan invaders.

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Five things I liked about Chakde India!

1. It does not shy away from dealing with any relevant topic be it regionalism, the indiscipline, the appalling attitude of the bureaucrats who run India’s sport bodies  or the Internal politics that goes on within the team between the senior players.

2. The way irrational pacifism or pacifism for its own sake, the bane of Indian society since atleast the last two thousand years is discredited.

3. Team work is emphasized over and above Individual milestones and accomplishments.

4. The clear message- Winning is glorious, participation is for tourists.

5. The Women’s national hockey team can score 2 goals against the Men’s national hockey team.I still can’t figure out whether that is a good thing or a bad thing.

Otherwise i think that there have been much better sports movies than this one.