This is just one among the myriad posts eulogizing Sachin Tendulkar's double ton.

It wasn't expected from Sachin Tendulkar, at least I didn't expect him to score a double hundred in a one day international, despite being his hardcore fan. Virendar Sehwag was the default choice to break the 200-run barrier while Tendulkar was expected to play a fatherly role guiding the young Indian batting lineup.

Yesterday, Tendulkar, however, chose to play the role of a big brother, protecting his young buddies and bullying the opponents. Once the South Africans were tamed by the master, the young guns too fired ruthlessly decimating the South African attack in Gwalior.

It was Tendulkar of 90s. It was that vintage, audacious and boyish flamboyance that people, especially who have follwed him since his early days in cricket, often relate to on hearing his name.

The innings is very very special, cannot be compared to any of his previous best efforts; back-to-back centuries in Sharjah, 175 in Hyderabad last year, 98 Vs Pakistan in 2003 world cup, and others.

This is a knock that mortals can dream of, an innings that should be captured on a DVD and passed on to generations, and an exhibition of highest quality batting. The knock is a Bible for all the budding cricketers on how to pace an ODI innings, resist the temptation of going after the bowling on a flat surface and build partnerships, and importantly staying humble.

People who have watched the feat in the stadium will claim "I was there!" whenever a discussion on the innings would come up. This innings would have given Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri - typical Tendulkar fans - the ultimate joy of their life. While Gavaskar would be proud of his disciple's feat, Ravi would have fallen short of words to praise the artist. It was fitting that both of them were present in the stadium yesterday and Ravi was doing the commentory along with Danny Morrison when Sachin achieved this milestone.

Take a bow Sir!

PS: Someone from somewhere will still say Tendulkar is selfish and is after records.

First of all congratulations to all the 130 Padma awardees - 6 Padma Vibhushan, 43 Padma Bhushan and 81 Padma Shri.

What contribution has Saif Ali Khan and yesteryear actor Rekha made to the art discipline? The former is still is a struggling actor in terms of carrying the movie at the box-office alone, while the latter is renowned more for her voluptuous beauty and her role in the movie Kaamsutra. Their contribution to the field of arts (better to refer as movies) is no greater than many of their contemporaries who haven't received the prestigious awards.

Who's next? I strongly recommend serial smoocher Emraan Hashmi and seductress Mallika Sherawat for their contribution and service to the Indian film industry.

I should say it's a delayed recognition for music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, who is conferred with Padma Bhushan after 35 years of his musical journey in the Indian film industry. A R Rahman upgrades to Padma Bhushan after his Padma Shri in 2000.

A Padma Shri to Resul Pokutty post winning the Oscar. Hmmmmmm!

But the surprise inclusion in the Padma Bhushan list has been non-resident Indian hotelier Shri Sant Singh Chatwal. A close associate of former US president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton, Chatwal had faced trials in India over an alleged bank fraud. He now shares the space with other greats.

Looking at the progression, it will not be long before we see names of Kasab, Laloo Prasad Yadav, Mayawati and Bal Thackrey in the Padma awardees.

God save India.

2009 was one of the finest years for me personally.

I restarted my professional career after a brief hiatus. Bagged two employment opportunities during global crisis, not a bad achievement at all. I carved a niche for myself with my first employer and left the company on a high. Also, it was a pleasant surprise to rejoin my old colleague.

My brother left for the US on his second company assignment and is expected to come back in November this year, unless I tie the knot earlier.

I joined my current employer in September, at the behest of my old colleagues. Great to be back with them.

My cousin landed at my place while hunting for a job. She has settled here giving me and grandparents great company. Dad completed five years of working away from Hyderabad, but the sad part is he's taken my mom along with him.

My best friend got married and will be a proud father this year. Unbelievable! This guy along with a couple of other close friends have upgraded to four-wheelers. Congratulations folks!

Found new friends and bequeathed some. I would like to add a few more moments here, but would like to share them personally. Doesn't sound interesting!

There were a few troughs too, but I don't want them to trouble me here too.

All in all, it was a fruitful and eventful year. I thank God for the beautiful year and hope the year ahead too will be wonderful.

I wish you all the very best and Happy New Year 2010.