From Twelfth Man to the IPL Phenomenon: A Reflection on Talent and Opportunity

From Twelfth Man to the IPL Phenomenon: A Reflection on Talent and Opportunity

In 1966, as a young engineer at Gauhati Refinery, I found myself drafted into the cricket team for the All Assam Oil Meet—not as a star player, but as the twelfth man. My primary role in the refinery’s sports representation was badminton, yet management, always pragmatic, saw an opportunity to save costs. Since I was already traveling, why not make me the reserve cricketer as well? Looking back, I chuckle at the irony. My cricketing role may have been peripheral, but it gave me a ringside view of how sports intersect with corporate decisions, ambition, and opportunity.

Today, however, I find myself an observer of a very different sporting landscape—one where the entire nation seems gripped by the frenzy of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Cricket, which was once a sport of the privileged and those with the right connections, has transformed into a platform where raw talent, regardless of background, can propel an individual to fame and fortune. This revolution, for better or worse, owes much to the vision of the much-maligned Lalit Modi, who conceptualized the IPL as a grand spectacle blending entertainment and cricket.

The Beartown Analogy: Amat and the IPL Players

As I read The Beartown Trilogy by Fredrik Backman, I found a striking analogy between the journey of IPL players and that of Amat, a young ice hockey prodigy from a humble background. Amat, the son of a cleaning woman, grows up in a town where ice hockey is everything. His skill with the puck becomes his ticket to a better life, much like how cricket has lifted many Indian players from poverty to prominence.

Consider some real-life IPL examples:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal, who once sold pani puris on Mumbai streets, is now a key batsman for Rajasthan Royals.
• Rinku Singh, whose father delivered LPG cylinders, has become a sensation with Kolkata Knight Riders.
• Mohammed Siraj, the son of an auto-rickshaw driver, is now a leading pace bowler for India.
• T. Natarajan, from a remote Tamil Nadu village, fought against economic hardship to make it into the IPL and Indian team.

Like Amat, these players didn’t have the financial backing or the right social circles, but their talent ensured that nothing could hold them back. Their struggles, sacrifices, and eventual triumphs underscore a fundamental truth: opportunity does not always come dressed in privilege, but when talent and perseverance collide, doors open.

Lessons from Beartown and the IPL Story

Reading about Amat and reflecting on the IPL, I realize how deeply ingrained sports is in shaping individual destinies. Beartown portrays a town that lives and breathes ice hockey, much like how India reveres cricket. But beyond the love for the game, these stories highlight grit, resilience, and the ability of sport to rewrite one’s fate.

My brief cricketing stint in Gauhati Refinery was more of a logistical afterthought, but today’s aspiring cricketers know that IPL scouts don’t care about pedigree—only performance. Much like Amat’s journey in professional hockey, young cricketers from modest backgrounds now dream of, and achieve, a future once deemed impossible.

A Positive Conclusion: Talent Finds Its Way

If my corporate life in BHEL taught me anything, it is that talent must be nurtured, and opportunities must be created. The IPL, despite its commercialism, has done just that. It has democratized cricket, proving that success is no longer just for those with the right connections. The Beartown Trilogy reaffirms the same belief—that sports can be a great equalizer, giving the underprivileged a fighting chance.

As I reflect, I no longer dismiss IPL as mere entertainment. Instead, I see it as a movement—one where talent, grit, and perseverance overcome all barriers. Whether in a cold Scandinavian town obsessed with hockey or in a cricket-mad India, the message remains the same: if one has talent, nothing can hold him back.

Lessons, Leadership and Transformation: My journey at BHEL,Bhopal

Now that I am in our Delhi flat, surrounded by the very same furniture that once filled my home in Bhopal, I feel a deep sense of continuity. Each piece carries echoes of the past, but it is when I open my almirah that the true journey begins.

Among the neatly stacked books, I find my old photo albums and reports from my Bhopal days. As I rifle through them, memories come rushing back, vivid and alive, as if I have stepped into a portal of time travel. Each page, each photograph, transports me to those final years of my tenure at BHEL—days filled with challenges, achievements, and farewells.

This overwhelming wave of nostalgia compels me to write, to capture a slice of that unforgettable time—a chapter that marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new journey.

Tuesdays with Morrie: A Journey of Transformation and Leadership

Tuesdays with Morrie had a profound impact on my life, touching me in ways I never anticipated. The book exposed my vulnerabilities, revealing aspects of myself that I often ignored or suppressed. It felt as if a mirror was held up to my soul, highlighting areas where I needed growth and transformation. Through Morrie’s wisdom and Mitch Albom’s storytelling, I began to see life differently—one that emphasized empathy, connection, and the importance of living with intention.

Before reading this book, I often struggled with my temper, allowing frustration and impatience to dictate my interactions. Morrie’s lessons on forgiveness, love, and the value of human relationships slowly seeped into my consciousness. I started recognizing the futility of anger and its toll on my relationships and inner peace. Gradually, I began to control my temper, choosing understanding over irritation and compassion over judgment. This metamorphosis helped me evolve into a more mindful, empathetic version of myself.

This transformation proved invaluable during my posting at BHEL, Bhopal, where I oversaw more than 7,000 employees and tackled numerous challenges. In such a dynamic and demanding environment, there was no room for losing my temper. Instead, I focused on understanding the concerns of individuals, listening intently, and working collaboratively to find solutions. I was fortunate to have wonderful colleagues and mentors who supported me in this journey, much like the Pandavas during their 13 years of exile in the Mahabharata. Though their exile was a period of hardship, it was also a time of immense growth, guided by wise rishis such as Lomasa, Markandeya, and Brihadaswa, who helped them strengthen their skills, knowledge, and resilience. Similarly, the people around me during my time at BHEL played a crucial role in shaping my leadership and problem-solving approach.

My journey of self-improvement began earlier, during my tenure at Indian Oil, but it reached its culmination in Bhopal. It was there that I was introduced to spirituality through the teachings of revered figures like Rajeswaranandaji and Atmabholananandaji. Their wisdom helped calm my wayward mind, bringing a sense of peace and clarity that allowed me to navigate challenges with greater equanimity. This spiritual grounding, combined with the lessons from Tuesdays with Morrie, enabled me to approach my responsibilities with a balanced and compassionate mindset.

The Turnaround at BHEL, Bhopal

Alongside my spiritual growth, I faced the daunting task of turning around the Bhopal Unit, which had incurred a loss of ₹40 crores in the financial year 2000-2001. I took charge in October 2000 when the unit was already in financial distress. Around that time, I read The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt, a book that profoundly influenced my approach to managing cash flow and optimizing operations. Applying the principles from this book, along with the collective efforts of my dedicated team, we steered the unit from financial distress to profitability. By the time I retired, the Bhopal Unit had recorded a profit of ₹60 crores in the financial year 2002-2003—a testament to strategic leadership, teamwork, and resilience.

To achieve this turnaround, several strategic initiatives were implemented:

1. Raw Material Cost Optimization: By refining designs and enforcing strict quality control, we minimized rejections, leading to significant cost savings.

2. Material Waste Reduction: Factory-wide measures were introduced to curb wastage. As in cricket, “a run saved is a run made”—every resource preserved translated into direct financial benefits.

3. Overhead Cost Control: Workforce optimization, scaling down subsidies for the canteen and schools, and making the guest house self-sustaining helped trim unnecessary expenses.

4. Revenue Generation from Township Assets: Parks, gardens, community halls, and weekly markets were leveraged to generate additional revenue.

5. Utilization of Idle Resources: Employees were encouraged to propose innovative ways to repurpose abandoned manufacturing tools, enhancing productivity without additional investment.

6. Zero-Cost Telephone Directory: A new approach was devised to publish the telephone directory at no cost, eliminating the previous expense of ₹6 lakh.

7. Curbing Entertainment Expenditure: The practice of hosting customers in five-star hotels was replaced with increased use of the company guest house, significantly cutting hospitality expenses.

8. Uniform Computerization: All product design departments were digitized to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

9. Transition to Digital Accounting: The traditional ledger system was abolished, with accounting operations fully transferred to computerized systems, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

10. School Rationalization: As the employee strength had reduced over the years, the number of company-run schools was downsized accordingly.

11. Security Cost Reduction: The number of CISF personnel was optimized from 600 to 450, effectively lowering security-related expenditures.

12. Other actions

    1. BB: Business-to-Business Portal – A dedicated B2B portal was launched to streamline transactions between the company and its vendors, minimizing human intervention and enhancing efficiency.

    2. Rainwater Harvesting – Initiated in collaboration with the state government, this project aimed at conserving water by reducing the dependency on Bhopal Lake, ultimately lowering water procurement costs.The borewell well recharged and check dams were put to store the rain water and add to the capacity of the underground water.

    3. Townhall Meetings – Introduced to foster two-way communication, these sessions provided a platform to share the factory’s goals, celebrate success stories, and incorporate employee suggestions into decision-making.

    4. Annual Melas: "Kamyabi" & "Milap" – These biannual events encouraged informal interactions in a relaxed atmosphere, offering a blend of cultural entertainment, food sampling from various regions of India, and team-building opportunities.

These measures collectively contributed to restoring financial stability and operational efficiency at BHEL, Bhopal.

A team of professors from IIM ,Indore came to Bhopal sometimes in April,2003 to do case study of turnaround of the unit. 

A Life Changed Forever

In conclusion, Tuesdays with Morrie didn't just change my perspective—it changed the way I live. It taught me that vulnerability is not a weakness but a gateway to deeper human connection. By embracing this wisdom, I’ve become more patient, empathetic, and present in my day-to-day dealings. The book, along with the guidance of wise mentors, my spiritual insights, and the practical wisdom from The Goal, has left an indelible mark on my soul. Like the Pandavas, I emerged from my challenges stronger and wiser, ready to face life with a renewed sense of purpose and understanding. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Thus, my first innings in my career ended in June 2003. At that time, I was uncertain whether I would have a chance to play a significant role in the private sector—but fate had other plans.

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Footnotes:

1. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a memoir about the author's weekly visits with his former sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, who was battling ALS. Through their conversations, Morrie imparts profound life lessons on love, relationships, and the meaning of life.

2. The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt is a management book that introduces the Theory of Constraints, emphasizing process improvement, bottleneck identification, and financial optimization to achieve operational success.

    3.The content is partly summary of the case study done by IIM,Indore.

The Chatbot Chronicles: Soumya's Creation

The Chatbot Chronicles: Soumya's Creation

Scene: Soumya, the nerdy assistant, is seated with his mentor Samaranand and their witty friend Babulal in Samaranand's living room, sipping tea.

Babulal: Soumya, you’ve been unusually quiet. Are you building a time machine or just daydreaming?

Soumya: (snaps out of his thoughts) No, no, nothing like that. I’ve been working on something revolutionary—an AI chatbot that can reply to my WhatsApp messages.

Babulal: (leans in, intrigued) A chatbot? So, when I message you, I might be chatting with your robot and not you?

Soumya: (grinning) Exactly! But don’t worry, Babulal. I’ve programmed it to give personalized replies to my close friends like you and Uncle Samaranand here.

Samaranand: (adjusts his glasses) That’s fascinating, Soumya. How does it work?

Soumya: Well, I studied the most common messages I receive and my standard replies. For example, if someone forwards me a motivational quote or a video, my chatbot responds with, “Thanks for sharing.” If someone asks, “How are you?” it says, “First class!” And if someone suggests meeting, it replies, “Sure, let’s plan it.”

Babulal: (laughs) That’s brilliant! But what if someone sends you an unexpected message, like, “I’ll drop by your place for dinner tonight”? Your overly polite chatbot might say, “Yes, of course!” And then, you’d be stuck with uninvited guests!

Soumya: (chuckling) You rascal, you’ve caught the flaw! I’m already working on a solution for that.

Babulal: (teasing) Better hurry up. Otherwise, you’ll be hosting half the city for dinner!

Samaranand: (smiling) Soumya, I like this idea. But can you develop a version of this chatbot that can outsmart hackers? After all, they, too, are using WhatsApp to cause digital havoc these days.

Soumya: (nodding) Hmm, that’s a challenge worth taking. I could program it to recognize suspicious patterns—like phishing links or weird messages—and shut them down before they cause trouble.

Babulal: (pretending to be alarmed) Wait a minute! What if your chatbot starts replying to hackers with clever comebacks? Something like, “Nice try, pal, but you’re dealing with AI royalty here.”

Soumya: (laughs) That’s not a bad idea. I could even make it troll them a bit. Imagine it sending back, “Your scam skills are as outdated as dial-up internet.”

Samaranand: (laughing) Now that’s the spirit! But remember, Soumya, humor aside, you’ll need to keep it secure. Hackers might try to hijack your chatbot to prank your friends—or worse, me!

Soumya: (grinning) Uncle, don’t worry. I’ll add a failsafe. The chatbot will always recognize messages from you and Babulal and give them top priority.

Babulal: (mischievously) Good. Then I’ll test it by messaging, “Soumya, I’m outside your house. Come with tea and snacks.” Let’s see if your chatbot obliges.

Soumya: (laughing) Knowing you, Babulal, I’ll program it to respond, “Sure, but only if you bring samosas.”

Samaranand: (sipping his tea) Soumya, this idea of yours has real potential. But remember, technology should make life easier, not create more chaos.

Soumya: (nodding earnestly) Absolutely, Uncle. My goal is to make it smart, helpful, and—most importantly—humorous. After all, what’s life without a bit of laughter?

Babulal: (raising his cup) Well said, Soumya. But just one last suggestion—make sure it doesn’t reply “First class!” if someone texts you, “Your bank account has been hacked!”

Soumya and Samaranand: (burst into laughter)

Soumya: Point noted, Babulal. You’re like the QA tester I didn’t ask for but definitely need!

Samaranand: (smiling) And that’s why we keep him around.

The conversation continues, filled with laughter and ideas as Soumya refines his chatbot with a blend of intelligence, security, and, of course, humor.

Knowledge harvesting

Knowledge harvesting is the process of gathering, extracting, and utilizing knowledge from various sources to gain insights, solve problems, and make informed decisions. It involves actively seeking out and acquiring new knowledge, as well as reviewing and updating existing knowledge to stay current and relevant.

Key Aspects of Knowledge Harvesting

1. _Curiosity-driven_: Knowledge harvesting is driven by a desire to learn and understand new concepts, ideas, and technologies.

2. _Active learning_: It involves actively seeking out new knowledge through various channels, such as reading, research, experimentation, and collaboration.

3. _Critical thinking_: Knowledge harvesting requires critical thinking and analysis to evaluate the relevance, accuracy, and usefulness of the information gathered.

4. _Reflection and application_: It involves reflecting on the new knowledge and applying it to real-world problems, projects, or situations.

Benefits of Knowledge Harvesting

1. _Improved problem-solving_: Knowledge harvesting enables individuals to gather diverse perspectives and insights, leading to more effective problem-solving.

2. _Enhanced creativity_: Exposure to new ideas and concepts can stimulate creativity and innovation.

3. _Better decision-making_: Knowledge harvesting provides a solid foundation for informed decision-making.

4. _Personal and professional growth_: Continuously acquiring new knowledge and skills can lead to personal and professional growth.

Knowledge Harvesting Techniques

1. _Reading and research_: Actively seeking out books, articles, and online resources to gather new knowledge.

2. _Networking and collaboration_: Engaging with experts, peers, and mentors to share knowledge and learn from others.

3. _Experimentation and prototyping_: Testing new ideas and concepts through experimentation and prototyping.

4. _Reflective practice_: Regularly reflecting on experiences, successes, and failures to identify areas for improvement.

By embracing knowledge harvesting, individuals can stay adaptable, innovative, and competitive in today's rapidly changing world.

Some practical way to use the concept of knowledge harvesting!

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### Practical Examples of Knowledge Harvesting

#### 1. **Curiosity-Driven Learning**

   - **Example**: A software developer curious about artificial intelligence (AI) starts by reading research papers, watching online tutorials, and enrolling in an AI course. Over time, they apply this knowledge to build a chatbot for their company, improving customer service.

   - **Value**: This demonstrates how curiosity can lead to skill development and practical applications in the workplace.

#### 2. **Active Learning in Business**

   - **Example**: A marketing manager actively learns about emerging trends like influencer marketing and TikTok advertising by attending webinars, following industry leaders on LinkedIn, and experimenting with small campaigns. They then use this knowledge to revamp their company’s social media strategy.

   - **Value**: Active learning helps professionals stay ahead of trends and adapt to changing market dynamics.

#### 3. **Critical Thinking in Decision-Making**

   - **Example**: A project manager evaluates multiple project management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana, Jira) by comparing features, reading user reviews, and testing them in small teams. They critically assess which tool aligns best with their team’s workflow and budget.

   - **Value**: Critical thinking ensures that decisions are well-informed and tailored to specific needs.

#### 4. **Reflection and Application in Education**

   - **Example**: A teacher reflects on their lesson plans after each class, noting what worked well and what didn’t. They then update their teaching methods, incorporating new techniques like gamification or flipped classrooms to improve student engagement.

   - **Value**: Reflection and application lead to continuous improvement and better outcomes.

#### 5. **Networking and Collaboration in Innovation**

   - **Example**: A startup founder attends industry conferences and joins online forums to connect with other entrepreneurs. Through these interactions, they learn about lean startup methodologies and apply them to pivot their business model, leading to increased funding and growth.

   - **Value**: Networking fosters knowledge exchange and opens doors to new opportunities.

#### 6. **Experimentation and Prototyping in Product Development**

   - **Example**: A product designer creates multiple prototypes of a new ergonomic chair, testing each version with users to gather feedback. They iterate on the design based on user input, resulting in a highly functional and marketable product.

   - **Value**: Experimentation reduces risks and ensures that the final product meets user needs.

#### 7. **Reflective Practice in Healthcare**

   - **Example**: A nurse reflects on their patient interactions at the end of each shift, identifying areas where communication could be improved. They attend a workshop on patient-centered care and implement new techniques, leading to higher patient satisfaction scores.

   - **Value**: Reflective practice enhances professional skills and improves service delivery.

#### 8. **Reading and Research in Personal Growth**

   - **Example**: An aspiring writer reads books on storytelling, takes online writing courses, and studies the works of renowned authors. They apply this knowledge to write their first novel, which gains recognition in a literary competition.

   - **Value**: Reading and research provide the foundation for skill mastery and personal achievement.

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### How to Start Knowledge Harvesting in Your Life

1. **Set Learning Goals**: Identify areas where you want to grow, such as a new skill, industry trend, or personal interest.

2. **Diversify Your Sources**: Use books, podcasts, online courses, and professional networks to gather knowledge.

3. **Apply What You Learn**: Experiment with new ideas in your work, hobbies, or daily life.

4. **Reflect Regularly**: Take time to assess what worked, what didn’t, and how you can improve.

5. **Share Your Knowledge**: Teach others what you’ve learned to reinforce your understanding and contribute to your community.

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খাটিয়া সভা ও বিনেপয়সার চা—পানিপথে এক অনন্য বিচারসভা!

পানিপথের কাহিনি – এক খাটিয়া সভা

১৯৭৯ সাল। আমার প্রথম পোস্টিং পানিপথ থার্মাল পাওয়ার প্ল্যান্টে, কমিশনিংয়ের দায়িত্ব নিয়ে। পরিবার নিয়ে এলাম—স্ত্রী আর তিন বছরের ছেলে অনীশ, ডাক নাম বনি। ভেল আমাদের জন্য আগে থেকেই এক ভাড়া করা, সম্পূর্ণ ফার্নিশড তিন কামরার বাড়ির ব্যবস্থা করেছিল। নতুন শহর, নতুন পরিবেশ—সব ঠিকঠাকই চলছিল, কিন্তু একদিন অফিস থেকে ফিরে দেখি আগরওয়াল দরজায় দাঁড়িয়ে।

"কী ব্যাপার, কিছু জরুরি?" আমি জিজ্ঞেস করলাম।

"রামলুর বাড়িতে ঝামেলা। বউ একটা কাণ্ড করেছে।"

রামলু আমার সাইটের টারবাইন কমিশনিং ইঞ্জিনিয়ার, দক্ষ ছেলে, কিন্তু ওর বউ যে দজ্জাল, সেটা সবাই জানে।

আমি গিন্নিকে বললাম, "একটু বেরোতে হচ্ছে," আর এম্বাসেডর গাড়িতে উঠে রওনা দিলাম আগরওয়ালের সঙ্গে।

ওখানে গিয়ে দেখি বাড়ির সামনে বিশাল জনতা, সবাই নিজের নিজের খাটিয়া এনে বসেছে! যেন কোনও মেলা বসেছে! জানা গেল, রামলুর বউ ঘোষণা করেছে, ভরদ্বাজ নামের এক ভদ্রলোক ওকে অপমান করেছে, আর এখন সে ন্যায়বিচার চায়। খাপ পঞ্চায়েতের মতো এক আসর বসে গেছে!

আমি আর আগরওয়াল তো হতভম্ব! এ কাণ্ড আশা করিনি!

একটু এগিয়ে যেতেই এক বৃদ্ধ মুচকি হেসে বললেন, "আসুন মশাই, খাটিয়া খুঁজে বসুন। এক বউমা অপমানিত, বিচারের দরবার বসেছে।"

পাশ থেকে একজন বলল, "বউমা অপমানিত না, পাড়ার শান্তি নষ্ট হয়েছে! এর চেঁচামেচিতে ঘুম আসে না!"

আরেকজন প্রতিবাদ করল, "তুমি পুরুষ মানুষ, তাই বলছ! নারীর সম্মান বুঝবে কই!"

আমি মাথা নাড়িয়ে বললাম, "আপনারা একটু অপেক্ষা করুন, আগে ভেতরে দেখি কী হচ্ছে।"

ভরদ্বাজ, যে পাওয়ার প্ল্যান্টে কেবল লেয়িং-এর কাজ করছিল, রাতে শিফটে কাজ করে ফিরেই ঘুমোচ্ছিল। হঠাৎ রামলুর বউয়ের চেঁচামেচিতে ঘুম ভেঙে যায়। ওপরে থাকত, নিচে নেমে চুপ করতে বলে। ব্যস! এইটুকুই। তার পরেই শুরু হয় ধুন্ধুমার!

আমি রামলুকে বললাম, "তোমার বউ কী চায়?"

রামলু হাল ছেড়ে দিয়ে বলল, "ও চায় ভরদ্বাজ সবার সামনে পায়ে হাত দিয়ে ক্ষমা চেয়ে নিক!"

ভরদ্বাজ বলল, "ব্যক্তিগতভাবে ওর কাছে সরি বলতে পারি, কিন্তু জনতার সামনে নয়!"

আমি রামলুকে বললাম, "তুমি তোমার বউকে বোঝাও, নইলে তোমার ট্রান্সফার করিয়ে দেবো। তোমার বাচ্চার স্কুলের ক্ষতি হবে, কোম্পানির বদনাম হবে!"

তারপর আমি বাইরে এসে হাত জোড় করে বললাম, "আপনারা দয়া করে বাড়ি যান, আপনাদের জন্য চা আনিয়েছি!"

বিনেপয়সার চা, আর আমার হাতজোড় কাজ দিল! খাটিয়া তুলতে তুলতে লোকজন বলল,

"যাক, চা যখন মিলছে, বসে লাভ কী?"

"মামলা মিটে গেলে আমরা বাড়ি যাই!"

চা খেয়ে ধীরে ধীরে জনতা সরে পড়ল।

অবশেষে, ট্রান্সফারের ভয় কাজ করল। ভরদ্বাজ নিচে নেমে শুধু "সরি" বলে চলে গেল।

রামলুর বউ কিন্তু একেবারেই খুশি হলো না! তার নাটক তো ভেস্তে গেল!

"Strength guided by righteousness triumphs over treachery."

During their training days under Guru Dronacharya, both the Pandavas and the Kauravas learned the arts of warfare, strategy, and wisdom. Yet, the five Pandava brothers, with their dedication and natural abilities, excelled in every field. Among them, Bheem stood out for his enormous strength and mischievous nature. He often teased the Kauravas in harmless but playful ways. For instance, when the Kauravas climbed trees, Bheem would shake the trees with his immense strength, causing them to fall like dry leaves. Sometimes, he wrestled with them all at once, and despite their combined efforts, they couldn’t subdue him.

This constant humiliation bred jealousy and anger among the Kauravas. Duryodhana, their leader, decided it was time to eliminate Bheem. One day, they hatched a sinister plan to poison him. Knowing Bheem's fondness for food, they devised a strategy to lure him to an isolated place.

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The Plan in Action

One sunny afternoon, the Kauravas approached Bheem during a break from their training. Duryodhana, feigning kindness, spoke warmly to him.

“Brother Bheem!” Duryodhana began, “You must be tired from all the training. Why don’t you join us for a special feast? We’ve prepared your favorite sweets and drinks. It’s a small gesture of our appreciation for the times you’ve helped us improve in wrestling and other lessons.”

Bheem, known for his hearty appetite, was intrigued. “A feast, you say? With sweets?” he asked, his eyes lighting up.

“Yes!” added Dusshasana with a convincing smile. “We’ve prepared it in a quiet spot by the river, away from the noise. You’ll love it!”

Bheem hesitated for a moment but then shrugged. “Why not? Food is food, and I never say no to sweets!”

The Kauravas led him to the secluded spot, where a sumptuous spread awaited him. Bheem sat down eagerly, unaware of their malicious intentions. They handed him a sweet drink laced with poison, encouraging him to drink deeply.

“This is delicious!” Bheem exclaimed, gulping it down. Moments later, however, he began to feel dizzy and collapsed. The Kauravas quickly carried him to the riverbank, pushed his unconscious body into the water, and began shouting for help to make it look like an accident.

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Bheem’s Journey to Patal Lok

As Bheem’s body sank into the river, he was unknowingly carried to the mystical realm of Patal Lok. When he awoke, he found himself surrounded by nagas (serpent beings). The naga king, Vasuki, greeted him warmly.

“Welcome, Bheem,” said Vasuki. “You may not know this, but you are connected to us. Through your ancestor Hanuman, you share a bond with the nagas. You are of our race in spirit.”

Bheem, still weak but curious, listened intently. Vasuki continued, “We know of the treachery you faced. But fear not, for we will help you. You are destined for greatness, and no evil plan can hold you back.”

The nagas gave Bheem a special potion made from their mystical herbs, which not only revived him but also enhanced his strength manifold. “Take this as a blessing from us,” said Vasuki. “Use your strength wisely and justly, for it is a gift not just for you but for the greater good.”

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A Lesson Learned

When Bheem returned to the surface, stronger than ever, the Kauravas were terrified. They couldn’t understand how he had survived their plan, let alone emerged more powerful. However, Bheem chose not to retaliate immediately. Instead, he resolved to channel his strength toward protecting his family and upholding dharma.

This episode taught Bheem and everyone involved an important lesson: treachery and jealousy can never defeat honesty and destiny. True strength lies not just in physical power but in righteousness and wisdom.

The Kauravas, though humiliated, failed to learn this lesson, which eventually led to their downfall. Bheem, on the other hand, became a symbol of resilience, proving that good always triumphs over evil, no matter how cunning the plan.

ন্যায়বিচারের ডানা:রমেশের লড়াই

এটা ছিল একটা অলস রোববারের বিকেল। আমি আর সমরানন্দ বসে আছি আমাদের পছন্দের ক্লাবে, গড়িয়াহাটের কাছে। এই ক্লাবটা আমাদের জন্য একটা রিল্যাক্স করার জায়গা, যেখানে চা আর কলকাতার সেরা চিকেন কাটলেট খাওয়া যায়। সমরানন্দ, তার তীক্ষ্ণ মস্তিষ্ক আর সমস্যা সমাধানের নেশা নিয়ে, এখানে প্রায়ই আসে। আমিও আসি। আমাদের কথাবার্তা প্রায়ই তার সমাধান করা মজার কেস নিয়ে ঘোরে, আর আজও তার ব্যতিক্রম হয়নি।

কাটলেটের কামড় দিতে দিতে আমি তাকে জিজ্ঞেস করলাম, "তো, সমরানন্দ, দিল্লিতে গিয়ে কোনো নতুন কেস সলভ করেছ? তুমি তো সবসময় চমকপ্রদ গল্প নিয়ে ফিরে আসো।"

সে চেয়ারে হেলান দিয়ে বসে, ঠোঁটে একটু হাসি নিয়ে বলল, "আহ, হ্যাঁ। একটা কেস ছিল, যা সত্যিই অসাধারণ। এটা ছিল অদ্ভুত, প্রায় অবিশ্বাস্য। একটা ভুল পরিচয়ের কেস, একটা ডোপেলগ্যাঙ্গার, আর এত গভীর বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা যে আমাকে **অবাক** কোরে দিয়েছিল।"

আমি আরও জানতে চাইলাম, "বলো, কী হয়েছিল?"

সমরানন্দ চায়ের এক চুমুক নিয়ে শুরু করল, "এটা শুরু হয়েছিল যখন দিল্লিতে , রমেশ যাকে আমি চিনিনা, আমার কাছে আসে। সে তখনই দেওহরাদুন জেল থেকে ছাড়া পেয়েছে, ভুলভাবে ধরা পড়ার পর। কিন্তু বাড়ি ফিরে দেখে, তার জীবন চুরি হয়ে গেছে—একজন মানুষ, যে দেখতে তারই হুবহু, তার জায়গা দখল করে নিয়েছে।"

আমি ভ্রু কুঁচকে বললাম, "ডোপেলগ্যাঙ্গার? এটা যেন কোনো থ্রিলার গল্পের মতো শোনাচ্ছে।"

সমরানন্দ মাথা নাড়ল, "হ্যাঁ। কিন্তু এই কেসটাকে আরও চমকপ্রদ করে তুলেছিল কয়েকটা পায়রা, একটা চাকরের বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা, আর একটা চতুর পরিকল্পনা, যা শুধু একটা মাস্টারমাইন্ডের কাজই হতে পারে।"

তার গল্প বলার সাথে সাথে আমি নিজেকে রমেশের অভিজ্ঞতার মোড়ে মোড়ে হারিয়ে ফেললাম। এটা ছিল একটা প্রতারণা, বিশ্বাস আর সত্য প্রকাশের অপ্রত্যাশিত উপায়ের গল্প।

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**পায়রার সূত্র**

সমরানন্দ বলতে থাকল, "রমেশের একটা বিশেষ অভ্যাস ছিল। সে প্রতিদিন সকালে তার বাড়ির কাছে পায়রাদের খাবার দিত। সময়ের সাথে সাথে পায়রারা এতটাই নির্ভীক হয়ে উঠেছিল যে তারা তার কাঁধে বসত। কিন্তু যখন সে বাড়ি ফিরল, তখন দেখল যে পায়রারা এই নকল রমেশকে এড়িয়ে চলছে। তারা বুঝতে পেরেছিল যে সে আসল রমেশ নয়।"

আমি **অবাক** হয়ে বললাম, "পায়রারা বুঝতে পেরেছিল? এটা তো সত্যিই আশ্চর্যজনক!"

সমরানন্দ হাসল, "হ্যাঁ। পায়রারা রমেশকে চিনত। তারা তার সঙ্গী ছিল বছরের পর বছর। যদি তারা এই নকল রমেশকে এড়িয়ে চলে, তাহলে এটাই প্রমাণ যে সে আসল রমেশ নয়।"

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 **পরিকল্পনার প্রকাশ**

কয়েক দিন ধরে, বাবুলাল নকল রমেশের উপর নজর রাখল। সে রিপোর্ট করল, "এই লোকটা খুবই চালাক। সে রমেশের বাড়িতে পার্টি করছে, প্রতিবেশীদের ডাকছে। প্রতিবেশীরা বিনি পয়সায় মদ পে খুবই খুশি ,কিন্তু সে খুব সতর্ক—বাড়ি থেকে বেশি দূরে যায় না।"

এদিকে, আমার ভাগনে সৌম্য, যার টেকনোলজিতে দক্ষতা অসাধারণ, সে নকল রমেশের মোবাইল নম্বর ট্র্যাক করে ফেলল। "পেয়ে গেছি!" সৌম্য উচ্ছ্বসিত হয়ে বলল। "এখন আমরা তার কল আর মেসেজ ট্র্যাক করতে পারব।"

মোবাইল নম্বর পেয়ে আমরা একজন প্রাইভেট ইনভেস্টিগেটরকে নিয়োগ করলাম। ইনভেস্টিগেটর জানালেন, "এই লোকটা রমেশের পরিচয় ব্যবহার করে লোন নিচ্ছে আর দামী জিনিস কিনছে। এটা একজন প্রফেশনাল। এর আগেও সে এমন কাজ করেছে।"

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 **চাকরের বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা**

বাবুলাল লক্ষ্য করল যে রমেশের চাকর, ধন বাহাদুর, নকল রমেশের সাথে খুব ঘনিষ্ঠ। "এরা সবসময় ফিসফিস করে কথা বলে," বাবুলাল রিপোর্ট করল। "এটা মনে হচ্ছে যেন তারা একসাথে কোনো পরিকল্পনা করছে।"

আমরা ধন বাহাদুরকে জেরা করলাম। বাবুলাল তাকে কোণঠাসা করে বলল, "আমরা জানি তুমি এই পরিকল্পনায় জড়িত। সত্য বল, নাহলে আমরা পুলিশে রিপোর্ট করব।"

ধন বাহাদুর ভেঙে পড়ল। "হ্যাঁ, এটা সত্য," সে স্বীকার করল। "আমি পুরো পরিকল্পনাটা করেছি। আমি রমেশকে ভুলভাবে গ্রেপ্তার করিয়েছি যাতে আমি বৈকুণ্ঠকে তার জায়গায় বসাতে পারি। রমেশ কখনই নিয়মিত শেভ করত না, তাই তার মতো দেখতে একজনকে খুঁজে পাওয়া সহজ ছিল। বৈকুণ্ঠ রাজি হয়েছিল এই ভূমিকা পালন করতে, আর আমি নিশ্চিত করেছি যে প্রতিবেশীরা কিছুই সন্দেহ করবে না।"

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 **পায়রার পরীক্ষা**

আমরা পায়রাদের ব্যবহার করার সিদ্ধান্ত নিলাম। এক সকালে, রমেশ আর আমি তার বাড়ির কাছে দাঁড়ালাম, যেখানে বৈকুণ্ঠ পায়রাদের খাবার দিচ্ছিল। পায়রারা উড়ে এল, কিন্তু রমেশের কাঁধে বসার বদলে তারা দূরে সরে গেল। কিছু পায়রা উড়ে চলে গেল।

প্রতিবেশীরা, যারা এই দৃশ্য দেখতে জড়ো হয়েছিল, **অবাক** হয়ে বলল, "এটা তো অদ্ভুত! পায়রারা তো রমেশকে খুব ভালোবাসত। তারা আজ তাকে এড়িয়ে চলছে কেন?"

রমেশ এগিয়ে গেল, তার কণ্ঠ দৃঢ়। "কারণ আমি আসল রমেশ। এই লোকটা একজন নকল। পায়রারা সত্য জানে।"

বৈকুণ্ঠ নার্ভাস হয়ে হাসল, "এটা কি হাস্যকর! আমি আসল রমেশ। এই লোকটা প্রতারক!"

কিন্তু প্রতিবেশীরা বিশ্বাস করল না। "পায়রারা মিথ্যা বলে না," একজন প্রতিবেশী বলল। "তারা সবসময় রমেশকে বিশ্বাস করত। যদি তারা তোমাকে এড়িয়ে চলে, তাহলে তুমি সে নও।"

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 **সমাপ্তি**

পুলিশ বৈকুণ্ঠ আর ধন বাহাদুরকে গ্রেপ্তার করল। রমেশের পরিচয় ফিরে পেল, আর সত্য প্রকাশ পেল: ধন বাহাদুর পুরো পরিকল্পনাটা করেছিল রমেশের সম্পত্তি আর জীবন নিয়ন্ত্রণ করার জন্য।

রমেশ আমাদের ধন্যবাদ জানাল। "তোমাদের সাহায্য ছাড়া আমি কী করতাম জানি না," সে বলল, চোখে **জল** নিয়ে। "তোমরা আমাকে আমার জীবন ফিরিয়ে দিয়েছ।"

আমি হাসলাম, "এটাই তো বন্ধুর কাজ, রমেশ। শুধু আগামীকালের জন্য সতর্ক থাকবে।"

আর পায়রারা আবার রমেশের কাঁধে বসতে শুরু করল, আর জীবন ধীরে ধীরে স্বাভাবিক হয়ে এল। ডোপেলগ্যাঙ্গারের কেসটা শেষ হয়েছিল, কিন্তু ধন বাহাদুরের বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা রমেশের বিশ্বাসে একটা গভীর দাগ রেখে গেল।

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