• UGI USER
  • Jun 15, 2024
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YOGIS & JUNGLEE CRICKET IN THE LAND OF YAHOO

Relevance: GS IV – Ethical lessons of interconnections in contemporary global cooperation

 Why in the news?

  • Despite a rich cricketing history predating baseball, the US is a cricketing newcomer.
  • Gaining momentum through immigration, the US Cricket team in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, surprised many with wins and knocked Pakistan out of the tournament.
  • Their journey as a cricketing nation is just beginning.
  • Broader connections between the US and India in various fields: politics, spirituality, technology, and sports.

The Link Between the US and India Across Spheres

  • Yogi Berra’s famous American baseball player quote: “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
    • Originally intended as directions to his house, where either path would lead to his home.
    • Metaphorically suggests embracing opportunities.
  • Saurabh Netravalkar’s Journey
    • It seems Netravalkar have taken a fork of sorts in his life’s journey
    • Represents the modern Indian middle-class dream of dual success in tech and sports.
    • Google search results: Instagram handle, Oracle software engineer profile, cricketing credentials.
    • Circles of Life: The cyclical nature of life as exemplified by Netravalkar’s career which transitioned from playing under-19 cricket for India to representing the US against India.

US Cricket Origins from Baseball

  • Believed to have originated from rounders, a variant of cricket played by English settlers in the US.
  • Evolution of the game from rounders to modern baseball.
  • Influence of Baseball on Cricket
    • Introduction of the term ‘pinch hitter’ to cricket from baseball.
    • The impact of baseball’s free-swinging batter style on cricket’s limited-over formats.

Emergence of the US Cricket Team

  • Historical Background
    • Cricket played in the US since the 18th century by British immigrants.
    • Cricket overshadowed by baseball in popularity over time.
  • Recent Developments
    • Increased interest in cricket due to a growing South Asian immigrant population.
    • Formation of Major League Cricket (MLC) in 2021 to professionalize the sport in the US.
    • 2019: USA Cricket granted associate membership by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
    • 2024: US team participated in the ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the US and the Caribbean.
  • Notable Achievements
    • Upset victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup.
    • Leadership of Saurabh Netravalkar, former India under-19 cricketer.
  • Impactful Players
    • Diverse team featuring players with international experience.
    • Noteworthy performances by players like Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan.
  • Infrastructure and Investment
    • Development of cricket stadiums and facilities across the US.
    • Significant investment from private entities and cricket boards.
  • Cultural Integration
    • Cricket’s growing popularity among American youth. Integration of cricket into American sports culture through media and community events.
    • T20 cricket’s similarity to baseball in aspects like colorful outfits, cheerleaders, and commercial appeal.
  • Future Prospects
    • Continued participation in international tournaments.
    • Potential for increased popularity and success with further development and investment.

The Intricate Connections Between the US, India, and Britain

  • A triangle can be formed by including Britain along with the US and India.
  • Adam Osborne and Early Computers
    • He created the first commercially successful portable computer.
    • Born in Bangkok, partially raised in India, and died in Tamil Nadu, India in 2003.
    • Fluent in Tamil, his family was connected to Eastern philosophy and Ramana Maharishi’s spiritual ashram.
    • Noted the eventual leadership of Microsoft, Google, and IBM by people of Indian origin.
  • Bollywood’s Connection to America’s Tech Revolution
    • Yahoo, founded in 1994, is an acronym for Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle.
    • Inspired by Shammi Kapoor’s “Yahoo!” from the 1963 movie Junglee.
    • Junglee Corp was founded in 1996 by four IITians and acquired by Amazon in 1998.
      • Co-founder Rakesh Mathur later started a company called Purple Yogi.
      • Shammi Kapoor was an early web evangelist and founded the Internet Users Club of India.
T20 cricket humorously referred to as the “junglee version” of the game with much “yahoo-ing.”

Interconnected Evolution of Cricket, Democracy, and Technology

  • Cross-Cultural Influence: Cricket, democracy, and technology influenced by British colonialism and subsequent global interactions.
  • Modern Integration: Cricket’s adaptation to modern, tech-driven entertainment (e.g., T20 cricket), democratic processes facilitated by technology, and tech advancements rooted in ancient mathematical concepts.
  • Cultural and Economic Exchange: The reciprocal relationship between countries in these spheres, driving mutual growth and evolution.
Cricket’s Evolution

  • Cricket originated in England, evolving from rural pastimes to an organized sport.
  • Spread to colonies including India and the US, where it was adapted in various forms.
  • Introduction of T20 cricket, blending traditional cricket with elements of baseball, enhancing global appeal.

Democracy’s Evolution

  • Ancient Roots: Early forms of democratic governance in ancient India (sabhas and samitis) and the Mahajanapadas.
  • British Influence: Modern democratic principles formalized with Britain’s general elections in the 17th century.

○   American Democracy: The US established democratic elections in the late 18th century, influencing global democratic practices.

○   French Connection: The French Revolution inspired global democratic movements, influencing leaders like Tipu Sultan.

Technology’s Evolution

  • Mathematical Foundations: Ancient Indian mathematicians like Aryabhatta and Brahmagupta developed the concept of zero, crucial for computer science.
  • Early Computers: British-born Adam Osborne developed the first commercially successful portable computer.
  • Silicon Valley: The rise of tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and IBM, led by Indian-origin CEOs, showcasing the global integration of technology.

Ethical Lessons of Interconnections in Contemporary Global Cooperation

  • Cultural Respect and Understanding: Importance of respecting diverse cultural perspectives and histories to foster mutual respect and collaboration.
  • Inclusive Innovation: Acknowledgment of contributions from diverse backgrounds in technological advancements, promoting inclusivity and equality.
  • Global Cooperation: Emphasis on collaborative efforts across nations to address global challenges like climate change and pandemics, highlighting the need for solidarity.
  • Historical Reflection: Learning from past interactions to promote justice and equity in international relations, avoiding repeating historical injustices.
  • Ethical Governance: Ensuring transparent and accountable governance practices to uphold democratic values and human rights on a global scale.
  • Ethical Entrepreneurship: Balancing economic success with ethical responsibilities, focusing on sustainable development and social impact.
  • Cultural Integration in Sports: Utilizing sports as a platform for promoting cultural exchange, tolerance, and unity among diverse communities worldwide.

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/opinions/2024/Jun/14/yogis-junglee-cricket-in-the-land-of-yahoo

Mains question

Discuss the intricate historical, cultural, and technological connections between the US, India, and Britain, and analyze the ethical lessons these interconnections offer for contemporary global cooperation. (250 words)