Books and ME.

My Experience with A Century is not Enough

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word 'Century?' Is it related to the years, or related to some sport?

Century is always special, and it always brings joy in the people's face. I hope I am saying too much because this week I would write about the most famous captain of our Indian cricket team, Sourav Ganguly, fondly known as 'Dada' by everyone. Yes, I would write about his autobiography, 'A Century is not Enough.' The title is so apt in accordance to this edge of the thriller career of Dada.

Autobiographies are always interesting. I am a big fan of autobiographies. When you read biographies, it tends to take away the actual story of the person. The writer puts his/her own thought process while writing someone else's story. Autobiographies tell you the real story straight from the horse's mouth. I had started this segment from Khushwant Singh's autobiography and here we are again with the autobiography of Sourav Ganguly.

The entire nation roared in awe when the renowned commentator and former player, Geoffrey Boycott, titled him as 'The Prince of Calcutta'. From his prior days till the day he hung his boots from his cricketing career, controversies, as well as success stories, always surrounded his life.

Talking about the book, this book is the perfect guidebook for someone who has an attitude to never give up in his/her life. The book teaches you that whatever happens in life, never lose hope and should continue giving your best. Results would eventually come. Do not lose hope when you are not getting the desired results because there is something big planned for you.

The book is divided into three parts- Climbing to the Top, Becoming a Leader and my favourite Giving up is Not an Option.

Let's start with the first part. Just like a thriller story, this actual life also starts with a cliff hanger situation with Dada getting dropped from the team even though after having a fantastic season of runs. This sets the perfect tone to his story as it gives us the hope that 'Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.' The story from his struggling to be in the team to scoring a century at Lord's on his debut, the first part gives you the exact roller coaster ride you expect from his life. Every chapter in the book is a struggle for him and how he comes out of it is the inspiration for all. He has his share of happiness, successes and failures all which he took it with equal grace showcasing his leadership quality in him.

The first part is an apt prequel to the second part where his days of Dadagiri was at its peak. Who would have ever thought a boy from Kolkata would one day wave his shirt in the famous Lord's balcony? But after all, he is the prince, and he can do anything. His journey continues in this part with him becoming the captain of the Indian team, to his successful stints in Pakistan to paving his path for his doomsday by meeting the infamous Greg Chappell. Sourav Ganguly has done it all and has proudly come out of it successfully. After all, the tiger never quits.

The third part is more of his later part of his cricketing journey which had more falls than his rise but his falls instil so much inspiration that when the story of his rising from the ashes starts, it does definitely places your trust back in working hard to achieve success. This part has more troubles for him and how he coped with each of his problems and to add to his headache were the rumours of a fight with one of the biggest stars of the Indian film Industry. But before ending his cricketing journey, he overcame all his struggles and proved to everyone why he was the fighter from whom we can learn so many things in life.

I have read some autobiographies of sportspersons but the inspiration I got from his book is beyond comparison. Other books talk mainly about how they have done in their lives, but this book talks about how he struggled with himself but never lost hope. His was the story of survival and keeping in mind not to lose his self-respect simultaneously.

Dada has always been the favourite of many 90s cricket crazy fans and when he waved the shirt at Lord's, we felt as if he did it for us. When he lost in the 2003 world cup finals, the loss was our personal loss, when he was dropped from the team because of the inefficient self-proclaimed Godman 'COACH' it felt like everything in our lives was over. So, while reading those experiences in this book, I got to feel how he went through it and how he coped up with it. He would have never been such a great player if he had overcome such difficulties in his career.

The book shows his anger, his attitude towards life, his responsibilities towards his team, country and his family, and his respect for his fellow team members. It is always said that one should let go of his anger and move on, but this book teaches us something different. Keep that anger and work upon it and that would help you in not losing your focus.

Dreams are important, and without them life is nothing. Thanks to Dada, this seems very relevant. The book has many pictures during his different timelines. It would really take you to that era which we always wanted to stay forever. Each picture would give you Goosebumps, just like all the chapters in the book. While reading the chapter, you would cry, you would smile and finally, you would celebrate on his success. It is not just the love for him but the respect the entire country has for him. He is also fondly referred to as the 'Architect of the Indian Cricket team' and this book takes you through this journey. The struggle he had to go through to bring the team what we are seeing today.

At 254 pages, this book is a literal roller coaster ride as mentioned in the cover page. There are too many ups and downs in his life but his 'never say never' attitude never failed him. As a person who is seriously pursuing his dream, his philosophies and his principles really inspired me. He fuelled an extra level of inspiration in me and I would suggest everyone read this book. This book may not be a literary genius, but it has many lives changing lessons embedded in every page of the book.

Until I upload my experience with another book, till then take care, be safe and keep on reading. Cheers.