India's first Winter Olympian, and the ✌🏽 sign | #90
What does halwa have to do with our Union Budget?
Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow
Trust humans to find a way to play games even in the snow and then compete amongst nations in the Winter Olympics. The controversial Winter Olympics started yesterday in Beijing as the city became the first city to host both the summer and winter Olympics. This week’s edition is dedicated to wonderful stories from the colder of the two Olympic Games
Things we learnt this week 🤓
India’s first ever Winter Olympian was born in Lithuania to a Polish couple. Jerry John Bujakowski, a naturalized Indian, fell in love with skiing during his time in the US and became so good that university of Denver offered him a full scholarship based on his skiing skills. He qualified for the Olympics in 1964 at Innsbruck, but had a fall on a tough course - he broke his back, had a fractured leg, concussions and internal hemorrhages. That should have ended his career. He fought hard, recovered and represented India again at the 1968 Olympics. It would take another 20 years before an Indian participated at the Winter Olympics. For Jerry, the snow was so easy, it was a piste of cake.
Skier Arif Khan is India’s sole representative at this year in Beijing. Well, sole representative as a participant atleast. The full Indian contingent this year includes:
1 Chef De Mission
1 Manager
1 Technician
1 Team Official
_______________
1 Athlete
1 Coach
This should tell you something about sports in our country. Ah well, atleast some uncles went onsite this year.
Ever wondered why East Asians make V-signs in photos? It may have got to do with the performance of Janet Lynn, a noted anti-war activist, at the 1972 Olympics. Lynn was considered the hot favourite for the figure skating event. However, she fell during her performance, ending her dreams. Shattered, she picked herself up, smiled and flashed the V for Victory sign. This endeared her to the Japanese people, and her subsequent appearances in the media had her flashing the V-for-Victory sign or peace sign. V may never know the real reason, but V will make peace with it ✌🏽
Only In India
Once the pandemic set in, Sonu Sood has turned out to be the man who has done it all - making migrants reach their homes safely, helping students stranded abroad reach India, and more. Recently a woman, facing an issue with a faulty meter at home, turned to Sonu Sood for help. Sonu, as he has shown countless times since the pandemic, could even fix the electricity issue for the woman. Maybe Akshay Kumar can play Sonu Sood in his next film.
IWTK Recommendations 💌
Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana (Available on Zee5) - Set in the background of the coastal city of Mangalore, Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana tells the story of 3 people - Shiva, Hari, Brahmayya. With the holy trinity as a metaphor, brilliant performances and stunning visuals, this movie is a treat for all cinema lovers.
Rocket Boys (Available on Sony Liv) - Jim Sarbh (of Cred ads fame) does a star turn as Homi Bhabha in this sincere ode to Nehru’s ‘Mad scientists’, who kickstarted India’s space program.
Here’s the interesting story of the ‘Halwa’ ceremony before the National budget. Yum!
That’s it from us this week. Tune in next week as we enter the nervous 90’s with our 91st issue.
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❤️ IWTK