Distance learning... Paaji University, Mumbai!

Dear Sir, many more happy returns of the day;

May all happiness in this world cross your way;

May you continue to play till all your hairs grey!

(Does the previous line make me a true fan? or the lines that follow :-))

O captain my captain...

You debuted at the tender age of sixteen;

An age, for many, the outside world remains unseen;

When with bleeding nose you kept going, indicating "I am here to stay";

I learnt #1. Go chase your dreams. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Captaincy was bestowed upon you at twenty three;

A phase when players want to contribute load-free;

When you handled this responsibility with same passion;

I learnt #2. Be fearless. Step up, rise to the occasion!

You progressed, creating and breaking records;

Fans started worshiping you as one of their demigods;

As you began to be the architect of 'cricketing history' in the making;

I learnt #3. Never settle down, set high goals, impossible is nothing!

Every innings you enter the cricket field;
Newer expectations and pressure build;
Even then you always play like a champion not weak to yield;
I learnt #4. Buckle not under pressure. From the front, lead!

Each time you hit back at critics with your unparalleled performance;
I learnt #5. Action speaks louder than words. Have patience!

With more than twenty years of experience;
Amazing! you still possess energy in abundance;
When you scored your hundredth ton, amidst added stress and anxieties;
I learnt #6. Work with passion and dedication. "Excellence" you'll automatically seize! 

Everything you've achieved is extraordinary, yet you behave with dignity and poise;

I learnt #7. Live humble. Stay grounded. Empty vessels make more noise!

O captain my captain...

You are...

An everyday inspiration!
A role model for every generation!
The pride of our nation!
The biggest celebration!

p.s. To,
      The Master blaster.
      From,
      An ardent fan.
          "Stop not for anyone...
          Please go on till your heart says its done!!"