BBC's 'Our World'today afternoon on television made a chilling revelation of the rise of German nationalism. Chancellor Markel's economic policies extending huge aids to the ailing economies of Spain and Greece has created a sense of insecurity among conservative Germans. The migrants from the former East European countries and muslims from Turkey and other nations, they feel, will make the vibrant German culture non-existent. In an interview given to the BBC correspondent, a hooded far right activist said they want the original German culture to last longer and German economy should flourish. We can't brush this aside saying it is the handiwork of a few mavericks considering the support they're gaining among Germans. They have already started indoctrination in some of the schools to start with.Perhaps last generation may have some knowledge of Hitler's attempt to purify German nation which started in the lae 1930s resulting in the annihilation of millions of Jews and how his nationalism unleashed the disastrous world war.The world is in in a much worse situation with allround economic downturn than when the war started.I am not a doomsayer, but in the eventuality of another Hitler coming up the damage to human life can be mindboggling thanks to all modern technology. Nationalism has found followers in France, Belgium and Netherlands where wearing burqua has been made illeagal. Sarkowsky barred gypsies' entry from Eastern Europe. Even in England there is a 5 million increase in population which has put the economy into severe strain. Govt-run institutions like National Health Scheme are finding it difficult to find funds so much so that doctors are discouraged to prescribe costly medicines if a cheaper alternative is availabe even if it acts slowly and less effective.There may be simmering discontent beneath the all is well scenario which might come to surface when matters take a downturn. Suppressing Neo-Nazis and allied groups by force may be counterproductive. Improving the living standards and clearing the minds of people of unwanted fear may ease the situation. Otherwise,German nationalism will make the Arabs and Muslim nationalism a child's play. Murali

Roger Federer Again!!

A few days past since my last blog on him and now I've to eat my words! I was in a hurry to write Federer off before he sailed into the 3rd round but after witnessing his performance in the QF I felt this champion is playing with a renewed vigour and surging confidence. His SF defeart of Yoshny was emphatic. A doubt began growing in my mind if he plays like this why not another Grand Slam for him? With all credit to the great fighting spirit of Murray, finally, as BBC commentator said the best player won the tournament. Federer has Olympics& US Open before him. Now I wonder: Will this amazing champion add these two coveted prizes to his already bulging bag of GSlams & titles. Maybe, May be not.It's immaterial.The present is more important. Bye Murali

Roger Federer

I am avid tennis fan. From the days of Pietrangelli,Ramnathan Krishnan, Rod Laver, Newcomb, Amritraj bros till now I have watched the rise and eclipse of so many great names in Men's tennis.Pete Sampras was the first player whom I started admiring for his game and on court and off court behaviour. Before Pete, all others became insignificant!One by one they bit the dust. Lendl, Connors,Macenroe, Borg. Wilander the list is long.But not until one youngster who was still wet behind the ears yet came form somewhere and showed the world he intends to stay there for sometime to come- Roger Federer.He started winning titles one after the other and became the cynosure of all when he defeated his own idol, Pete Sampras in 2001 Wimbledon Final.Federer wept unashamedly like he did when he lost Australian Open to Nadal almost a decade later,because he won the first Grand Slam beating his favourite player after whom he fashioned his own game. Sixteen Grand Slams and almost all amjor tournaments later his game is at cross roads. For almost 10 years he reigned supreme. The King Federer had no rivals!He won the coveted Davis Cup for his country-Switzerland. there was still one more Grandslam to be added to his kitty-French Open. Two years ago he won that too.He was 29 and Nadal was breathing down his neck.His winnings came to a trickle one here, another there, he became erratic,his powerful shots seemed to slip away losing points at the end of long rallies...well, his game no longer had the consistency which was its backbone once. I don't know how he's going to fare in 2012 Wimbledon which is going on.I saw the way he thrashed the spaniard Ramos 6-1,6-1,6-1 with some delectable shots,net drops and baseline drives.Tennis critics are wondering if he'll achieve the seemingly impossible task of a 7th Wimbledon Crown, we can't say anything now. (I myself don't see him going beyond semifinal when he is likely to meet his nemesis Djokovic) Whether he will win anymore tournaments or not is not important. The fact is he has created a special place for himself in the minds of his admirers like me. When the seeded players came to Wimbledon before the draw, everyone jostled to come closer to Federer. Not many bothered about Nadal or Djokovic. Federer didn't disappoint anyone. One young boy stammered:'' Can I be good-er sorry-like you?''Federer ruffled his hair and asked him''How good are you now?'' I was in Doha for 2011 Qatar Open. The final was between Federer and Davidenko. When Federer came to the court there was an electrified effect! All rose to give him a standing ovation. Today also, when he beat Ramos, I witnessed the same. Everyone got up and applaued him; not because he defeated a much junior player; that ovation is only for legends like him. No wonder he was the 2nd most popular person after Nelson Mandela!