Dr D's column: When a Kerala minister made a silly mistake

Dear Dr C
I must begin with a confession: yes, I made a mistake.

When that famous boxer died, I was asked for my reaction and I did say, “It is sad that a son of Kerala has passed away”. But in my defense I thought the anchor was asking about that boy I knew in Kottayam. There was a call drop also.

If I had been told clearly that it was the famous sportsman Muhammad bin Tughlaq, I would have not made the mistake. I am sports minister, sir! You ask me anything about Sachin Gavaskar’s records! Anything! I know it.

Look, it was a momentary lapse — why now all this kolaveri? It is being made out like I am ignorant of the subject. I can tell you, for your kindest information, that I have met one of the great tennis playing Williams sisters — the one I met was Ms Sunita Williams. I said: ‘Boy, I am loving how you smack the balls. Perhaps one afternoon you can show me also how to start from Love-All eh?’

For some reason she took offence to this. Anyway, my point is this: let not one minor error colour anyone’s opinion of me.

I also know, for example, that not only was Muhammad bin Qasim a truly great fighter, but he also converted to a new faith and spread it. But leave all that aside, I trust I have established my cred with you, Dr P. Now tell me how to do the same with the rest of India.

Dear Neta G I would correct you and say I am neither Doctors C nor P but then I would have to address your other errors, which seem to me not to be errors.

The great Muhammad Ali suffered from Parkinson’s, a terrible affliction affecting the brain. I do not know what your particular problem is, but your name says it all. I am afraid no doctor can cure our Neta Gs.

STATUTORY WARNING: This humour column is not for the weak-kneed or the thin-skinned.