13th August was celebrated as the “International Left handers” day all over the world, following the tradition started in 1996 to show solidarity to those exceptionally doughty lefties (said to be 12% of the world’s population).
Also called south-paw, the left-handed ones have not had it easy and there has been doubts raised on them. As per our Indian custom, girls have always been encouraged to be right-handed, never mind the natural flair, compliments are not supposed to be left-handed, the left-wing folks have their own critics and when we say “the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing“ the reference is not flattering ! Even the word “dexterity” shows a right-handed bias. The term dexter means “right” and refers to being “right-handed” on both sides.
Be that as it may, the world has had its share of great and extraordinary lefties including Albert Einstein, Charlie Chaplin, Bill Gates and the US Ex President Barack Obama to name a few. The sporting world has seen many tennis legends of the likes of John Mackinroe, Rafeal Nadal and Martina Navratilova among others, while cricket lovers would still revel in the classy cover drives of greats like Neil Harvey (Australia ), David Gower ( England ) and our own Yuvraj Singh and “God of the Off-side” Dada Sourav Ganguly, left-handed batters creating poetry in motion when wielding the willow ! Naturally, the greatest all-rounder, Gary Sobers was also a left-hander ! Sachin Tendulkar being ‘God of Cricket’ is said to be ambidextrous !
Being left handed probably gives greater versatility and style to many men and women as it has also been seen as a trait indicating creativity, boldness and strength of character of such people who are also endowed of musical and artistic abilities. It is no longer inauspicious to be left handed as long as one is really good at what he or she does or achieves ! The living legend Big B once shared a childhood memory of being scolded by his father for writing with his left hand which led him to switch to the right hand instead, though he was a natural lefty. He can write with both hands !
As for me, I’ve grown up with some genuine left-handers of immense talent and skill as two of my four sisters (one elder and one younger) are in that class. Having known many lefties in my time, I’ve always been impressed with their repertoire and resourcefulness. In fact, my home & life depends entirely on a person who’s not only a very deft left-hander but dishes out various cuisines in no time waving the ‘ladle’ gloriously ! Admittedly I’ve found it eminently favorable, being on her right side !
Working on Living 