We are just 4 days away from celebrating 63 years of independence. And many people believe it is time for India now, that it is time India shows its strength to the world and rises above the pity situation being showed in many movies and books and to finally make it up finally on the world stage. That it is time for India to move on from a developing nation to a developed nation. And yes, people may be right in some of the fronts in praising the country. But on the other hand, there have been instances when we feel India will never be able to rise to a developed state any day.
The latest dark spot on India's pride comes in the form of Commonwealth Games(CWG) organizing. India won the bid to host the 2010 CWG in 2003. And there was a huge hue and cry over the win with the media declaring it as a big success. Though there were a few skeptics who doubted India's capability to host such a big event on an international level, but overall it was a feel good climate amongst the general masses and media.
But as and when the date came nearer, things started to change. And it reached the vantage point, when the corruption charges were reported in the media a few weeks back. Now there are just two months left before the games begin. And still we are lagging too far behind in terms of infrastructure, planning and finances. The corruption charges were of the worst possible order. Some very, very clearly visible charges. The media understandably went berserk in reporting the faults and the misdoings of the CWG organization. But, what was expected was some reaction from the government or PM, but none came. There were just a few statements here and there and a parliament discussion which was again marred by allegations from the opposition and all that usual scenarios. Mani Shankar Aiyer, Congress's senior leader and a Rajya Sabha member went on to say that he will be happy if the CWG turns out to be a disaster as that would turn out to be a lesson for the country and the people involved in the crimes. Also that would prevent India from bidding for a major sporting event in the future and those crores of Rupees could be used for some productive work.
Yes, i agree that what happened was wrong and that strict actions should be taken against those found guilty and a thorough inquiry should be undertaken. But what is more important at this point of time? Why should the misdoings of a very small minority cause shame to other mass population of this country? The event, that should have been a showcase of India's strength, pride and its upcoming, should not turn out to be a showcase of what the foreigners associate most often to India - poverty, corruption, crime. That is not what all India is.
Even South Africa is no better than India as far as economic, social or political conditions are concerned. The problems there are much worse than in our country. The crime rate, racism, aids, poverty, etc are very big problems troubling them. But still there was no voice being raised over there before or after the cup and all that we could hear was invitations to visit their country. And the way the 2010 football world cup was conducted, should have raised hopes for Africa and so many developing nations. The Athens 2004 Olympics was one more noteworthy example. The conditions there were similar to what it is here now. The stadiums were way behind schedule just 2 months before the games. But that was when the people of the nation united and overcame all the difficulties to conduct a reasonably good Olympics.
Why can’t the people of this country unite and bring up a show of solidarity? Why can’t the media have a little more positive environment now and help build a positive atmosphere in the country? It is time when we come forward and show the world that India is not what they perceive it to be. We don’t have just those few corrupt people having their say in all the important matters. It is time now, media stops all that negative marketing and positive steps are taken to see that the games are organized in the best of the spirits. But yes, all this with the promise that those found culprit will be punished and nothing of this sort will be tolerated in future.
I would also like to thanks Mr. Subroto Roy here, whose letter related to this in all news dailies a few days back, changed my point of view in terms of the games and motivated me for this article.
Signing off with the hope that we are able to organize the CWG successfully and in the best possible manner. Also that all those found guilty of the charges be punished and steps are taken to ensure that the chaos caused this time doesn’t occur again.
The latest dark spot on India's pride comes in the form of Commonwealth Games(CWG) organizing. India won the bid to host the 2010 CWG in 2003. And there was a huge hue and cry over the win with the media declaring it as a big success. Though there were a few skeptics who doubted India's capability to host such a big event on an international level, but overall it was a feel good climate amongst the general masses and media.
But as and when the date came nearer, things started to change. And it reached the vantage point, when the corruption charges were reported in the media a few weeks back. Now there are just two months left before the games begin. And still we are lagging too far behind in terms of infrastructure, planning and finances. The corruption charges were of the worst possible order. Some very, very clearly visible charges. The media understandably went berserk in reporting the faults and the misdoings of the CWG organization. But, what was expected was some reaction from the government or PM, but none came. There were just a few statements here and there and a parliament discussion which was again marred by allegations from the opposition and all that usual scenarios. Mani Shankar Aiyer, Congress's senior leader and a Rajya Sabha member went on to say that he will be happy if the CWG turns out to be a disaster as that would turn out to be a lesson for the country and the people involved in the crimes. Also that would prevent India from bidding for a major sporting event in the future and those crores of Rupees could be used for some productive work.
Yes, i agree that what happened was wrong and that strict actions should be taken against those found guilty and a thorough inquiry should be undertaken. But what is more important at this point of time? Why should the misdoings of a very small minority cause shame to other mass population of this country? The event, that should have been a showcase of India's strength, pride and its upcoming, should not turn out to be a showcase of what the foreigners associate most often to India - poverty, corruption, crime. That is not what all India is.
Even South Africa is no better than India as far as economic, social or political conditions are concerned. The problems there are much worse than in our country. The crime rate, racism, aids, poverty, etc are very big problems troubling them. But still there was no voice being raised over there before or after the cup and all that we could hear was invitations to visit their country. And the way the 2010 football world cup was conducted, should have raised hopes for Africa and so many developing nations. The Athens 2004 Olympics was one more noteworthy example. The conditions there were similar to what it is here now. The stadiums were way behind schedule just 2 months before the games. But that was when the people of the nation united and overcame all the difficulties to conduct a reasonably good Olympics.
Why can’t the people of this country unite and bring up a show of solidarity? Why can’t the media have a little more positive environment now and help build a positive atmosphere in the country? It is time when we come forward and show the world that India is not what they perceive it to be. We don’t have just those few corrupt people having their say in all the important matters. It is time now, media stops all that negative marketing and positive steps are taken to see that the games are organized in the best of the spirits. But yes, all this with the promise that those found culprit will be punished and nothing of this sort will be tolerated in future.
I would also like to thanks Mr. Subroto Roy here, whose letter related to this in all news dailies a few days back, changed my point of view in terms of the games and motivated me for this article.
Signing off with the hope that we are able to organize the CWG successfully and in the best possible manner. Also that all those found guilty of the charges be punished and steps are taken to ensure that the chaos caused this time doesn’t occur again.
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