Are Commonwealth Games heading towards national shame?

AS THE days are drawing nearer for the mega event, India's lack of preparation for Commonwealth Games is being exposed on a regular basis. What has been more embarrassing is that, the Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) Mike Hooper termed athletes’ village as filthy and neglected.

To support its view, CGF had presented photo evidence of a stray dog jumping on a bed in the Games Village to the organizers. It is national shame that despite our culture based on cleanliness, where the poorest of Indians sweep the floors daily and keep their house clean, our organizers failed to act for an international event.

The shock does not end here. A new foot over-bridge near the main venue of the games, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium collapsed injuring 23 labourers, five of them critically. However, is it not a matter for worry for our Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy? When and at what point are our ministers going to start worrying? What about poor labourers who got injured in the mishap?

It is clear that from the day one when it was announced with national pride that India would host the Commonwealth Games, we probably were not ready for it. The way our preparation began, it demonstrated that our organizers are not focusing on it. In my view when we have not been able to host a single national game without any controversies and drawbacks, than how will we host an international affairs amidst all the hullabaloo? Now I am sure it will be diplomatic disaster.

Are Commonwealth Games heading from national pride towards national shame? It provides evidence of our inability to put this big show together as a nation. Inspite of competence and potential, the high level of corruption has bought us into this situation. Now a days, blowing a whistle against corruption has no meaning in India. Everyone seems to have accepted corruption as a part of life in India.

It is the insensitive and ‘chalta hai attitude’ of our government that is to be blamed. We are losing a golden opportunity to showcase India as a successful nation. When are we going to learn our lessons? No issues can insult us enough to change our ‘chalta hai attitude’. Our government must understand this is mega event, not a stage show. We should not be surprised if something goes wrong during the Games, if something like this happens - it will be like slap on the face of every Indian.

I feel cheerless that a Commonwealth Games organizers have let down our country and people.