While it is being recorded that New Delhi is limping back to a state of preparedness as hosts for the Commonwealth Games the ignominy of the international disgrace that has been heaped upon it will not be expunged in a hurry. This is the same Indian capital that had hosted the first ever Asian Games in 1952 and subsequently, 30 years later, in 1982 with a fair degree of success. More importantly, all the arrangements at that time, to ensure that the Games would be successful, went off without a hitch.
By that logic a country which is being touted as a super ‘economic' power should have by all reasonable argument been able to stage the Commonwealth Games, an event of lesser stature than the Asian Games. But no. This is because the evident signs of progress in India at the social and economic, levels have been offset by a severe breakdown in morality and accountability. The failure to get the Commonwealth Games venues ready in time, despite it having been awarded to New Delhi seven years ago is a case in point.
Failure to stage a successful Games will inflict irreparable damage on India's international stature. This is the time for the government to seriously tackle its levels of indifference and permissiveness.
