NEED LEADERS

The dust has finally settled and the Commonwealth Games are underway in a brilliant manner. It was surely one of the most spectacular opening ceremonies ever put up for a multi-sport event. Going through the saturation coverage in every form of media these past few weeks about the Commonwealth games, it would seem that among the general population, especially the youngsters, there is no interest in the real thing, the games itself. With the coverage being almost entirely focussed on corruption and mismanagement, I thought so too, but have been proven wrong.

On Saturday, Afternoon, at the games’ accreditation centre. The dirty and narrow road leading to the centre’s gate was choc a bloc with debris, and thousands of youngsters. These youngsters are the ones who you would see as volunteers at various venues, both competitive and non-competitive.

But all these youngsters were in their official track suits (against boiling hot ,approx. 40 degree temp., and humid atmosphere) and seemed mighty proud of it too. They seemed to take even greater pride in the accreditation cards, dangling from their neck. The excitement and enthusiasm was palpable. I also saw some of them practicing what they have been trained for, in all seriousness. At some level it seemed like the opening day of college with thousands of freshers, out to make a mark and enjoying it. They were loud too. In fact there was enough of animated chatter to rival the buzz of vuvuzelas. The excitement was infectious.

These youngsters are not being paid for what they were doing and will be doing the next twenty days. They were all there because they love sports, they are proud of the fact that their country is hosting a prestigious event, because they want to be part of it and because they love their country. They seemed so far removed from the corruption and the games related mess stories we have been eating and breathing these past few months that I too felt unburdened.

There was so much positive energy they exuded that one couldn’t help wondering. Why can’t this be canalised towards the good of the nation. And then the same old thoughts come racing in. Who will do so? How can a nation bereft of leadership do justice to the aspirations of these youngsters?

As I said, these youngsters are well aware of what all is happening. They have seen their nation’s name being muddied shamelessly the past few months, but they still show the resilience that several adults are not capable of. We owe it to them that those who brought us to such a pass are not spared. They need to get leader who can provide governance, not rulers.