On a recent visit to Delhi, I received an sms from an my old pal, “Interested to meet up for a hen party tomorrow night? You get to see the full works.” I was interested in going as I had only heard stories about 'such' parties but never been to one. But I had no clue what one is supposed to do at such a party, so I googled 'hen party', and got a fair notion of what to expect. Of course, there were different versions of what I could expect at the do in varying degrees of outrageousness.
Anyway, what's the harm in letting your hair down once in a while, I thought and decided to go ahead. I planned to keep my day free, as I wanted to hang around with buddies whom I hadn't met for a long time.
The evening finally arrived. I remember driving through a long winding road to the farmhouse which was situated in the suburbs of the city with a feeling of excitement. The venue was already choc-a- bloc with cackling hens of all ages, decked in the wildest possible outfits one can imagine of. There was this pretty girl in a sombero and red coloured thongs. About the rest of the half dressed audience, the lesser said the better. For some time, I completely went blank but soon found my friends in a corner and made my way towards them.
Clearly, fun was the byword here and the scene was straight from Sex and the City. The oval-shaped stage for the evening was decorated in fluffy pink condom curtains and psychedelic lights. In the hall, myriad fairy lights blinked and changed colours to the beat of the music. Circular pink tables were placed randomly round the room for people to watch the proceedings.
As the night progressed, spirits flowed freely and finger food shaped in the form of edible lingerie was passed around. I was just getting used to the idea of sinking my teeth into a flimsy pair of panties when my eyes were drawn to this huge, weirdly shaped pink cake placed in the centre of the hall. It resembled a dildo, my friend enlightened me. More surprises were in store. I geared up for some fun filled action. By then, I was completely relaxed and was no longer fazed by the happenings around me.
And then, more than 50 of us held our breaths for the piece de resistance of the evening -- six male strippers! It was downright wild.The lights dimmed, the drums rolled and to the cue of Joe Cocker’s, You could leave your hat on - the quintessential strippers' song, the strippers, scantily dressed in blue and white stripped aprons troooped in.There was wild screaming and clapping as the guys gyrated to the music.They twirled, held on to the pole and made sensous moves.The more adventerous of hens climbed on to the stage and joined the guys. The tiny group in the corner stripped down to their thongs, just to feel sensual. The night of fun and general debauchery was on the roll! I recollect leaving for home in the wee hours, with a kinky toy as a return gift!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Shoppers, stop!
With festivals round the corner, you can do some shopping, sitting in your living room, with Star C J Alive, the 24- hours home shopping channel, says Barnalee Handique
You want to indulge in some shopping, but don't feel like stepping out of your home. Now how's that possible? It is, if you tune in to C J Star Alive, and order for whatever meets your requirement.
For the uninitiated, STAR CJ Network India is the result of a strategic partnership between STAR and CJ O Shopping, which is South Korea’s most successful home shopping business. The 24-hour shopping channel brings to you about 300 select premium branded products in three exciting categories like Home appliances and telecommunications, Fashion and skincare, Electronic goods and other lifestyle merchandise. Operating in a multimedia environment, including television, web and catalogue, it offers buyers across Maharashtra, Delhi, Chandigarh and certain nearby cities products which they could purchase from their home at their own convenience.
Says Paritosh Joshi, CEO, STAR CJ Network India Pvt Ltd, “We launched this channel a month back on STAR Utsav. There was a humongous response from viewers.We realised that home shopping has a great potential in our country. But earlier the distribution system was poor and untapped. Also, the visibility of the products was only in big cities. To purchase something of their liking, customers had to come all the way to a bigger city.”
In the initial stage, the channel got a very positive feedback and fast gained popularity. It witnessed 40,000+ consumers availing of its services. Premium brands like Satya Paul, Adidas, D'damas, LG, Corelle, Samsung, Benetton, Canon, Phillips, Morphy Richards, Tanishq, Reebok and Olay are among the channel’s brand partners.
Joshi says he wanted to change the mindset of the Indian customer, “Earlier, our knowledge of teleshopping was limited to a particular product, which was repeatedly shown on TV throughout the day. But the concept of homeshopping is an antithesis to teleshopping. It is a virtual mall where you can buy anything under the sun,” avers Joshi. Every product sold has an add-on, which adds to its value.
Based in Mumbai, this 24-hour homeshopping channel and its inventory is stacked with hundreds of brands and products which are delivered free of cost across 2,000 cities in India. The anchors help you choose the right product by giving you information and recommendation on which merchandise will suit your lifestyle needs. You can also get your favourite television set, washing machine or ornament set with a certain discount on the actual price! And if you want to exchange a product or want a refund, you can do it without any hassle.
Are you ready to shop, sitting on your comfy couch then?
You want to indulge in some shopping, but don't feel like stepping out of your home. Now how's that possible? It is, if you tune in to C J Star Alive, and order for whatever meets your requirement.
For the uninitiated, STAR CJ Network India is the result of a strategic partnership between STAR and CJ O Shopping, which is South Korea’s most successful home shopping business. The 24-hour shopping channel brings to you about 300 select premium branded products in three exciting categories like Home appliances and telecommunications, Fashion and skincare, Electronic goods and other lifestyle merchandise. Operating in a multimedia environment, including television, web and catalogue, it offers buyers across Maharashtra, Delhi, Chandigarh and certain nearby cities products which they could purchase from their home at their own convenience.
Says Paritosh Joshi, CEO, STAR CJ Network India Pvt Ltd, “We launched this channel a month back on STAR Utsav. There was a humongous response from viewers.We realised that home shopping has a great potential in our country. But earlier the distribution system was poor and untapped. Also, the visibility of the products was only in big cities. To purchase something of their liking, customers had to come all the way to a bigger city.”
In the initial stage, the channel got a very positive feedback and fast gained popularity. It witnessed 40,000+ consumers availing of its services. Premium brands like Satya Paul, Adidas, D'damas, LG, Corelle, Samsung, Benetton, Canon, Phillips, Morphy Richards, Tanishq, Reebok and Olay are among the channel’s brand partners.
Joshi says he wanted to change the mindset of the Indian customer, “Earlier, our knowledge of teleshopping was limited to a particular product, which was repeatedly shown on TV throughout the day. But the concept of homeshopping is an antithesis to teleshopping. It is a virtual mall where you can buy anything under the sun,” avers Joshi. Every product sold has an add-on, which adds to its value.
Based in Mumbai, this 24-hour homeshopping channel and its inventory is stacked with hundreds of brands and products which are delivered free of cost across 2,000 cities in India. The anchors help you choose the right product by giving you information and recommendation on which merchandise will suit your lifestyle needs. You can also get your favourite television set, washing machine or ornament set with a certain discount on the actual price! And if you want to exchange a product or want a refund, you can do it without any hassle.
Are you ready to shop, sitting on your comfy couch then?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Celebrate and savour
Its Pateti time again! To celebrate the Parsi New year, King’s Restaurant on East Street had orchestrated an exhaustive menu for its patrons. The eatery follows the traditional method of cooking to retain the flavours and every signature dish adds to the diversity of the food. Bahram Zadeh, owner, King's restaurant, says, “The delicacies have been created with utmost care. We have designed it in a way that our patrons can relish the original aroma and taste of the dish.”
So there you had gourmets with a yen for Parsi food crowding round the buffet tables displaying the mouth watering feast. Headlining the Parsi delicacies were all time favourites like Patrani Macchi, Mutton Biryani, Lagan nu Stew, Dhansak Dal and a variety of kebab platters. The Patrani Macchi is marinated in coconut and mint chutney, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. On the other hand, the Mutton Biryani is cooked in traditional spices, brought all the way from Persia. The remaining two dishes - Mutton Stew, a concoction of chicken or mutton pieces with vegetables, and Dhansak made from toor dal - all make for a sumptuous meal.
One can also settle down for A la Carte and order from a variety of dishes like Sali Chicken, Chelo Kebabs, Juleh Kebabs, Zereshk Pulao and so on. A meal cannot be complete without desserts. So don't forget to try the delicious Lagan nu Custard. “Through our eatery, we have tried to present the traditional dishes of Persia in a contemporary space. We have tried to bring forth the nuances of perfectly done kebabs, a well made curry and a succulent biryani through a variety of dishes,” says Zadeh.
So there you had gourmets with a yen for Parsi food crowding round the buffet tables displaying the mouth watering feast. Headlining the Parsi delicacies were all time favourites like Patrani Macchi, Mutton Biryani, Lagan nu Stew, Dhansak Dal and a variety of kebab platters. The Patrani Macchi is marinated in coconut and mint chutney, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. On the other hand, the Mutton Biryani is cooked in traditional spices, brought all the way from Persia. The remaining two dishes - Mutton Stew, a concoction of chicken or mutton pieces with vegetables, and Dhansak made from toor dal - all make for a sumptuous meal.
One can also settle down for A la Carte and order from a variety of dishes like Sali Chicken, Chelo Kebabs, Juleh Kebabs, Zereshk Pulao and so on. A meal cannot be complete without desserts. So don't forget to try the delicious Lagan nu Custard. “Through our eatery, we have tried to present the traditional dishes of Persia in a contemporary space. We have tried to bring forth the nuances of perfectly done kebabs, a well made curry and a succulent biryani through a variety of dishes,” says Zadeh.
They set the hearts racing...
The much talked about PRA Independence Million 2010 was held with much fanfare at the Race Course on Independence Day. To celebrate the occasion, Rustom Bharucha and Zubin Bharucha organised a soiree for the invitees. The excitement was palpable in the air, as the day advanced. The crème da crème of the city glided down the lawns decked in exquisite designer wear. We spotted noted gazal singer Jagjit Singh joining the joi de vivre.
Very soon, everyone was savouring the scrumptious hors de oeuvres, while a live band serenaded the gathering. To keep the festivities rolling, Armored Corps Center School band was specially flown in from Ahmednagar, to play the national anthem. Incidentally, this was the fourth successive year of the PRA Independence Trophy and the first year when it has become the million race.
The races soon began, and the atmosphere was charged. Enthusiasts were seen cheering and clapping for their prized horse. The crowd rushed near the track to get a better glimpse of the galloping horses. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly when Floods of fortune, the favourite horse of the PRA Independence Million 2010, won the coveted trophy. Farouq and Zaheer Rattonsey, owners of the horse, accepted the trophy from the Bharuchas
Very soon, everyone was savouring the scrumptious hors de oeuvres, while a live band serenaded the gathering. To keep the festivities rolling, Armored Corps Center School band was specially flown in from Ahmednagar, to play the national anthem. Incidentally, this was the fourth successive year of the PRA Independence Trophy and the first year when it has become the million race.
The races soon began, and the atmosphere was charged. Enthusiasts were seen cheering and clapping for their prized horse. The crowd rushed near the track to get a better glimpse of the galloping horses. The highlight of the event was undoubtedly when Floods of fortune, the favourite horse of the PRA Independence Million 2010, won the coveted trophy. Farouq and Zaheer Rattonsey, owners of the horse, accepted the trophy from the Bharuchas
Time for beers and cheers
Beer connoisseurs can try a variety of beers at Smokies' Bar, which are brewed fresh and taste great, says Barnalee Handique
If you like beer, and you are in a mood to try something new, then Smokies' Bar at The Corinthians Boutique Hotel may just be the right place for you. The place, formerly known as The 1st Brew House, offers the magic of a classic bar with contemporary setting.
Since its inception, the Brew House has been concocting beers in innovative ways. The beers come in various bitter and sweet, dark and light options. To name a few, mango beer, Christmas ale, apple cider, wheat beer have been great hits among the patrons.
What sets the joint apart is that you can see your favorite beer brewed in front of your eyes, while the brew master and his team initiates you into the nuances of beer brewing. You can learn about the variety of beers and the difference between them, their distinctive tastes and flavours, and so on, while sipping on your favourite drink.
When asked about the intricacies of fine beer making, Sahil Khare, the brew master, reveals, “Malts, yeast, gallons of water and the right temperature of course are the essentials. Malt is the main ingredient, which when roasted, gives the fine colour and flavour to different types of beer. Gradually, yeast is added and the whole mixture is fermented till a certain time period.” Khare and his team keep a check on the temperature controls in order to come up with the perfect brew.
Khare, who has graduated in this art six months back, has come up with a new graduation beer. “We are provisionally calling it the British Copper beer, because of it's fascinating copper colour. The ale is malty, fruity with a bitterness similar to English ale. That is one of the characteristic which sets it apart from other typical beers,” he says.
About the new beer, Khare elaborates, “The carbonisation of the beer is low to moderate, and it mellows down with conditioning. We have blended English hop-fuggles in the brew. These special hops are known for its flinty, mineral, earthy flavours. The basic purpose of the hops is that they help to balance the fruity notes.” How? “The liquid extracted after fermentation is too sweet. The hops assist to give the perfect harmony,” he replies.
And, of course, the beer tastes simply divine. Unlike the other beers, it has got more body, is crispier, and gives an extra zing to the palate.
Want to know something else? The beer complements Indian cuisine. You can guzzle a couple of pints with tandoori, better chicken, rogan josh and vegetarian dishes.
In the future, the brew master is planning to add kolsch (barbarian style of brew), dunken wheat (dark wheat beer) and a fizzy pop green tea beer to his repertoire.'re sure looking forward to it all!
If you like beer, and you are in a mood to try something new, then Smokies' Bar at The Corinthians Boutique Hotel may just be the right place for you. The place, formerly known as The 1st Brew House, offers the magic of a classic bar with contemporary setting.
Since its inception, the Brew House has been concocting beers in innovative ways. The beers come in various bitter and sweet, dark and light options. To name a few, mango beer, Christmas ale, apple cider, wheat beer have been great hits among the patrons.
What sets the joint apart is that you can see your favorite beer brewed in front of your eyes, while the brew master and his team initiates you into the nuances of beer brewing. You can learn about the variety of beers and the difference between them, their distinctive tastes and flavours, and so on, while sipping on your favourite drink.
When asked about the intricacies of fine beer making, Sahil Khare, the brew master, reveals, “Malts, yeast, gallons of water and the right temperature of course are the essentials. Malt is the main ingredient, which when roasted, gives the fine colour and flavour to different types of beer. Gradually, yeast is added and the whole mixture is fermented till a certain time period.” Khare and his team keep a check on the temperature controls in order to come up with the perfect brew.
Khare, who has graduated in this art six months back, has come up with a new graduation beer. “We are provisionally calling it the British Copper beer, because of it's fascinating copper colour. The ale is malty, fruity with a bitterness similar to English ale. That is one of the characteristic which sets it apart from other typical beers,” he says.
About the new beer, Khare elaborates, “The carbonisation of the beer is low to moderate, and it mellows down with conditioning. We have blended English hop-fuggles in the brew. These special hops are known for its flinty, mineral, earthy flavours. The basic purpose of the hops is that they help to balance the fruity notes.” How? “The liquid extracted after fermentation is too sweet. The hops assist to give the perfect harmony,” he replies.
And, of course, the beer tastes simply divine. Unlike the other beers, it has got more body, is crispier, and gives an extra zing to the palate.
Want to know something else? The beer complements Indian cuisine. You can guzzle a couple of pints with tandoori, better chicken, rogan josh and vegetarian dishes.
In the future, the brew master is planning to add kolsch (barbarian style of brew), dunken wheat (dark wheat beer) and a fizzy pop green tea beer to his repertoire.'re sure looking forward to it all!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Ethnic flavour
Barnalee Handique visits Taste of India, a gourmet haunt for authentic Indian fare, and recommends it to youngsters who want to relish some good food keeping their pocket money under consideration
Just round the corner from the heavy hustle and bustle of the schizoid traffic of Vimanagar, near Dattaray Chowk, is this tiny little eatery, Taste of India. As the name implies, the restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, and has earned itself a reputation of serving the best desi dishes in the locality.
Situated in an industrial area, Taste of India has become a favourite with young professionals. And since it's not heavily priced, it's flocked all the more by a young clientele. Deepak Bisht, an ex-IT professional himself and owner of the place, says, "The main idea of setting this place was that one can enjoy different regional cuisines in reasonable prices under one roof." Bisht not only knows the nitty gritties of the food he serves, but also knows how to present it to the city's gastronomes. This aspect is incidentally the first thing that grabs your attention.
"The food is a big hit with my colleagues and me. We frequent it nearly everyday during lunchtime. The food served here is scrumptious. It's like home cooked food with less oil and spices," says Rahul Chada, a professional. Ditto with Bikram Seth, an executive. "It is like a home away from home. You get to savour all the regional cuisines under one roof. Moreover the dishes are well priced and don't burn a hole in your pocket," he reasons. It was a cue that we were not going to miss. We decided to see what's on offer and also to savour some of it. The bright coloured menus are in-depth and extensive.
The menu is a plethora of lunch combos, biryani combos and fusion combos like Indianised Chinese dishes available in both vegetarian and non- vegetarian. Also, the fare served here is generously proportioned and doesn't give you a chance to crib about quantity. As far as the dishes go, a huge draw are the special ones like dum aloo, banarasi chicken, chettinad chicken Maratha, malbar fish curry and Goan dishes. And naturally, these impressive delicacies draw in strolling passer-bys.
An observation before we left: once the waiter staff learns you are interested in exploring authentic fare, they are more than willing to pitch in and help you on your gourmet odyssey.
Just round the corner from the heavy hustle and bustle of the schizoid traffic of Vimanagar, near Dattaray Chowk, is this tiny little eatery, Taste of India. As the name implies, the restaurant offers authentic Indian cuisine, and has earned itself a reputation of serving the best desi dishes in the locality.
Situated in an industrial area, Taste of India has become a favourite with young professionals. And since it's not heavily priced, it's flocked all the more by a young clientele. Deepak Bisht, an ex-IT professional himself and owner of the place, says, "The main idea of setting this place was that one can enjoy different regional cuisines in reasonable prices under one roof." Bisht not only knows the nitty gritties of the food he serves, but also knows how to present it to the city's gastronomes. This aspect is incidentally the first thing that grabs your attention.
"The food is a big hit with my colleagues and me. We frequent it nearly everyday during lunchtime. The food served here is scrumptious. It's like home cooked food with less oil and spices," says Rahul Chada, a professional. Ditto with Bikram Seth, an executive. "It is like a home away from home. You get to savour all the regional cuisines under one roof. Moreover the dishes are well priced and don't burn a hole in your pocket," he reasons. It was a cue that we were not going to miss. We decided to see what's on offer and also to savour some of it. The bright coloured menus are in-depth and extensive.
The menu is a plethora of lunch combos, biryani combos and fusion combos like Indianised Chinese dishes available in both vegetarian and non- vegetarian. Also, the fare served here is generously proportioned and doesn't give you a chance to crib about quantity. As far as the dishes go, a huge draw are the special ones like dum aloo, banarasi chicken, chettinad chicken Maratha, malbar fish curry and Goan dishes. And naturally, these impressive delicacies draw in strolling passer-bys.
An observation before we left: once the waiter staff learns you are interested in exploring authentic fare, they are more than willing to pitch in and help you on your gourmet odyssey.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Provides it all!
Cooking something exotic over the weekend? You can finally find all the right ingredients for that perfect dish, thanks to The Providore, the new provisional store in Aundh, says Barnalee Handique
Ever wanted to prepare tacos, but couldn't find the right ingredients? Ever wanted that delicious bar of cheese to accompany your wine, but didn’t know where to get it? If your answer is yes, then there is relief for you in the form of The Providore. The store, located at Anand Park, Aundh, is every gourmet's dream. Food connoisseurs can go berserk over the goodies here that range from a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, taco fillings, to salad dressings and fresh herbs.
So, what does The Providore mean? “It means a provisional store where you can find all food ingredients under one roof,”explains Salony Kane, owner of the store. “Whenever I tried to cook up something exotic, I used to visit three different shops to find the right ingredients. By the end of the shopping spree, I was exhausted. That's how the idea of the store cropped up,” she says.
Talking about the philosophy of the store, Kane says, “We are not in the business of rushing. The basic idea behind the store is to enjoy food, experience and feel it. Everyone is welcome here. They can browse through the shelves and acquaint themselves with the products. And we are open to 'food talk ' and any kind of suggestions.”
One interesting feature that caught our eyes was the food shows that were played on the televsion. On the big wooden tables, recipe books were piled up. So if you are planning a special dish for dinner, then you can browse through the recipe books to select the right condiments. Or you can consult Kane, who is ready to guide you through your culinary quest.
As for the store, once you step into it, you will be reeling under the wide choice of ingredients and eatables at your disposal. One can find the entire range of condiments for Italian, Chinese, Thai, Spanish and Mexican dishes. Also on offer are different types of cold cuts and cheese sourced from local traders and from abroad. One has a variety of tastes to choose from and can mix and match according to what one wants. Want to know something else? The Providore stores truffle oil and other special oils.
Kane is convinced that the outlet is just what the urban professional needs. “With the change our lifestyle has seen, and with the young generation adopting a global culture, we believe that this is the most opportune time to launch a store like this, which saves time, money and energy,” Kane says.
As for the future plans, a home delivery system is in the pipeline. There's a bigger dream: in a couple of years, the proud owner wants The Providore model to be replicated all over the country. Amen to that!
Ever wanted to prepare tacos, but couldn't find the right ingredients? Ever wanted that delicious bar of cheese to accompany your wine, but didn’t know where to get it? If your answer is yes, then there is relief for you in the form of The Providore. The store, located at Anand Park, Aundh, is every gourmet's dream. Food connoisseurs can go berserk over the goodies here that range from a variety of cheeses, cold cuts, taco fillings, to salad dressings and fresh herbs.
So, what does The Providore mean? “It means a provisional store where you can find all food ingredients under one roof,”explains Salony Kane, owner of the store. “Whenever I tried to cook up something exotic, I used to visit three different shops to find the right ingredients. By the end of the shopping spree, I was exhausted. That's how the idea of the store cropped up,” she says.
Talking about the philosophy of the store, Kane says, “We are not in the business of rushing. The basic idea behind the store is to enjoy food, experience and feel it. Everyone is welcome here. They can browse through the shelves and acquaint themselves with the products. And we are open to 'food talk ' and any kind of suggestions.”
One interesting feature that caught our eyes was the food shows that were played on the televsion. On the big wooden tables, recipe books were piled up. So if you are planning a special dish for dinner, then you can browse through the recipe books to select the right condiments. Or you can consult Kane, who is ready to guide you through your culinary quest.
As for the store, once you step into it, you will be reeling under the wide choice of ingredients and eatables at your disposal. One can find the entire range of condiments for Italian, Chinese, Thai, Spanish and Mexican dishes. Also on offer are different types of cold cuts and cheese sourced from local traders and from abroad. One has a variety of tastes to choose from and can mix and match according to what one wants. Want to know something else? The Providore stores truffle oil and other special oils.
Kane is convinced that the outlet is just what the urban professional needs. “With the change our lifestyle has seen, and with the young generation adopting a global culture, we believe that this is the most opportune time to launch a store like this, which saves time, money and energy,” Kane says.
As for the future plans, a home delivery system is in the pipeline. There's a bigger dream: in a couple of years, the proud owner wants The Providore model to be replicated all over the country. Amen to that!
CWG must succeed
Who could have thought that the Commonwealth Games will be such a success even before they began? Never has a sporting event been monitored so avidly. Games organisers from across the world are wondering how India managed this. The secret is simple. The organising committee's big idea was the pre-games competitions. It knew that most countries didn't care about CWG, many countries wouldn't compete, top athletes would avoid them and sponsors will ignore it. The only way to grab the collective eyeballs was to organise a series of contests before the games. And break records after records in them. So the organising committee began to buy things at exorbitant prices. Umbrellas, tissue rolls, chairs, treadmills? All at record prices. As a result, this remarkable CWG is already the talk of the town.
And don't forget the series of slugfests the committee thought of. The Mani Shankar Aiyar versus Suresh Kalmadi was the biggest hit. Aiyar landed massive blows with his acidic words like those organising the event were evil. In return, Kalmadi branded Aiyar anti-national. He was cheered wildly. Yet another contest was for contractors: who will complete the project as close to the opening ceremony as possible. Many contestants are still in the field and going strong.
There is little hope now of the CWG being a global advertisement for the country. Forget competing with the success of the South African World cup or the Chinese Olympics, the CWG will find it difficult to even emulate the success of 1982 Asiad. But let us be optimistic and believe we can and we will ride over all the obstacles at the last minute, and the CWG won't be a disaster. The commoners too can join in and work for the success of the event.
If handled right at this late hour, the fact of playing host to the world's best will usher in a new era in the annals of Indian sports. Despite all the drawbacks, the CWG can still make a statement to the entire world. Delhi will get a facelift because of the games. It will heralded a new beginning. The city will now been on par with world class cities.
A failed CWG experience will add fuel to the already raging fire. It will fan the argument that there remains a big disconnect between the country's new-found modernity and the masses, who live a pitiable condition and will continue to do so for ages. And commentators not very happy about India's growing economy and political clout will focus on the disconnect and the disparities. Let's not give them a chance.
And don't forget the series of slugfests the committee thought of. The Mani Shankar Aiyar versus Suresh Kalmadi was the biggest hit. Aiyar landed massive blows with his acidic words like those organising the event were evil. In return, Kalmadi branded Aiyar anti-national. He was cheered wildly. Yet another contest was for contractors: who will complete the project as close to the opening ceremony as possible. Many contestants are still in the field and going strong.
There is little hope now of the CWG being a global advertisement for the country. Forget competing with the success of the South African World cup or the Chinese Olympics, the CWG will find it difficult to even emulate the success of 1982 Asiad. But let us be optimistic and believe we can and we will ride over all the obstacles at the last minute, and the CWG won't be a disaster. The commoners too can join in and work for the success of the event.
If handled right at this late hour, the fact of playing host to the world's best will usher in a new era in the annals of Indian sports. Despite all the drawbacks, the CWG can still make a statement to the entire world. Delhi will get a facelift because of the games. It will heralded a new beginning. The city will now been on par with world class cities.
A failed CWG experience will add fuel to the already raging fire. It will fan the argument that there remains a big disconnect between the country's new-found modernity and the masses, who live a pitiable condition and will continue to do so for ages. And commentators not very happy about India's growing economy and political clout will focus on the disconnect and the disparities. Let's not give them a chance.
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