CWG lesson: Need leaders, not rulers for governance-27 September 2010,

CWG lesson: Need leaders, not rulers for governance

Rajesh Kalra

27 September 2010, 01:59 PM

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, I visited the games’ accreditation centre. It was mid afternoon and 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.

It was boiling hot, and humid, but all these youngsters were in their official track suits 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.

I was set thinking. I am sure anybody in my place would have too. 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?

It is not that they are not aware of the mess that has been created. I am sure at some level they also realise that those they elect to govern actually turn into rulers and turn their backs on us. The truth is that the positive energy they exude is despite, not because of the system.

And now there is a growing fear that once the 14 day event is over, one scapegoat would be found, given a safe passage, while scores of other morons who have embarrassed and milked us will continue with their machinations to plunder us even more, probably with even greater clout. This growing perception needs to be arrested.

One has continually heard the name of Suresh Kalmadi as the fall guy. I think he deserves it. If you want to be the face of the game, then you better be prepared for the consequences of not delivering on your tall promises, especially with all those tales of nepotism and corruption going around.

But he is not alone. What about the sports minister who controls the Sports Authority of India? And when the bridge collapsed, it was not Kalmadi’s doing, but the Delhi government, headed by Sheila Dixit’s fault. When the brand new stadiums started leaking, it is again not Kalmadi’s fault but the Urban Development ministry under Jaipal Reddy, who, ironically has been given even more responsibility. When perfectly good sidewalks were ripped apart to be replaced with impractical ones to allow contractors to make money shamelessly, it was again one of the two mentioned at the end that were responsible. Incidentally, both Dixit and Reddy made preposterous statements after the foot overbridge collapsed. One said it was only meant for the common man so no big deal, and the other thought it was a minor incident. Right, common man is a cretin and 27 getting injured, 7 of them critically, is a minor incident. Perhaps for them, but I am sure these excited youngsters I referred to don’t think so.

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 leaders who can provide governance, not rulers.

Follow Rajesh Kalra on Twitter