Saurabh Garg on The New New Thing

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I am sure everyone is aware of the recent controversies surrouding the boycott of the Olympic Games in light of problems between China and Tibet. Our country seems to have a knack of getting itself involved in every issue important to the world.

I am talking about torch relay through India on April 17. It was supposed to happen in India and was supposed to pass along a message of global harmony and peace that the games represent. It was also supposed to educate Indians about the games and spirit it embodies. Some people were also considering it as the precursor to Commonwealth Games in 2010.

However, officials have decided that the torch relay would be inaccessible to the common man. If I may ask Y. If India may ask Y. Isn’t common man makes a person a very important person? Isn’t a VIP a public figure? Doesn’t the common man own the VIPs?

I know that there is a “clear and present danger” to the torch, the torch bearers, the olympic committee officials, policemen guarding the torch, VIPs trying to look fit and carry the torch, semi-nude cheerleaders cheering the torch-bearers, school children in their fancy dresses, lost doggies of policemen and a lot of other important people. I know that whatever China is doing or not doing in Tibet is uncalled for. I know that I am getting bald fast. I know Veerapan is long dead.

But why so much politics around an olympic torch? They are calling for snipers and equivalent to FBI and CIA to guard the torch. China is promising tactical support for the torch. Thankfully US, Iraq and Afganistan are not interesting in restoring global peace with this torch.

Then I dont want to talk about the expense account of the entire security operation. I am not trying to say that the entire IOC (Indian Olympic Committee) flew to Melbourne for the closing ceremony and superstars were paid crores to just say goodbye to the games. Am not asking for an audit on the accounts and private businesses of the officials. All I am saying is that make it accessible to the junta.

People like Sachin Tendulkar, Anju Bobby George, Milkha Singh have been invited to participate. Certain people like Bhaichung Bhutia and Amir Khan have decided not to run. I have never seen a bunch of grown-ups and intellects fighting over a sporting event (except the battle between ICL and IPL).

Its about time India really asked Y.