India WOWS the world. This probably is the headlines that is going on and on, on all the pointless 24 hour news channels in India. Forgetting the fact that they were the ones who tried to portray the ongoing Commonwealth Games as a potential disaster. In fact until a few days back I was under the impression that the games were going to be a god damn disaster.

It is a common knowledge that any big event in India is not complete without a goof-up. There were so much commotion all over the world that this event will be a disaster and India is not fit to host an event of this scale. India’s reply was loud and clear yesterday and echoed all over the Universe.

The games began exactly as planned in the presence of great souls like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. The high light of the games was the 70 crore Aerostat(a worthy competitor for Beijing’s master piece ). This giant measures around 40 meters X 80 meters X 12 meters was powered with 20,000 cubic meters of helium gas. It is an unique piece of art and it is mounted with cameras that provide a 360-degree viewing experience so every person in the stadium can view the entire effect of the aerostat and laser projections.

The ceremony began with the beats of a variety of 800 drums – from Pung Cholom of Manipur to Chenda of Kerala to Gudum Baja – reverberated the stadium as spectators were left spell-bound. The first segment of performance lasted for 12 minutes. Wangala drummers from Meghalaya, the energetic dancing drummers from Karnataka Dollu Kunita, a folk drum Punjab Dhol, Koya from Orissa, Gajja Dhol from Maharashtra, and Bihu drummers from Assam also added to the charm of the performance.

The lime-light of the day was our own 7 year old tabla player Keshav, Pudhuchery, who stole the show with his scintillating performance. Later an extraordinary dance fusion showcasing India’s Cultural diversity was staged. This was followed by Surya Namskar performed by Yoga students. This really defined what India is, what we stand for. This was followed by a mind blowing sand painting where artists drew Bapu and illustrated the freedom struggle in a minute. This was a piece of true and extraordinary talent pool available in this magnificent nation.

Earlier the Prime Minister welcomed the dignitaries and the guests to India. Then Prince Charles handed over the Queen’s baton and our President signaled “Let the games begin”. The anger of the crowd against corruption was visible when Kalmadi’s speech was reciprocated through jeers. Nevertheless everyone in the ground had a real great time and we could see a relieved sigh on Mr. Kalmadi’s face.

Then all the nations were called upon for the parade and Pakistan was cheered by an extra round of applause(a positive step towards peace). Later the 617 strong Indian contingent led by Abinav Bindra, sported in a red traditional Sherwani and dazzling Saree, invited for a standing ovation from the entire crowd led by our Honorable President of India. This was followed by an inspiring Rahman’s performance on stage.

Hariharan has sung Swagatham and the Guests were welcomed. Finally we’ve managed to break the jinx and joined the league of elite nations. Some say it is the best game show ever, some say it is the best sporting ground ever, some say it is better than Beijing. But rest assured, India has made a mark with its cultural grandeur, technological excellence and civil discipline and this is just the beginning. It’s now the time for our team to sustain the momentum. Kudos to every soul who worked hard to make this event a success

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