The Hindu : New Delhi News : Capital has an unforgettable rendezvous

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 11, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Capital has an unforgettable rendezvous

By Our Staff Reporter

Fireworks illuminate the Delhi skyline above the National Stadium during the final ceremony of the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday. — AP

NEW DELHI, JUNE 10. It was a homecoming of a different kind. And clearly one with a spirit so strong that even the infamously indifferent national Capital decided to shed its `busy' image and celebrate the spirit of the world's biggest sporting event this Thursday.

Little surprising then that the grand finale of the Indian leg of the Olympic Torch Relay was all about celebrating the spirit of the occasion. From the Congress party's Nehru Brigade that had 133 spirited senior citizens enjoy the dazzling fireworks from outside the National Stadium where they had stayed put for four long hours to welcome the special guests to those who travelled with the torch across the city, the event brought together people from different walks of life for the celebration of the right spirit.

Making the grand beginning for what ended up as a great cultural evening here was a special presentation that saw one of the most talented musical families in the country take centrestage. An ode to the power of the Olympic torch flame, singer Kavita Krishnamurti rendered the theme song "Jyot se jyot jalao" with L. Subramaniam on the violin.

With Delhi coming out in considerably good strength to support the cause, the evening was made special for those who made the effort, with Shyamak Davar and his troupe presenting a special dance performance "C'mon India". With video clips of some of the golden moments of the Olympics being beamed on the side screens, Shyamak and his group presented an energetic performance that saw attempts to bring alive the Greek flavour through the costumes used.

Presenting a diverse but united India through a special show was the Bansi Kaul choreographed dance item "Sounds of Peace and Indian Art Ensemble" that saw a mini India enthral the audience through its various cultural gems in the form of music and dance.

But it was eventually the much anticipated laser show combined with a `breathless' performance by singer Shankar Mahadevan that eventually made it complete for the families that had travelled the long distance.

While the laser lights kept children and adults dazed with its spell binding effect, singer Shankar Mahadevan kept them occupied with two of his popular numbers "Breathless" and "Sabse Aage Hindustani".

The occasion may have seen a bit of drama too, what with a section of the audience cheering for Delhi to be the next Olympic destination, but the splendid fireworks that had the sky lit up for a good ten minutes more or less summed the Capital's date with the Olympic Torch - short but unforgettable.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi