The Hindu : New Delhi News : Inside delhi

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Tuesday, Apr 22, 2008
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Inside delhi

Cricket, really?

The Indian Premier League has arrived like an irresistible proposition for over-the-hill players with an eye on that secluded, islanded pensioner’s paradise. But for a people smitten by anything remotely linked to the contest of willow and leather, this neo-age, stripped down, slam-bang version of the gentleman’s game may just implode under the ungainly onus of expectation and investment. Much has been written about the comely cheer girls and the hint of a reality television atmosphere that these matches are likely to spin; what has been casually bypassed is whether the new sporting ethos that puts commerce above all else would translate into something that the genuine spectator would queue up to purchase tickets for. A jam-packed Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium played host this past Saturday evening to the opening match of the local Delhi Daredevils team that flaunted in its ranks hometown lad Virender Sehwag. Simmering with excitement, the house was packed well before Glenn McGrath let loose the first ball with first-line spectators already perched on whatever elevated structures that were to be found—chairs, railings and parapets.

Since those closest to the action had decided to watch the match standing up, those behind had little choice but to follow suit. Eventually, a majority of the viewers watched the Delhi team canter to a win while still on their feet; flustered at having had to stand for so long but still disregardful of the endless urgings of security personnel asking them to sit down. It was a lucrative evening for snack bars as well, with eatables priced at thrice or four times their usual cost. Fifty bucks for a pack of popcorn, the same for a semi-molten ice-cream, and ten rupees for a glass of water—purportedly from a previously opened camper of mineral water. While the players, the sponsors, the media houses and the adjunct support staff are laughing all the way to the bank, the paying spectator may just discover this marriage of entertainment and sport a tad unpalatable.

Kunal Diwan

Business first

The first thoughts that cross your mind when a cop flags you down are far from pleasant. And if you have not jumped the red light and have not been talking on the mobile phone, then the sight of a cop asking you to pull to the side can only mean trouble. A friend driving down to work on Saturday afternoon was waved to a halt near the Nizamuddin police station. Since he had not flouted any of the rules -- his seat belts were in place, he drove within the permissible limits, and was not even using the mobile -- the sight of a man in khaki waving his baton was more than discomforting.

As he rolled down the window, the man in uniform pointed to the “Press” sticker on his windscreen and began asking questions about his organisation. After what could pass off as a mild interrogation, the cop proceeded to explain that his son who is studying mass communication at a prominent university in Delhi needed help with a summer job!

The friend regained his composure only when the concerned father having done his bit for his son walked back to the check post to resume his duty of keeping an eye on traffic violators.

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Save the Earth

To commemorate Earth Day, National Geographic Channel has launched a special music video, “Earth -- A Song for Life”, that inspires people to save the planet.

The music video aims to make people realise the urgency of the situation at hand and bring about an attitudinal change in them.

The uniqueness of the video lies in the fact that the protagonist of the song is not an individual but the Earth itself. It is composed by Sandeep Chowta, who has given Bollywood some scintillating sound tracks. The lyrics have been brought alive by the melodious voice of Bangalore-based music band “Karma6”. “We were convinced that this would be a unique way to spread the message inspiring today’s youth to be more environmentally aware. The song strikes an emotional chord with this message and has an extremely youthful and fresh feel to it,” says Nikhil Mirchandani from the National Geographic Channel. Through the music video, the channel wants people to take small but significant decisions like recycling waste, using a ceramic mug instead of a plastic one, and reducing paper wastage to make Earth a better place to live in. Speaking about the music video, Sandeep Chowta says: “I urge people to watch and listen to this song and share it with as many people as they can to spread the message of conservation. The lyrics are a simple heartfelt request by planet Earth asking people to save her from impending destruction.”

Madhur Tankha

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