Commonwealth Games – Symbol of British Monarchy or Pride for India

Indian Head of State President Pratibha Patil is set to receive the Baton for the Commonwealth Games Rally from the Queen of England. I am seeing colourful Ad’s splashed across national newspapers mentioning it as a matter of great pride. I ask is it?

British Empire had ruled us for more than 2 centuries and looted our country and our respect in many ways. The barbaric act of Jalianwala Baug can never be forgotten, nor can a true Indian forget the sacrifice of our freedom fighters.

Indians have the power to forgive. However, I believe that the President of India receiving the Baton from the Queen of England cannot be considered as a matter in which we need to take so much pride.

What are the Commonwealth Games?

 The games started as inter British Empire sporting event comprising the colonies such as Australia, Canada etc. Initially the event was known as British Empire games. Since its inception and till date the Commonwealth Games is headed by the British Monarch. Why is it so? If it is sporting event highlighting friendship and unity of nations then why is there no other country heading the games. The Queen of England demonstrates British generosity by announcing the games open and it is a customary for the member (can be termed as former slave of the Queen) staging the Games needs to go to London to receive the baton from her to mark the launch of the Games. According to me these Games symbolize the Glory of British Empire and to keep alive the British Colonial legacy.

Does India really require hosting these Games especially considering our history? Can the $1.6 billion dollars being spent to organize these games be diverted towards building better sport facilities across the country, finding talents existing and prepare our athletes to achieve the maximum at Olympics? Well!!! I presume we all know the answers.

India has to acknowledge the present is as true as India also need not forget the history and the sacrifices that have gone in getting its Independence.

I remember the incidence where in the then serving Air Chief Marshal of India A Y Tipnis did not salute Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. How could he salute the mastermind of Kargil War? How could he forget the sacrifices of our Jawans and Officers? No he could not…

We need to understand the value of our Independence and not succumb to superficial pride of organizing an event that optimizes the colonial legacy.