Awinning

that showcased the soul of the country – all these elements came together in relatively smooth synchronicity to form a unique and memorable opening ceremony.

I admit to keeping my fingers crossed as politicians and dignitaries began filing into the stadium, but when the ceremony began right on time, I relaxed. If the country could master its age-honoured concept of starting any event at least ten minutes late, we were onto a good thing. And with what followed, India certainly didn’t disappoint.

What impressed me most within the entire three-hour bonanza was that India did what it does best. It showcased the richness of its culture and heritage, poked a wee bit of fun at its idiosyncrasies, and the best thing of all was that it was all original, or as we could say, typically Indian. There was none of the hastily adapted western influences, none of the extravagant displays of technology or modernization, which would have been farcical and inappropriate. Instead, it was tasteful, informative and it stuck to a single, yet simple theme – this is India.

The Commonwealth Games inaugural ceremony was exactly what the world needed to see and understand about

India. Not Bollywood, call centres, cricket or the IT industry, but the essence of life in India, of which we are proud. The ceremony was divided into specific segments highlighting the country’s diversity through dance, drums, music, yoga and textiles. In many ways the inaugural ceremony was different, a step away from the traditions expected from past Games, which reflected not just India’s modernity of thought, but also the use of creative concepts to enhance the entire experience for not just the audience, but also the athletes. One of these was a move away from the traditional athletes’ march which usually happens at the end of the inauguration, which often means that they miss out on the ceremony which is, after all, in honour of them. But at the Delhi Games, the athletes’ march followed the speeches which ensured that they didn’t miss out on the more entertaining aspects of the ceremony. They had a chance to be in on the action, literally from ringside seats.

Another interesting and unique feature, a first of its kind to be used in an event of this scale was the massive Rs 70 crore helium balloon with its Rajasthani puppets gently gyrating in the evening air. This aerostat was a showstopper