Friday, May 2, 2014

What you wish for...


                Its May 2nd today, two weeks before the results are announced in India’s elections. People are excited, both the ones who have already exercised their right and the ones who are still waiting (voting goes on till May 12th). ‘Excited’ might not do justice to describe what Indians are feeling. It’s not only the 100 million new voters who will be voting for the first time these elections. It’s Shyam Saran Negi, India’s first voter, it’s the daily wage earner, it’s the corporate honcho, it’s the recent graduate, it’s the housewife, and it’s the elders in the family. All are spirited.
                On the other end of the planet, Brazil is getting ready for hosting the World cup of soccer next month. Not too long ago on October 30th 2007 FIFA officially confirmed that Brazil would host the 2014 event. Brazilians who are famous for partying got one more reason to drink and dance. The world famous Copacabana beach which was hosting the ‘watch party’ to witness FIFA’s decision live became the largest party venue. Brazilians were living there dream.
                Well, it didn’t take long for the dream to become a nightmare. World cup is only a few weeks away and preparations are still going on. Stadium’s and hotels are behind schedule and protests are growing at the amount of public money spent. Public protest in Rio and Sao Paolo became a weekly thing. Army had to be called in many instance to control the violent protests in the favela’s (slums).
                I am not comparing the two situations, but am trying to capture the public sentiment. I am just a little nervous with all the excitement and bullishness in people’s tones when they talk about elections. I understand stakes are high but…I guess it’s my wariness about very optimistic outlooks.
                I guess we will find out soon.
                In the meantime, I wish all the best to Brazilians for successfully hosting the world cup and then the Olympics. And to India, keep your hopes alive…Ummed par hi Duniya Kayam hai!!