Last week saw the start of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Queen's Baton Relay. From Buckingham Palace the baton will travel 190,000 kilometers in 340 days, its route taking in 70 Commonwealth nations and 28 Indian state capitals.
Conflicting opinions on progress
More importantly, it appears that the war of words between Suresh Kalmadi of the Games Organising Committee and Mike Hooper, CEO of the Games Federation has ended.
Hooper, who's job it is to ensure delivery of the Games had been critical of local organization, Kalmadi responded by accusing Hooper of being an "impediment" and asked the Games Federation to replace him.
While the baton is en route India's preparations need to be finalized and the work finished if India is to benefit from being under the worlds sporting and corporate spotlight.
Will the Games be ready?
Feedback showed confidence in preparations. Rana Dasgupta expects infrastructure to be ready as the government's international reputation is on the line, although he remains to be convinced about the quality and efficiency of the work.
Arun K Mishra agrees, explaining that as national pride is at stake, government will ensure everything is finished on time.
Although he expects work be ready and the Games to be successful, Sanjay Sarma thinks Delhi has missed an opportunity to transform itself in to a world-class city in terms of infrastructure facilities.
Criticism of preparations
External criticism raises a number of responses, Bhushan Khodpe believes that Hooper has failed to comprehend that Indian management style and decision making is different.
Mishra claims that that Hooper's comments were "totally unfair", pointing out that the majority of feedback has been positive. This contrasts with Dasgupta who claims that development is behind schedule.
Damaged reputation?
Dasgupta says coverage of the Hooper-Kalmadi spat and any delays to future progress will damage India's reputation. He points out that coverage is contrary to the image of an emerging economic powerhouse and more like India's "bungling" image of old.
India's hard won reputation won't be damaged according to Rajeev Ramachandran, but he feels that a lack of a disciplined approach exposes a major flaw.
In contrast Khodpe makes the point that the world needs India's billion plus population more than India needs international acceptance. Sarma also thinks that India is doing too many things right from a social and economic perspective to be harmed by negative publicity about the Games.
Crucial opportunity for India
Delivering a successful event is crucial to India's global image. There is little doubt that government will bankroll and drive through the required work in time. Hopefully the Games will do India justice and showcase modern India at its best.
Interesting comments. National pride aside, pragmatism should prevail. Rightly said, govt will ensure infrastructure is ready. But its quality and future use leave unanswered questions.
And as for India not needing international acceptance - the entire global economy has transformed into a global consumer economy, not having a good brand value is akin to being shunned and that affects all economic activity. India can't afford that even with its huge domestic consumption. It's economy and corporate sectors need international acceptance. So let's not kid ourselves that India doesn't need it.
Following Beijing, with the reputation India has earned recently, the CWG places the spotlight on India. India has to deliver as per the best in world sporting events. The benchmark is Beijing. Would Mr. Khopde, say that CWG will surpass that in terms of delivery and/or that China didn't need international acceptance?
Joy Abdullah, General Manager, The Next Big Thing, Malaysia