They Are Speaking, We Are Leaving

Originally published Saturday, August 2nd on www.hindustantimes.com

Days of preparations and dry runs culminated in the Commonwealth Youth Games concert and torch run across nine colleges at Delhi University’s north campus on Friday. While the music and cheering prompted by organisers created a festive atmosphere, it was not enough to garner more than a modest student turnout.

Nipika Walia, a third year economics student at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) was among the disinterested. She sat with her friends in the courtyard while college officials prepped for the runners’ arrival.

“We are happy about it because classes are cancelled,” she said. “All sports people look kind of excited, but we are indifferent.

” Earlier at the Rabbi Shergill and Euphoria concert in Delhi University’s sports complex, some students were excited about the musical performance but indifferent to politicians attending.”They are speaking and we are leaving,” said Rajat Thapliyal, a 17-year-old first year student, when the sports minister and chief minister took the stage.

M.S. Gill, the minister for sports and youth affairs, joked about student interest when he appeared with Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi. “I must admit that we have no place here, that you guys are here just to watch Rabbi Shergill perform.

” Thapliyal planned on returning to the concert when the politicians left, but would not go to any of the relay stops. “We can see that later on the TV,” he said.

The first stop at SGTB Khalsa College provided a meek start to the run. While students were allowed to miss class to attend the event, more sat in the canteen eating lunch.

When an afternoon downpour interrupted the run as the torch entered the gates at SRCC, several sports team members ready to greet it ran for covering. The college officials yelled at students to stay.

While enthusiasm was low at several of the institutes, students at Miranda House and Daulat Ram appeared more excited. At Daulat Ram, dozens of cheering students followed the torch runners into the street as they exited.

As students performed a combination of jumping jacks, calisthenics and aerobic dancing set to western pop music at the final stop at St. Stephen’s College, a few were in class.

Samira Ghissing watched the act but only because his schedule was free. “I would not miss class for this,” he said.