MEDALON'T TALK ABOUT IT

ARVIND K.PANDEY

Well, no conscious Indian is ever going to back up the ill-prepared atheletes for the coming mega events like Beijing Olympics and Commonwealth Games. When there is no discipline on the part of the so-called sports bodies , responsible for the training of the atheletes , how can one expect rain of medals ? It's strange that even after having bitter and humiliating experiences in the past , the sports authorities didn't bring any change in the way of functioning .Even today the preparation starts at the eleventh hour , which is series of superficial happpenings to please the political bosses . The West and China win medals only because their preparation begins right from the announcement of events in a very professional and co-ordinated manner . Above all, sports is integral part of their lives with sportsperson living a dignified lifestyle even after retirement .In India , there are numerous examples when well-known names in world of wrestling and athletics had been forced to live a beggar's life after they bid adieu to games . There are hardly any takers of sports personalities if they aren't associated with cricket .Neither they have sponsers nor infrastructure to gear themselves for the mega events .Against this scenario it would be nothing short of foolhardiness to think that we can emerge winners in the Olympics .

YOUTH WINGS :SHOOLS OF GUN-CULTURE

ARVIND K.PANDEY

(Published in INDIA TODAY , MARCH 10,2007)

The Indian politics in recent times has followed the trajectory of zero-tolerance towards ethics and morals . The likes of Lalu Yadav , Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati , to name a few , have only given to ridiculous principles at par with chauvinistic and dynastic currents . How can these leaders immersed in the ocean of corruption offer any progressive vision to new crop of young leaders , wishing to carve a niche in the field of politics ? No doubt , this has shed hopelessness and negativism among the political wannabes in the field of politics. No wonder the so-called youth wings of the major political parties have turned out to be schools of gun-culture and sycophancy . Even the ones , who are trying to be different are getting little support from the old sharks !! Probably , these worn-out leaders don't want to be overtaken by strong young leaders .