Offtrack

Empty village
The Commonwealth Games Village bore a deserted look on Monday,with many groups seen walking out with bag and baggage. With outings planned for contingents,the Village had no cultural show either. “A lot of people have gone to see the Taj Mahal. Three coaches full. Others have gone sightseeing and shopping to places like Qutub Minar,Red Fort,Khan Market and Janpath,” said Village Mayor Dalbir Singh. Volunteers’ Kodak moment
With only three days left for the curtains to fall on the 19th edition of the Commonwealth Games,the volunteers are getting busy collecting their ‘personalised’ memorabilia. Many for them are getting pictures clicked with athletes and even spectators. At many venues,volunteers requested winners and their coaches to stand alongside them for pictures that may eventually find their way to social networking websites. With the Games meeting the guest’s expectations,they are also readily agreeing to smile and put their arms around the volunteers’ shoulders as the camera goes click click.

We,the Indians
The Games seem to have reinforced the sense of patriotism among Indians. From the day the Games began,the crowd that usually looks on when the National Anthem is played,has been found singing along. With each gold medal,the spectators have been heard singing Jana Gana Mana in full enthusiasm. As the song comes to an end,it is met by thunderous applause that reverberates for minutes after it is over.