Delhi looked super clean, glossy. The empty roads during the CWG reminded me of the photographs of pre-independece India. There were some breathing space because of less crowd. Buses ran smoothly. No dhakka-dhukki. Tolerable cops. Understanding citizens. In fact, Delhi presented a calm and composed picture. During my daily drive down to the Yamuna Sports Complex in east Delhi, I was elated to observe the sudden change in their etiquette's. Polite. Law abiding and above all who wanted to put up a clean image of the city which till then was battling with controversies. But then everything became so smooth. At the Connaught Place, I felt like I was at London's Trafalgar Square. The filth and dirt was gone. I could smell the fresh paint from its lofty pillars.
Lutyen's Delhi was brimming with confidence as it got its new identity courtesy CWG. Suddenly the so-called 'rudest and aggressive' Indian city as portrayed by outsiders outstretched its arms with love, respect and affection. Now we have a reason to shut those who crib about Delhi. It's high time that must crack jokes about a city where they have been raising their kids.
Believe me, Delhi is different. Unmatched with other Indian cities who haven't had to face torturous attacks by a Nadir Shah invasion or witnessed the Partition horror. Famously known for its tenacity, Delhi fought back to host one of the most successful international sporting events in India.
