Posted on August 8, 2008 - by rdilipk1

Beijing Olympics – The beginnning of a 24 days penance

The 2008 Olympics at Beijing, China began on the 8th of August with a skylit opening ceremony.’, ‘

It was 08:08 PM on the 8th of August 2008. A point in the day when all counters of life were at ”8” – a number some considered auspicious and yet others not so auspicious, the reason for which, I really do not know. Beijing was lit up with fireworks and lightings and the Bird’’s Nest hosted the grand opening ceremony of the Olympics Games.

China has spent a huge amount of money on hosting this Olympics which is going to be an event spanning 24 days in the month of August. There are quite a few gold medals to be won in the games. The total cost of the celebrations in the opening ceremony of the Games was about $70,00,000.

The next 24 days is going to be festive season for everyone. Television news channels which had not had any scoops for the past few days will have plenty of things to cover. They would for sure make huge money covering the entire event. So will the sponsors, not to talk about the participants, who have spent their lives waiting for this event. It is a penance for them, a penance to attain their ultimate goals.

In the past these games have always been haunted by doping cases and such others which, no games in this era can save itself from. So Beinjing Olympics also has to be prepared for its share of hauntings, but I believe, all this is not going to haunt anyone like a monster, after having seen the opening ceremony of the Olympics.

The night glittered with colorful fireworks. The performances were equally awesome and colorful and it showcased the ancient culture of China. A lot of effort would have, but obviously been gone into the preparations for the Olympics and China would be proud that the came out with flying colors, at least at the opening ceremony.

But there were a few who did not know what this Olympics was all about. As Delhi streets flooded with water because of a normal drizzle that one can call it, I walked the streets of Delhi to find a family of a labourer sitting outside what was once their small hut made of rags and cardboards, completely drenched not knowing what to do. As a new reporter walked to him, I knew he would featue in the news tonight answering a question, if he knew what the Olympics was. His answer is anyones guess, but let us believe and pray that he will get a chance someday to enjoy the Olympics. While the participants of the Olympics would end their penance in 24 days, his penance will still go on.