The Shame & Mess continue in CWG: Performers rehearse on a grumbling stomach
Sweating after four hours of practice under the sun, several outspread hands reach out to grab mineral water bottles being thrown carelessly at them. On the first floor, some volunteers are seen dashing out with a food tray, the food station in a state of complete disarray.
The lack of a proper distribution system was so pronounced that on Tuesday, nearly 3,000 of the performers left the Nehru Stadium without rehearsing as they were not given food till 5 pm. When things came to a head, special DG ceremonies Shovana Narayan had to visit the Army Parade Ground early in the morning to pacify the angry performers. Narayan promised the performers that all the necessary steps would be taken to make sure that there are no problems with the food or its distribution.
The problem was more pronounced for Rhythm of India performers. In total, there are about 700 performers who are participating in this section and most of them hail from other parts of the country. Only two stations were engaged in distributing food among these performers, who were staying on the Army parade ground.
Breakfast was not ready by the time the participants left early in the morning from the ground. When they reached the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, no arrangements had been made for breakfast there either. Now, Narayan has ordered that caterers at the Parade Ground should ensure that the performers are given food packets before they leave for rehearsals.
"The food is being served as if we are in some refugee camp. After standing in queue for several hours, some managed to get food. Others had no option but to go hungry," said a Theyam performer around 4 pm. The artistes had managed to procure a measly breakfast of two bread slices, with a banana and small tetra pack of juice and even that, according to many, was stale.
Even the ones who seemed satisfied with the food did not have much to say. "The food is ok, but the portions are so less. You cannot ask for additional food either, because there is none," said Hari Krishna, a member of the Koya drummers' troupe from Andhra Pradesh. The artistes reached the stadium at 9.30 am on Tuesday, and had to remain there till late at night. The medical rooms at the stadium are overflowing as several school students, who are participating in the Swagatam section of the opening ceremonies, have been fainting due to overcrowding and lack of food.
According to sources, the Organising Committee had earlier tried experimenting with a buffet meal. However, they managed to feed less than 1,000 people and the others were left starving. When asked to comment, OC Secretary General Lalit Bhanot said the problem "has been sorted out"
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