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‘World Class’ Dreams and Urban Change:A Critique of the 2010 Commonwealth Games |
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Mitu Sengupta |
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By hosting the 2010 Commonwealth Games, India followed the lead of many emerging countries such as China, Malaysia and South Africa, that have also held international mega-events in a quest to improve their global image, recognition and status—to be viewed as ‘world class.’ Despite a troubled start, Delhi’s Games were executed well, projecting an image of national prosperity to the world that matches the aspirations of India’s globally-connected new middle class. Yet these very aspirations are also behind the proliferation of an iniquitous and environmentally destructive pattern of urban change, which was strengthened by holding the event in Delhi. Questioning the desire to be ‘world class,’ this essay examines the impact of the Games on the city of Delhi, in terms of how it has altered physical landscapes, the lives of the city’s residents and their relationships with one another. |
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