The Commonwealth Games are set to become a part of the school curriculum in Delhi to get city's children involved in the event, the build-up to which has been marred by corruption allegations and construction delays.
With less than a month to go for the Games, a programme was launched by Department of Art, Culture and Languages of the Delhi government to familiarise the children with the Games.
The initiative, “Shera Mera Dost”, is aimed at raising awareness about the Games online and get school students involved in the build-up to the event.
The site introduces a 45-day series of fun contests and activities in schools. "Shera Mera Dost’ the campaign was conceptualised by team of school principals, teachers," says Reena Ray, principal secretary for Education, Art, Culture and Languages in the Delhi government.
She encouraged the students to log on to the microsite on Delhi Tourism website and mention one good deed of any generosity that they would have done to make a difference to Delhi.
Online facility for writing to a favourite sport star along with voicing opinions for issues in Delhi will also be among the other features available. "Let us be good hosts and dress up your home," Ray added.
"We will be taking up one country and each one of them will be given to a class so they can research on it and know about the country, its culture, landscape and sports-persons," said principal of Sanskriti School, Abha Sahgal.
"This initiative will create a sense pride for the country among the children," she added. Chief minister Sheila Dikshit, who was present on the occasion, urged the students to come forward and participate in the campaign.
"If children are not involved, the work is not even quarter done," said Ms Dikshit. "We want children of Delhi to participate in the event. I want to tell you come out and watch, come out and play, come out and smile, come out and enjoy and above all come out and welcome everybody who comes here so that everybody goes back with a lifetime memory," she said.
Suresh Kalmadi, chairman of the CWG Organising Committee, hoped that with this, the Games would finally generate some positivity after weeks of critical reporting in the media.
"For the first time, the Commonwealth Games are coming to India. You are aware that India is a land of cricket and more cricket. You have to learn about Olympic sports also. I want you to change your mindset. We need your support," said Mr Kalmadi.
"We want to make the Commonwealth Games a success. Everyone should participate," said Vaibhav, a class ninth student from R.P.V sector 10 Dwarka. Palash Sen and his band Euphoria revved up the atmosphere with their song “Delhi Meri Jaan” to which Ms Dikshit gave her voice and Shera the Mascot swayed with the children.