The merriment over Saturday’s cracker of a cricket World Cup final has drenched the entire country, and why not.
The merriment over Saturday’s cracker of a cricket World Cup final has drenched the entire country, and why not. It’s been the only silver streak in an unending rain of thunderous scams and woes for the common man. It’s Tuesday and, for host Mumbai, it’s still an extended dream-Saturday. The mirth following the victory of Team India is on.
Just as I too raise a toast to the Indian team and salute the gusto of Tendulkar, Dhoni and the rest, I might as well ask you to raise your hands in applause for the people behind the scenes who worked relentlessly to make this mega event worth the spectacle.
For once, the state administration was at its best. With noises that select forces of destruction were planning something nasty at Wankhede, no stone was left unturned to ensure safety. More than 5,000 policemen took charge of Mumbai city for more than a week. Even before the semi-final between Pakistan and India at Mohali, the best of police officers from various divisions of the security forces were short-listed and summoned to the megalopolis.
They worked almost 20 hours a day to see that no breach of security was perpetrated. Nobody was actually bothered about their comfort. All eyes were on whether they could thwart all exigencies. They did, proving that with requisite will, nothing is unattainable.
The navy and coast guard, too, were on high alert, as the sea route offers easy access for terrorists. With the scars of 26/11 yet to heal, the guards had a tough task on hand. Patrolling the sea by night is verily a difficult task. A miss on their part could have been catastrophic. Here, too, the efforts succeeded. The security umbrella was impenetrable, hats off to all these intrepid sailors.
Alongside the security chinks being plugged, ambulances, nurses, and doctors from JJ Hospital stood in attention to meet emergencies. The hospital staff tasted food served to the players and everyone was wide awake for almost three consecutive days. Add to the zest those several ground staff who sat on the grass waiting with plastic covers to cover the pitch in case it rained, and those many who worked without wiping their brow for more than a week to give the stadium an impeccable look.
Known for uncontrollable traffic, Mumbai’s roads were unusually well-controlled by the traffic police, while the fire brigade was on high alert. The air traffic control division at the airport monitored the airspace over the stadium and the central business district, which was turned into a no-flying zone, while Naval Headquarters in Mumbai was in an overdrive. The stadium had trained people who knew how to clear the crowds in the wake of a stampede. Nothing was left unattended to invoke fear.
Yes, at the end of the day, you have the Mumbaikars to thank for. From politicians to actors down to the last person, the audience was an epitome of grace. If Tendulkar, Dhoni and Gambhir got an overwhelming applause, Sri Lanka’s Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga also got a standing ovation for their spectacular performances. That’s one lesson Mumbai teaches the world: a worthy opponent deserves respect, not contempt. Rejoice Mumbaikars. Let this proud moment be an elixir to savour. Forever!
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