Viva Shera.... Viva......

Sr. Francin MJ II year

The absence of the real face of the Commonwealth Games, Shera, at the gala opening ceremony went almost unnoticed. As the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium resonated with dance, music and other grand performances, Shera was hardly seen anywhere.

But Shera is the celebrating symbol of the Games 2010. Shera is the only figure who can go anywhere. All kinds of accreditations and travel passes are allotted for Shera; Shera needs no ‘Z’-level security and is the most visible face of the Common Wealth Games.

We have been seeing Shera with all dignitaries. Everyone is delighted to welcome Shera. The mascot has visited many telecasting and broadcasting centres, schools, and social and public venues to promote excitement, enthusiasm and interest for CWG. Shera stimulates, motivates and spreads the message ‘Come Out and Play.’ But how many of us know the hidden face behind the visible face of Shera. It is not SHE- ra, it is HE. Twenty-three-year-old Chandigarh resident Sathish Bhaggi is that HE, the CWG mascot. Sathish is a junior level staff in the Organising Committee of CWG in New Delhi.

From December 2009 onwards Sathish started to put on the life and the style of an energetic smart tiger always contributing wonder to the balconies. When Games Image and Outlook Department designed the wardrobe of the mascot, Sathish willingly costumed himself as Mr. Shera. The eight kilogramme dress of Shera and its comics have become part of Bhaggi’s life now. He has no ill-feeling to be behind the face of Shera. He is in a jovial mood so that he can go anywhere where he could not go early -- everywhere warm welcome with glittering eyes and claps.

Till October 14, Shera will be the moving figure of the Games. All media organisations are using Shera for their news stories. After October 14, Sathish Bhaggi will be back to his self. All the hype about him will simply disappear.

The overcoat of Shera will be a reminding item in the archives. But what is going to be the fate of the man behind the Shera? Will he get a permanent job or promotion in any government department for his excellence in the present job.

The conscience of the CWG Organizing Committee has to wake up for that. Common people will easily forget Shera who is presently in their minds very vividly.
Let the quest for glory be revealed through some humane activities.
Viva Shera............ Viva…….. Wish you all the good luck...........