Delhi paints for Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010

Satish Gujral and Jatin Das along with several artists paint a kaleidoscopic canvas for India’s first Green Games. 200-foot canvas and kites greet ‘200-Days-to-Go’ milestone moment.

It was a milestone event. Hundreds of sports lovers had besieged the India gate lawns to paint their heart out for the success of the Commonwealth Games beginning from 3 October.

Led by eminent painters Satish Gujral and Jatin Das, Delhi-ites painted a 200-foot long canvas to mark the milestone event ‘200 Days-to-Go’ for the Games. Green Games was the underlined theme for the paintings on the 200-foot long canvas. Satish Gujral stroked the first brush on the canvas inaugurating the gala celebrations.

Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman, Organising Committee, Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi said "As we get closer to the

start of the Games, our sense of anticipation and excitement as well as our confidence that we can deliver the best Games ever grows."

"I take this opportunity to renew our commitment to producing a successful Games. The 200 day-to-go milestone event marks the appreciation to the spirit of the games amongst the people of Delhi and the whole nation. The 200-foot canvas that is being painted by eminent cultural personalities of Delhi will be put on display at a suitable place during the Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010," he further added.

“I consider it a great occasion for the country and I am happy and proud to be part of the Games,” said the illustrious painter, Satish Gujral as he lend his masterstroke to inaugurate the milestone event.

On the occasion of World Forestry Day, the Sustainability and Environment Functional Area organised a plant distribution ceremony where 3000 plant saplings were distributed to the public and eminent guests. The objective of this campaign was to encourage the citizens of Delhi to plant trees and also to nurture it. On the eve of the World Water Day, a ‘Signature Campaign’ was arranged to develop a sense of ownership towards the environment and water conversation. Jute bags were also distributed to spectators in order to encourage the use of eco-friendly materials over plastic bags.

Several artists, budding painters as well as children participated in large numbers. Their colourful brush strokes brought to life the 200ft canvas which saw a rich kaleidoscope of themes and representations of what the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi mean for each and every Delhi-ite.

Painter, Prem Singh through his painting tried to communicate that, “Sports Unite - That is what mankind aspires.” Painter Shruti Gupta Chandra said, “I am very proud to have participated in this event. This is a great platform to express what the Commonwealth Games signify to each one of us and the tremendous turn-out stands proof of this.”

The days celebrations at the India Gate lawns culminated with a Kite Flying festival where 200 kites of various shapes and sizes packed the sky The kites that were designed to portray the Delhi 2010 look and carrying the slogan 200-days-to-go were flown by the citizens of Delhi and professional kite flyers, finally marked the culmination of the day-long event.