In tune with India

The Games organisers feel that the theme song lacks a desi flavour. So let's spice it up.

So far, we have only heard the loony tunes in the shape of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee singing 'we shall overcome'. Now we're set to hit the high notes with music director AR Rahman's soon-to-be-unveiled theme song the opening chorus of which goes by the stirring line O yaaro India bulaye. Now not too many may respond to this clarion call, but, never fear, the intrepid organisers have asked the maestro to tweak his song to underline India's composite culture.

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If you thought that such things as lyrics should be left to the creativity of the composer, we haven't been bought up in the patriotism via the films division culture for nothing. We would like to recommend Rahman several areas where he could really score. Yes, we agree that the song should take in the flavours of India. But should we not give our visitors a real feel of India in verse and not some cooked-up Orwellian symphony? Of course, India should be included warts and all.We could have a line about our famous traditions and customs of selling a bill of goods to foreign visitors. A nice ditty on our open society in which we feel free to conduct all ablutions in the open might offer new insights into our composite culture.

The chorus could include our famed tolerance of minorities and gender equality. These are things that will ensure that visitors don't overstay their welcome given that they will be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of our traits and customs. We could also adapt popular tunes like 'raindrops are falling on my head' which could prepare the visitor for a stray leak or two in the roofs of the stadiums. All this will convey that people have not been given a ticket to be taken on a ride. And it should all be music to our fears in the end.