Delhi culturally shut, literally!

Delhiites are being forced to contribute towards successful completion of Commonwealth Games through additional taxes, higher prices, etc. Other than this, there are lot many additional intangible losses that the citizens of India’s capital have to bear, because of Commonwealth Games.
Thousands of crores for a 12-day extravaganza! Add to it the fact that Delhi that was known for its cultural evenings has been literally closed and there are no cultural programs taking place in the Capital, courtesy the games.
IITF used to organize several trade fairs and other events round the year. From 1st of April, 2010 all such programs have been suspended so much so that the much hyped and hugely popular Trade Fair held every year in November too won’t be organized this year.
Insiders in Punjabi Academy of Delhi Government say that there are verbal instructions not to organize any program and focus their energies only on the Games. The Punjabi Academy has an annual budget of about Rs. 4 crore, which is spent on various cultural activities for promotion of Punjabi language. Likewise, there are other academies like the Urdu Academy and Hindi Academy besides organizations like the Sahitya Academy. They all have suspended their activities and will be organizing programs at various locations in the Capital all through the Commonwealth Games.
Delhiites, cultural programs that you used to attend, too will be sacrificed at the altar of these Games. If such are the sacrifies Delhiites have to give prior to the Games, one wonders how long will its aftereffects last.