vrooom
Yup F1 is just around the corner and this time it's going to be very special with India's very own Narain Karthikeyan also in the race for Team Jordan! Narain will be debuting at the Australian Grand Prix on 6th March 2005, making him the first Indian ever to race in Formula One.
Go Narain Go!!
But as usual the Indian Government plays spoil-sport and in the midst of such joy brings in a dampener by banning Narain (and other sportsmen) from wearing the Indian Tricolour on their clothes/helmet. If I were a sportsperson, nothing would make me more proud than wearing the Tricolour on my shirt. I don't see it as a disrespect in anyway, Infact I think it is the greatest honour a sportsperson can do for the country. Read more on this totally unnecessary rule here.
posted by Sabarish @ 2/28/2005 09:53:00 PM
I will differ on this point.
The national flag is the pride of the nation. There is a thin line between what is good use of a flag, and a disrespectful use of the same. Let's imagine tomorrow after a race crash, Karthikeyan throws his helmet to the ground in disgust. Is not the flag offended? It is carrying things too far, I admit, but that's the way it is. It can happen.
The national flag is more sacred than anything else. Will you carry the idols of Gods anywhere and everywhere with you, just because they are so important to you?
It must be understood that something which is so treasured must also be well protected.
That view sure is taking things too far.
If I can't wear my country's tricolour as a mark of honour, with full respect, then I would feel really sad.
That happens when you are far from home ;-)
But other issues aside, a flag is not a normal thing. So, I can imagine that the government is extra cautious. Anyway, I would be the last to take the side of Sonia Gandhi's government.
Sigh! That is what you call DharamSankat!
True. I understand. It is a very sensitive and personal issue for all Indians.
Anyway, I would be the last to take the side of Sonia Gandhi's government. -> LOL!
Well, he is doing proud to the nation by entering into this international sport. Sportmen are seen as the symbols of a nation and it's people, so him/her donning the tricolor should not be seen as offending. I am not sure if any other nation has this rule.