Formula One and the village, two faces of India

"What is this history of Formula One? I learned only recently that some of our land was acquired for it," said the young woman standing in front of a fetid pool with at him a child (...). In the distance, there are spotlights lit the-art circuit near New Delhi, the symbol in the eyes of the leaders of the capital of the success of India and its new status on the world stage.

For the upper class from New Delhi, the circuit of Buddha is a perfect example of the ability of the private sector to build a site of high technology, capable of receiving an event of global significance. For others, it illustrates the economic and social inequity that prevails in India and is seen as an elitist party, whose tickets are unaffordable for the vast majority of Indians and is in no way anchored in the national culture.

"The perception of India in the world will change after the Grand Prix, and everybody will forget what happened with the Commonwealth Games," says the CEO of Jaypee Sports International, the manufacturer of the circuit, by referring to the corruption scandals surrounding the Games.

Pharaonic sports projects

The first F1 Grand Prix in India is also a typical example of the willingness of international sports leaders to take their full part in economic growth in Asia. In this area, India is in direct competition with other major emerging markets. China hosted the Olympics in 2008, Brazil will host the 2016, two years after receiving the players in the World Cup football.

For now, the debate rages in India on the merits of sports projects Pharaonic authority in a country where the malnutrition rate exceeds that of sub-Saharan area. The cheapest ticket for the Grand Prix on Sunday is 2500 rupees (36 euros), equivalent to half a month's salary for a housekeeper. The companies will pay about 200,000 dollars for a box, and have almost all been sold.

Inequality and poverty

"In many ways, all this highlights what is wrong with this country," said Paranjoy Guha, a political commentator."Part of the population would show to the world economic growth. But you must come here to see the reality on the ground and see inequality and poverty," he adds.

In his village of Salarpur, Meera hugs one of her children, a victim twice from malaria. "I do not understand that we can have cars that run for the enjoyment of people. There who pay for it, like in the movies? "

Nearby, employees of the circuit make their final preparations by watering heavily manicured lawns surrounding the site. Meera, who has only four hours of electricity a day, every day has to go fetch water at the pump, located a half-hour walk.