The officials of the Commonwealth Games event are trying their best to hide all the shortcomings under the garb of the clichéd word ‘world-class’.

But, forgotten are the labourers who are working round the clock to make this multi-sport event a ‘world-class’ success.

Out of these unsung heroes one man that stands out is Shankar- the man behind the Games mascot Shera.

Donning a white jersey with the 2010 CWG official logo and blue shorts, 23-year old Shankar breathes life into the 10-kilogram mascot ensemble.

These days the man from Chandigarh is busy visiting dignitaries, gracing promotional events of the October fest and now and then you can see him regaling one and all in malls and other public places.

But little does anyone know that this very ‘Shera’ is the same young and energetic boy who serves tea, water and snacks along with moving files from one desk to the other at the Commonwealth Games organising committee office.

In short, he is the peon at the OC office.

‘Shera’ originates from the Hindi word ‘sher’, which means Tiger.

The mascot symbolises elegance, supremacy, magnificence, courage and grandeur as it also personifies the national animal of India.

Ironically, respect is the last thing that the young man sporting the mascot suit gets.

However, Shankar seems unfazed by this: “I meet everybody from the VIP’s to little children. Everybody is happy to see the CWG mascot Shera.

“When I wear the mascot it seems as if my powers have doubled! My parents used to say I’m good for nothing but now even they are proud of my accomplishment and call me their blue-eyed boy.”

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