We had written in these pages last week about how the audience base in India cuts extreme sports, and the alternative arts in general, a raw deal. The argument had been that unless the general public gives extreme sports the sort of attention it deserves, brands and the government will continue meting out step-brotherly treatment to those who practise it. Well, a festival this weekend will now give citizens a chance to step up and show some encouragement. It’s called Swadesi Mela, and involves a host of adventure sports including rappelling, zip-lining and high-lining, among other activities.

Aklesh Sutar aka MC Mawali