XIX Commonwealth Games' mascot would continue to promote the event for a while

Shera eyes Cricket World Cup now

XIX Commonwealth Games' mascot would continue to promote the event for a while

He was the face of India's biggest sporting extravaganza. And he is not going to be unemployed any time soon.
Shera - the adorable tiger - will continue to promote the success of the XIX Commonwealth Games on television and public events.

Mannu Manothiya, the man behind Shera, is gearing up for some more interviews by the media and dollops of public adulation."I have been asked to be the mascot for a few more days. Once the Organising Committee declares it's over, I will look for some other job," Mannu told MiD DAY.

The 20-year-old office boy said he was thrilled to become Shera, happily posing for photographs and clasping hands of government officials, media persons and national and international personalities.

Apart from Mannu, Satish Bidla had also donned the Shera outfit. Both of them have been on the Organising Committee payrolls. Buoyed by the huge response he got as Shera, Mannu now wants to promote Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be held in India in 2011.

"I have requested to the Director to make me the mascot for Cricket World Cup too. It will be like a dream come true for me," said an excited Mannu.

He was asked to don the Shera costume to play second fiddle to the "official" Shera, 23-year-old Satish Bidla, who was selected by the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for his "positive attitude and cheerfulness".

A resident of Uttam Nagar in West Delhi, Mannu has studied till Class X.
However, Mannu was sad for not getting a chance to share the platform with his official counterpart during the grand opening and closing ceremonies.

"I am feeling left out at the moment. I was not given a chance to be present at the opening ceremony, but then I thought that may be I will be a part of the closing ceremony," said a dejected Mannu.
But the official Shera, Satish, is not going to share the honour of being the face of the Games. He is yet to
receive any intimation from the OC.

"I am extremely sad as the Games are getting over. It was a memorable journey for me. I will be joining my regular work in OC from tomorrow," said Satish.

Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright

Shera's name comes from the Hindi word Sher - meaning tiger. The tiger i8s national animal of India. This tiger is symbolizing India's victorious journey towards modernity in his new avatar. Shera is a global citizen with 'India' at heart. He is happy all the time and enthusiastic about making others happy.u00a0 He is dynamic, playful, honest and disciplined. He loves children and respects the aged.
In Indian mythology, the tiger is associated with Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (or female power) and the vanquisher of evil. She rides her powerful vehicle - the tiger - into combat, especially in her epic and victorious battle against Mahishasur, a dreaded demon.u00a0 Shera was introduced as the official mascot of 19th Commonwealth games at the closing ceremony of the Melbourne Games.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels