As India celebrates 60 years of evolution, the questions that all cynics and critics ask - Has anything really changed? Are we the next big thing for the world and still the smallest thing for the people of the nation outside the metros? Well, we have evolved in areas of economy, industry and of course ITES (the biggest boom story). But there is still a huge divide between the rich and the poor. This is due to lack of trickle down effect and failure of government to provide basic necessary elements to one and all - basic education, 3 meals and employment. The big problem with India is "Non-issues are issues here" say for e.g religious intolerance and issues like "Valentine day should be celebrated or not" are given headline space!!
The challenges facing the subcontinent, of course, are enormous. Indian infants are more likely to be malnourished than African ones, infrastructure is straining to keep up with the economic boom, while corruption, discrimination, religious violence, child labor, bad schools and pollution persist blah blah blah... But is it the only thing. There are several bright changes in India which make us what we are today.
All said and done, we are a land which still coexists with all the differences in religion, caste, color and regions. Diversity has never bothered us & we probably are one of the most tolerant people in that regard. I admire the ability of Indians to get up after we are thrown down in the dumps (it happens as often as it can) and stand by each other. Its our never-say-die spirit which makes us different from the world. We are probably the best example of modern in ideas and enterprising nature yet culture-bound and emotional inside. We are more confident of ourselves now and with high disposable income in hand, we are no longer shy of consumerism and spending.
The best part is that 70% of India is under the age of 30. The youth have indeed taken up the responsibility on behalf of the citizens of the country – be it any health programme (like AIDS), social ills, saving environment or simply awareness campaigns – the youth are voicing their protests. They are also actively participating in the corridors of power that shape and decide the course of the country’s progress. Its good to see highly educated young Indians in the Indian parliament, young Indians who have stopped blaming the state and stood up to do something about it.
Its time to make a difference and god willing all of us together will take India to a glory that it deserves. I'm proud to be a part of an evolved and energetic India at 60...
Cheers to the indelible Spirit of India & Indians...
Mera Bharat jawan... Mera Bharat mahan