We read from time to time that India is progressing at a rapid pace. It's economy is ticking at a nice rate (around 7%). We also witness the changes that have taken place in the attitude and lifestyle of the Urban Indians when we (NRIs) visit India. From time to time we receive emails and attachments about our achievement in various fields such as better infrastructure (modern roading), more satellite channels etc. and that the number of rich people in India has grown exponentially.
Bush visits India and is shown India's pretty face. We also think all is spectacular with India except a few problems such as corruption and bureaucracy.
Are we aware that around 70% of the population still lives with a wage of under $2 per day? (Courtesy - The Time Magazine). This growth rate of around 7% would translate into a couple of hundreds of rupees per month for the poor people of India. And it is these people who are the real face of India.
So...the real question is 'have we progressed economically?' Or are we cheating ourselves and the world?
It is said that when Nehru visited the Rural India (before he became the P.M?) he was moved to tears seing the plight of the Rural India. Have we moved forward from that position or have we merely created an illusion of progress?
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2 comments:
I wouldn't call it "cheating ourselves and the world" but definitely we have issues. Let's try to put a positive spin on things...look at it this way. I was in India for the entire summer in Bangalore. The city that I call home has becomes unrecognisable in many ways, with the influx of people everyday, the pollution, the traffic jams etc are unbearable. However, it must mean more jobs, better opportunities right and this whole thing with IT boom and a richer middle class will in turn have a domino effect on people elsewhere. Have you gone to a shopping mall in India ? It must employ atleast 5000 people if not more easily..eventually I know this will empty our villages as people head to cities for better opportunities. I agree we have a long way to go and we are no China. However, the journey has begun.
Thanks Orchid, for your thoughtful comments.
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