Has
India's destiny taken a turn ?
"If
I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed
some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest
problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India."
- Max Mueller
India
i.e., Bharat,
is an ancient country, a sacred land and our motherland. It is the
country where people made Enquiry of truth the foremost goal of their
life. Not only culturally, Bharat was economically prosperous, rich
ín architecture, and science. According to the Balance
of Economic Power,
India had the largest and most advanced economy for most of the
interval between the 1st century and 18th century, the most of any
region for a large part of the last two millennia. British referred
to it as the
Jewel
of their crown, others as "Golden sparrow". In the realm of
education, Bharat attracted students from nearby countries in world
renowned Universities like Nalanda, Takshshila, Vikramshila and
Valabhi.
However,
time took a turn and the country which was at pinnacle of
civilization, was reduced to the role of a bound nation. The country
which taught others how to free their mind, its own land was bound in
shackles of foreign rule. Its ancient universities, architecture and
economy were grazed to dust by foreign invaders. It was expected that
once India removes shackles of foreign rule, it would recover as
Germany could do, after being reduced to stone age in 2nd World War.
India's
progress and recovery since Independence in 1947, has been good but
below expectations. We towed for long with the idea of socialism but
ultimately discarded it in 1990s and opened our markets and economy
to the world. Our polity too had been confused and no party was given
absolute mandate to rule the country since the gates of economy were
first opened for the world. However since past few years things are
appearing to change and India for the first time, gave an absolute
majority to any government for agenda of development. Swami
Vivekananda had prophesied that India shall take its place in the
world and will be vishwaguru again. Has the time for India's steep
ascent arrived ? Surely signs are positive and point in this
direction:
Economy
As
far as economy is concerned, India has recently replaced France as
sixth largest economy and is predicted to replace Britain to become
fifth largest economy by next year. It is simplifying tax structure
by implementing GST and removing red tapism which had become
synonymous with India since long. These and many such reforms have
caught the attention of the world and India's ranking in the World
Bank's – Ease of Doing Business Index 2018, has made a giant leap
of 30 positions – from 130th in 2016 to the 100th spot in 2017.
India's
resolve to reduce fiscal deficit of its economy also points in the
direction of long term stability of its economy. All this has not
remained unnoticed from the sights of International investors and
Make
in India
initiative to boost manufacturing in India has become a great hit.
And very recently Samsung opened the World's largest mobile
manufacturing factory in India. Indian economy had become service
sector based industry and renewed focus on manufacturing sector is
indeed very refreshing and a strong positive sign towards improving
health of its economy.
India's
rising Soft power
Along
with its economy, India's soft power is also on the rise. Few years
ago at the request of India and supported by 177 member nations,
United Nations declared June 21st as the "International Day of
Yoga". Today Yoga and meditation, India's gifts to the world are
respected world over as tools not only to stay fit and happy but as
tools to seek deeper meaning of life. Government push and celebration
of International Yoga days through consulates around the world is
also working wonders.
"It
is very difficult for any philosophy, religion or culture to survive
without state patronage. Yoga has existed so far almost like an
orphan. Now, official recognition by the UN would further spread the
benefit of yoga to the entire world" - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Indian
diaspora, which is spread throughout the world is also playing an
important role in preserving and enhancing the soft power of India.
Knowledge of India's culture, tolerance, Information Technology and
varied cuisines is spreading, thanks to its growing diaspora across
the world.
Leadership
at International Platforms
Along
with rising soft power, it can also be noticed that India is
increasingly displaying exemplary leadership at International
platforms and events. India's role was much appreciated when it
conducted a rescue operation in Yemen, not just for Indian citizens
but also for stranded citizens of other countries. Also, in the Paris
deal to prevent global warming, India again displayed responsibility
which is suited to the role of an emerging world power. In order to
promote solar energy usage throughout the world, India founded the
high profile, International solar alliance which includes 121
countries and is based in Gurugram, India.
Infrastructure
Development
Recently
India celebrated electrification of every village of the country, a
step long overdue since Independence. It is constructing roads,
highways, laying railway lines at remotest corners of country and
even connecting coasts by Sagarmala project. Keeping in mind the
important role of tourism in earning forex, India is also investing
on developing its tourism sector and promoting tourism under various
schemes like Hriday and Swadesh darshan etc. India is also working
towards creating 100 smart cities which can become models for other
cities of India.
"I
would give all the wealth of the world, and all the deeds of all the
heroes, for one true vision"
-
Henry David Thoreau
Right
Vision
India's
vision to use renewable energy, promote and preserve Indian culture,
promotion of Ayurveda, tree plantation, Clean
India mission
, creation of skill development ministry especially to focus on skill
development, promotion of e-governance , startup India mission for
promotion of entrepreneurship etc. hint that India is taking right
steps towards a great vision.
As
Swami Vivekananda said around a century ago, "Hidden under the
ashes, the fire of our national life is smouldering", the bird
eye view of India's progress presented above point that India is
proceeding in the right direction. It is without doubt that there are
multiple challenges too that India is facing in the form of internal
and external threats, corruption, nepotism, fights over reservation,
separatist tendencies and unsustainable rise in population etc. to
name a few. However "national will" can undoubtedly convert
such challenges into milestones.
"On
our work depends the coming of the India of the future. She is there
ready waiting. She is only sleeping" - Swami Vivekananda
In
the end I quote the words from Vedas, which wish peace and happiness
for everyone in the world. A civilization which desires prosperity of
everyone, its rise will mean the rise of everything that is holy in
the world and will open gates for sustainable peace and happiness for
the world.
Om,
Sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ
Sarve
santu nirāmayāḥ
Sarve
bhadrāṇi paśyantu
Mā
kashchit duḥkha bhāgbhavet
Oṁ
Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ, Shāntiḥ
ॐ
सर्वे
भवन्तु
सुखिनः।
सर्वे
सन्तु
निरामयाः।
सर्वे
भद्राणि
पश्यन्तु।
मा
कश्चित्
दुःख
भाग्भवेत्॥
ॐ
शान्तिः
शान्तिः
शान्तिः
॥
May all be prosperous and happy
May all be free from illness
May all see what is spiritually uplifting
May no one suffer
Om peace, peace, peace
