Bonafide Urban Chick: India

Thursday, May 21, 2009

12:50 PM -

THE INDIAN ELECTIONS-NEW YORK TIMES

It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse and democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future. It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes de-stabilizing and violent Pakistan, China, and Burma.

Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else, particularly in development and fending off terrorism -- but considering these challenges and its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions and cultures, is not only surviving, but thriving.

The nation where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were born, which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth; where Christianity has existed for 2000 years; where the oldest Jewish synagogues and Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple; where the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile reside; where the Zorostrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland; where Armenians and Syrians and many others have to come live; where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest only 200 years ago; where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected, where a Sikh is Prime Minister and the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman, where the President is also a women, succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist was a hero in the nation; where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year and is expected to have the majority of its population in the middle class, already equal to the entire US population, by 2025; where its optimism and vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth, and voting, despite all the incredible challenges and hardships; where all the great powers are vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world.

Where all of this is happening, is India, and as greater than 1/10 of humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to all the World.
— V Mitchell, New York, NY

Thursday, December 11, 2008

1:11 PM -

change,global peace walk,India,mumbai blasts,pune,youth

7 comments

Humbling Experiences

Citizen's Alive organized the Pune leg of the Global Peace Walk on the 10th of December 08. As a part of the movement, it was quite amazing to witness how much the people have awakened since the 26/11 blasts. Youngsters, who earlier were considered to not care about what happens in the country, were a majority in the Rally. Many of them were seriously of the opinion that it is a now or never situation in the country. If we don't take a stand now... the change that we want to see, will never materialize.

And i agree with that sentiment. As the tag line goes " Be the Change you want to see". I think, and i disagree with my previous post, (which was just written in a state of pure anger), that it has to be a fully rounded change in the entire system, in the mindsets of the people, to the extent of various behaviors. We have to start taking onus and not just blame. We have brought ourselves to the place we are in, good and bad. And we will be the ones to take ourselves where we get. So its up to us to make sure that we get to a better place.

Why settle with worthless leadership and just complain, when we can enter the system and change it for the better. If we don't do it, who will?? Why adjust to unacceptable living situations when we can unite and improve things. It will take time. And it will take effort. But if we never start, it will never happen. So its better if we start now. Because there is not better day to start something good, than today!!

I just hope that everyone realizes this. Several drops make an ocean. 1 man can really make a difference!!