Over the last 4 or 5 years, we have all heard of the India's incredible growth story. Of roaring growth and booming GDP. This, mostly from newspapers such as TOI. I'm not going to make snide remarks about the media because fact is, they are shite and everyone (with a brain) knows it. That aside, the country has seen incredible growth even though there may be a million sicknesses that the media chooses to gloss over.
Just a couple of cases in point most obvious in an urban context:
1. The spread of mobile phones
2. The rise in number of airline services
The two are effects which principally affect totally different segments of the Indian demographic. The cause for both is broadly the same. Personally, I don't consider either to be real progress. Our definition of progress in based on the concept of hyper consumption and greed. Greed, unfortunately, begets greed and consumerism is an epidemic that is not going to go unless apocalypse strikes (the sheer number of people!). Yet, both these effects have added real value to the lives of people. More people can avail these services today than two decades back so for them it is progress.
Having said that, don't you think that with both, so much can be improved? When I hear cheap phone blaring out 90's Hindi songs in buses, I feel it is a case of great resources in the wrong hands. People with extensive experience of air travel can no doubt tell you what could be better in that industry. Usually, a problem goes through four phases
1. Problem is noticed
2. Someone complains
3. Necessity gives birth to innovation
4. A new benchmark is established and people find new things to complain about
What does this tell you about the Indian context? That problems have been noticed and people (me at least) are complaining. It sets the stage for innovation. Whats even more encouraging is that real growth has been achieved and we are still shite as a nation! We can only improve from here. Unlike countries in the west which look like they have peaked. And once you peak, there is only one way to go: down. Ups and downs can be expected in a global economy but our future looks good. I have some cousins who are based abroad so I get asked sometimes whether I would consider settling abroad. With the gaping opportunity, my answer will be a firm no.
1 comments:
true that we have different perception of growth and development. Some had quoted to me this a few years back - 'The peak of civilization in europe would be the day no one would need his own vehicle and would use the public transport. While in india the peak would be when everyone has his own'. We base our development on individual achievements. We feel more pride when the number of millionaires increase than when the number of poor decrease(if that ever happens!). And we remain alien to the phrase 'for the greater good'!
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