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 civilisation into the future. It is no
less impressive when done in a neighbourhood which includes de-stabilising 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 neighbours, 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
Zorastrians 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
woman, 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.
(Source : Media Reports & Internet, 20-5-2009)
