There are two India’s today. One India lives in the optimism of our hearts, the other lurks in the
skeptimsm of our minds. One India wants while the other India hopes. And quietly, while the world is not
looking, a pulsating, dynamic, new India is emerging.
Across the globe it is acknowledged that we Indians make brilliant managers and entrepreneurs capable
of running the biggest corporations in the toughest conditions. It’s not just businessmen and our IITs
that are flexing their muscles, but the BSE index has soared: multi-crore salaries have become common
knowledge: real estate prices are going through the roof. The Indian telecom market is the fastest
growing in the world and our G.D.P expands at 10 percent plus.
At the same time India has a face that is less beautiful. And we can’t afford to turn a blind eye to the
grim reality that lies beneath the glitter and gloss of glory and greatness. There is an India that is
routinely devastated by floods and drought, terrorism and communal violence. Another big source of
worry is the collapse of government. Corruption is at a high and faith in the ability of our politicians
to run an efficient, honest and just administration is at a low. Instead of interfering in business the
government should channelize its time, money and effort towards ensuring efficient education, health-
care ad infrastructure. Sadly this is not happening. Our state run schools and hospitals are in shabbles
and infrastructure is collapsing. Vast chunks of our population do not have access to the most basic
needs –civic amenities and decent education.
Luckily for us, India is ticking inspite of the political drawbacks. Public opinion is at a high. We have a
powerful instrument in the form of R.T.I.. India has produced greats like Amartya Sen, Indra Noogi and
Zubin Mehta. We also have brought home the cricket World cup this last year. But deep down we know
that we haven’t tapped even a fraction of our population.
I dream of an India whose faith in success is far greater that its fear of failure. An India that no longer
boycotts foreign goods, but buys out the companies that make them. An India where politicians are
educated, disciplined and put country before self. An India that gives freedom and opportunity to the
common man and ensures justice and fullness of life to every man and woman. An India that can look up
to the sky and say
“ITS TIME TO FLY”.
Riddhima Shishupal
MA Communication at The University of Mumbai
