Let me start by probing into ‘being prosperous’. Does this ‘being prosperous’ mean massive accumulation of wealth, just to be able to spend it ruthlessly? Does this define a holistic parameter for sustained developmental growth? Does it consider the inclusive and equitable growth into account? Does this have to do anything with bringing a perspective change in the mindset of people? I think ‘being Prosperous’ should definitely signify- attaining and sustaining a stable but dynamic equilibrium with the various factors responsible for creating chaos in socio-economic context of a cosmopolitan society. Legatum Institute defines prosperity as a collective measure of factors that help drive economic growth and produce happy citizens over the long term. These factors include economic fundamentals, democratic institutions, entrepreneurship & innovation, education, health, safety& security, governance, personal freedom and Social Capital. And In this context only, quoting great Neuroscientist V.S.Ramachandran “India is poised for great things to come.”
Let’s take a look at present statistics: India is a part of world’s worst place to be a kid. Nearly 12 million children are forced to work as laborer in horrible condition. Most children work for 16 hours for meager salary of less than Rs 150 a day. (Unicef Report). India’s Gross Enrollment ratio decreased from 88.6% at primary level to 11.85% at Tertiary level, which indicates mass drop out. (UNESCO Institute for Statistics,2007).
But there is a light at the end. The concept of ‘enterprise led development’ is building a new vibrant india. Some NGOs like Childline Foundation, Dream A Dream, Nalandaway foundation are trying to bring hope in the lives of otherwise neglected underprivileged children. Some educational enterprises like Calorx Foundation, Jeeva Foundation, Riverside school are changing the educational scenario. Many Social enterprise like Selco Foundation, Dlight, Nidan are changing the way issues like rural electrification are perceived. New models and ideas are continuously being developed and suggested by fundamental institutions like NKC, CSE, CCS, and CEE.
India has been ranked 45th among 104 nations in 2009 Legatum Prosperity Index, a measure of growth as a holistic combination of material prosperity and life satisfaction. Despite our late start, in words of Global Health Expert Hans Rosling we, developing countries, are on the same trajectory of growth at a pace twice as fast as west did.
India is uniquely placed to face the constantly changing scenarios in a world drifting towards Kurzweil’s technological singularity. What makes India a best place for upcoming innovations is its exceptional porosity to opportunities arising out of its rich diversity, indigenous but ingenuous ways of execution and firm belief in continued detached pursuit of excellence. So, let’s strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the India constantly rises to higher levels of endeavor and achievement.
Very true. India is already on its way to be a superpower. Politically speaking. But honestly, so long as we use external assistance to eradicate the problems, it will not help. Change has to happen inside. Inside you, inside me, inside all those children working 16 hrs/day. When that happens, no one can stop us. If you observe, there is a radical difference in mentality of Indian and American or British citizens.
But, do we want to end up the way they are?
And
Are we really unhappy about our current situations?
I guess it is a very open ended debate.
Anyway, nice post!
Hey.. its really true that change has to come from within. The mode of development ,which developed countries have followed, has turned ourselves into opportunistic and unsustainable consumers. For us the main thing is to explore new avenues of development which is both inclusive and sustainable.
Thanks for ur views..:)