The Hindu Business Line : Rediscovering India

This is with reference to "Rediscovering India" (Business Line, June 16): India needs to be rediscovered rather than aim for development in the form of globalisation. It has vast human and natural resources that need to be tapped fully.

Majority of the population is still reeling under acute poverty. Even after 50 years of Independence, people have to walk miles for a pot of water.

In spite of nationalisation of banks, a significant portion of the rural credit demand is met by moneylenders. While the MNCs price the garments high, the poor cotton growers are paid a paltry sum.

It is heartening to read that the Commerce Ministry is working on fiscal incentives to set up industries in backward areas and employ the local people.

Though the idea is to encourage industry to respond to Government initiatives to promote the socially backward communities, the move takes care of improving rural economy.

But as the saying goes `charity begins at home.' Let us take pledge to change to a cottage industry product of at least one home product a month.

L. Rangarajan

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