The Hindu Business Line : Counting blessings of Republic Day

We Indians are, in general, given to griping. We tend to put the worst possible complexion on happenings. Self-denigration comes easy to us. We must shake ourselves out of this hypochondria and learn to look at the sunny side. We must do so at least on the 56th Republic Day, and, in a thankful mood, count our blessings. It will surprise us to find that there are plenty of things doing us proud.

A marvellous turnaround

First and foremost is the standing that India has acquired among the nations of the world. It is in incredible contrast to the situation prevailing at the time it became Independent. There was no dearth of sceptics who were sure that it would soon fall apart, becoming a prey to anarchy and violence. It was not too long ago when it was dismissed as a basket case and a bottomless pit, with a preponderant proportion of its population grovelling in poverty, starvation and disease, pathetically depending on the US and other industrial countries to bail it out of its misery by food and other types of aid. At every turn, scarcity of even basic amenities confronted the average citizen.

What a marvellous turnaround! We have effected an impressive reduction in poverty and illiteracy. Due to a much greater availability of health services, life expectancy is all set to cross the sanctified span of three score years and ten. We have enough reason to be proud of our professionals, academics, engineers, doctors and scientists. Our IIMs and IITs are already reckoned as world-class institutions with a brand image of their own. Their products are carving out niches for themselves all over the globe. Our media and ad industry are second to none in innovation and quality.

Our success story on raising food production to five times what it was barely 50 years ago has been hailed as a feat unmatched anywhere in the world. There is a surge of `can-do' spirit suffusing people in every walk of life. The domestic market comprising a vibrant 300 million-strong (and still counting) middle-class has given Indian economy a boost and a strength that can be the envy of any country.

India's business and industry are scaling ever greater heights, with many conquests abroad under their belt — and the saga has just begun and promises to be unending. India is almost on the verge of equalling, if not excelling, China in areas that has brought name and fame to the latter. It may even be ranked among the industrially and technologically advanced nations well ahead of the year 2020 set by our ever inspiring President, Mr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. This is not the self-serving boast of the governing class and official circles, but the finding of the clinical analysis of India's prospects undertaken by independent and reputable think-tanks.

More than all, on the political plane, what was once viewed as a `functioning anarchy' by the likes of John Kenneth Galbraith, has emerged as a lumbering giant of a raucous, rollicking, rambunctious, if occasionally Rabelaisian, democracy, in a class by itself. The wonder of wonders is that it is also a working, self-correcting, durable and sustainable democracy that has by and large delivered. With increased people's participation from panchayats upward, higher educational attainments of elected representatives, economic growth and prosperity, and e-governance, it is bound to overcome, sooner rather than later, the blemishes that disturbingly, and often frighteningly, loom large today.

Three cheers, then, to the brave, new India of tomorrow!

B. S. RAGHAVAN