Comments on: Western perception of India’s burgeoning success story masks reality of social divide

By: kirit

kirit — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:40:52 +0000

I can not agree more. Social divide is so high in India that I can not believe India is indeed progressing. I think most of the social problems in India are self created by political system India has adopted. India truely needs reform way its elect their politicians. Also Constitution need to change to make all people equal and then provide government help on the basis of income instead of caste, religion etc. Today several deserving group or people does not get government help while some fat cat gets it because he/she belongs to certain caste or religion causing government help going to people who really does not need help to begin with.

By: Will Heaven

Will Heaven — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 20:54:00 +0000

Thank you for your comments.

Socialism seems to have failed India so far, Peter and I certainly cannot see India challenging China at all in the next 20 years economically. You are right though, there is not much (social) compassion in India at the moment.

The Daily Telegraph correspondent for South Asia recently told me that India is similar to Victorian England in terms of social divide -I think he is probably right.

Sanjay, I like your proverbial analogy. Sadly though, most Indians are most definitely in the shade.

By: Sanjay

Sanjay — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 05:40:15 +0000

Hi,

Being an Indian, residing in Mumbai, I could not agree with you and Peter more. The rich are so caught up in getting richer, that they have completely erased the poor from their thinking. One reason for this could be that they suddenly have the resources to fulfill all the aspirations they have been harbouring for a long time, and want to make maximum hay while the sun lasts. But unless this changes, and changes soon, I am worried that there will be a social calamity.

By: Peter Wang

Peter Wang — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:43:50 +0000

India is well in its way for the 21st century, a 2nd tryst with the destiny, build not only on IT & software, also the rise of China forced the western powers look at India longingly, a version of the white knight to deliver the west from the jaws of the dragon.

The obstacle india face is itself – the cruel indifference and the amazing callousness of the middle class and interlectuals towards the poor. Given the Indian social reality, India needs socialism in addition to capitalism. — social compassion, social justice, social security — Unless all these concepts are permantly and firmly ingrained in the hearts and minds of the Indian middle class, India will only be a wanabe, forever.