Time to Change - 'INDIA'

After having lived abroad for 14 years and then coming back to your hometown, it might sound exciting and it indeed was for me. Bu then i never knew what i had to witness as soon as i came out of the airport. Infact inside the very airport i arrived. There were 'PAN' being spit on each corner and i was like is that a new Interior design initiative by the Airports Authority of India. Sarcasms set aside i was really laid back at seeing this and wonder when will this change in India. This happened almost 8 years back and i am sure things are not as worse as it is.

Some of the major issues we have here in India is Pissing in Public, Spitting pan or anything in general in the public roads, Beggars in the traffic signals and Littering the public spaces. I wouldnt quite call it an issue but more of something which we need to eradicate as soon as possible.

My manager who arrived from the US had the same concern, He has heard of India being the next 'BIG THING' and the moment he came, he was fortunate to see the above 'Issues'. It indeed gave a very bad impression in the eyes of a foreigner. This are some of the small things which can bring about a bad goodwill and this in turn will reflect in the country's progress as well.

How difficult is it to go to the nearest public loo when its so urgent, Stop the habit of chewing Pan and spitting all over? If the government does not come out with any strict rules, its the citizens who should come out with a draft of the things not to do in public and ensure that the local corporation has to pass a resolution.

Did you know, If you spit on the roads in Singapore you are imposed with a huge fine? And Singapore is now known as a country of Cleanliness. It becomes very disgusting when you happen to be a victim when someone from a Public bus spits outside without even checking if there is someone down there.

New Delhi, the Capital of India is one such state who have come out with the "No Peeing in Public Campaign" The campaign had sign boards all over which had characters Mr Thu Thu Kumar (the Spitter), Mr Su-Su Kumar (the person who pees in public) and last but not the least Mr Kuda Kumar (the litter bug). It is campaigns like these that can bring about a change in the society we live in and we will not be far from where countries like Singapore is.

Obama’s Visit Brings Hope??

We all know what happened over the last few days, the News Channels were all covering the visit of the US President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama. So much of drama existed before the President step his foot, with the 2 city’s who were waiting to welcome him were getting ready for his visit. Cleaning and painting the pavements and the roads where he was supposed to visit and all that.

I was seriously shocked at the kind of security and protection given to the President, starting from the fighter Jets accompanying the Air Force 1 through the entire voyage, the Choppers and the Bullet Proof vehicles and the 100’s of soldiers deployed for their Presidents visit. Such is the might of the leader of the World’s most powerful nation. No other leader in the world would have such facilities and protection however simple the person is. The US Govt had spend a whopping $200 million (Rs 900 crore approx) per day on Obama's visit to the country some of which included the security preparations and the entire booking of Hotel Maurya Sheraton in Delhi.I was just thinking to myself as to why not stay in that 5 star facilty machine The “Air Force One”.

I was fortunate enough to see the then President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam a few years back and was just comparing the same with that of the US President. Dr Kalam was just a few metres away who was accompanied by only a few security vehicles.

Now, Keeping aside the security I was surprised at the kind of simplicity Obama showcased in that interaction with the students of St. Xaviers and security wasn’t that a big one, but insiders revealed that out of the 300 students who were let inside the hall, each one was looked upon by militiary personnel on top of the building which was covered with Black curtains. Now this is something the media did not know or might thought it wasn’t necessary to show it to the world. The interaction went on well in the very typical Obama way wherein the questions which were very sensitive were answered smartly unlike George Bush who did not look at the impacts it would have in future.

Barack did his homework before coming into India by getting to know whatever is happening in India and increased his General Knowledge when it came to the Indian History and Culture which was evident from the Historic Speech he gave in the Parliament. He started the speech with a “Namaste”and many Indians who happened to hear his eloquent speech live were spellbound and it captured the hearts of the Indian population especially the young one’s where he stressed on the importance of the Indian Youth.

He was quoted as saying “You (young Indians) are future leaders, future educators, entrepreneurs and future electors. More than half of all Indians are under 30 years old. It is a great statistic. Every single child holds promise of greatness.” This is something every young Indian is not aware of ie like around 60 crores are under 30 years old which is a staggering figure as compared to any other country in the world. What we youngsters have to take into mind here is the never ending competition which will exist for the many years to come with India becoming a Developed Nation.

Obama’s other statement which I was very impressed was “How do you want to make the world a better place? This is your century to shape. There are powerful examples before you.” We are the people who will be leading the nation in the years to come and its our responsibility to make sure that whatever we do we do it for the sustenance of the country and the world. Obama’s on their visit to a High school in Mumbai were amazed at the students stressing on the importance of Global Warming and they were not only concerned about India, but the World as a whole

The $10 Billion deal is a gift to the Indians from the US President and it comes at a time when India is almost there at the next step to reach the ‘Developed Nation’ title. This can be used as a foundation for that great phase for India. A promise to the permenant seat at the UN Security Council is made but who knows if it will become a reality. India after that will be a country looked upon by many nations.

I don’t know if the promised made will be implemented but then Obama has indeed won the hearts of Millions of Indians!!

My formula: Don’t wait for US to give away the benefits, instead go by the respective countries Economic Policies which will built the strenght by itself like how our neighbouring country China did!!

Lets hope for the best and see to it that the promises by US are made!!