THE INDIAN ELECTIONS: The New York Times: It is truly the greatest show on earth, an ode to a diverse & democratic ethos, where 700 million+ of humanity vote, providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future. It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes destabilizing Pakistan, China & Burma. Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else, particularly in development & fending off terrorism--but considering these challenges & its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions & cultures, is not only surviving but thriving. The nation where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism & Sikhism were born, which is the second largest Muslim nation on earth; where Christianity has existed for 2000yrs, where the oldest Jewish synagogues & Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple, where the Dalai Lama & the Tibetan government in exile reside; where the Zoroastrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland; where Armenians & Syrians & many others have come to live; where the Paris based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth for 1500 of the last 2000yrs, including the 2nd largest only 200yrs ago; where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected, where a Sikh is Prime Minister & the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman; where the President was also a woman succeeding a Muslim President who is a rocket scientist & is a hero in the nation; where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year & is expected to have the majority of its population in the middle class already, equal to the entire US population by 2025; where its optimism & vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth & voting despite all the incredible challenges & hardships; where all the great powers are vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world. Where all of this happening, is India & as greater than 1/10th of humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to the entire World. -V Mitchell, New York, New York
Posted on: Mon, 16 Sep 2013 07:55:49 +0000
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