India Today and Tomorrow, in MY View

•  Readers Comment 

The Indian nation is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav during the 75th anniversary of Independence. The period between August 15, 1947 and August 15, 2022 offers a rich history of a people hoping to enjoy the fruits of their struggle for freedom. They dreamed of an India where they would get all that was denied them by the oppressive Mughal and British rulers. After all, the Indian Constitution guaranteed them their fundamental rights , and they hoped they would be treated as equals, something denied to a vast number of people because of the caste system, that they would have equal opportunities to grow, that they would be free from poverty and hunger, that they would be their own masters. Where are they after 75 years of Independence?

We thought we could have the  viewpoint of Indian Americans  on  “India Today and Tomorrow”. We reached out to a few readers of  The Indian Panorama  with the request to share their viewpoint. They have been very kind to send in their comments which we are happy to publish here. We thank them for their contribution.– EDITOR

Mr. Gobind Bathija, New York

Seventy-five years later, the India of today is almost unrecognizable from that under the nearly 200 years of British control. Average life expectancy is now over 70 years, up from 37 years. Literacy rates have risen exponentially. India’s nearly 3 trillion economy sits at 5th worldwide leading to recognition of a middleincome status on a per capita basis. Indians have established presence in senior level positions in the world’s largest companies.

India’s space exploration participation, their commitment to enhancing its’ sporting prospects, promotion of  global entertainment superstars and the growth of their military  are indicative of India’s strength as a country. A viable economy with a focus on culture, India is positioned well to remain a global superpower. The vision is clear and with continued unification under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India will surpass the  successes of the first 75 years of independence and learn from the challenges. The people of India are the strength of India;  protecting them, reducing pollution levels, continuing to enhance literacy rates, extending average life expectancies even further through public health initiatives, continuing to reduce economic inequities, providing opportunities to all citizens, securing public  safety and continuing to investing in the infrastructure of stable  utilities and water supplies for the entire country are paramount to  India’s continued growth, stability and position of leadership in the world .

(Gobind Bathija is a businessman and a community leader)

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Mr. Ajay Ghosh

Thousands of miles away from India, our hearts long for India, our motherland. A land with rich traditions, history and culture. A land that gave to the world so much and welcomed everyone with open arms. The generosity and spirit of warmth that we all inherited for centuries from generation to generation, with its unparalleled glorious past makes us all stand tall. Today, after centuries of enslavement, plundering, destruction and marginalization, India has begun to raise its head, seeking and finding its rightful seat among the nations of the world. We are a young nation, full of energy and power; talent, skills and education; future-oriented and willing and able to accomplish our goals.

India Today gives us hope. The vibrant and the largest democracy makes us all proud even though it has its own limitations, with certain groups trying to abuse power and threaten the very foundation of democracy and equality. In India, transfer of power happens peacefully through ballots at local, state and federal levels. And, not by force and intimidation. The people of India are rising. They have made a name for themselves across the globe, wherever they went, and wherever they made their homes. They are appreciated for what they are and what they bring to their adopted lands. They are much sought after for their integrity and caliber.

The President of the United States, Joe Biden on the occasion of India’s 75th anniversary of India’s Independence Day hailed India as an “indispensable partner” He said, “The United States joins the people of India to honor its democratic journey, guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of truth and non-violence.” Biden expressed his commitment to further strengthen the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership that is formed on the ideals of law and democracy and most importantly on their people-to-people ties.

 (Ajay Ghosh is Chief Editor, Theunn.com)