IDEAS FOR INDIA-2

Almost a century after Christ, a Greek philosopher named Apollonius of Tyana, a disciple of Pythagoras –yes, the same guy who forces young lads to study left-right triangles- travelled to India. He had said with much righteousness-“ in India, I found a race of mortals living upon earth, but not adhering to it, inhabiting cities but not fixed to them, possessing everything but possessing nothing”. Hmm…

Of the many praises I have come across for our incredible India, this is the most endearing one as it rightfully describes our unpredictability, uneasiness as well as our permanent nature. But as an emerging nation, we have got to do our bit. Some of the lesser known national priorities are-

1.     Malnutrition- an ancient land with a yearning for a new status cannot be taken seriously if one in two children under five cannot get enough food. India has more malnourished citizens than all of Africa. Lately, increased attention has resulted in a dip but more attention is needed. As for us, the youth of the nation, we should begin by showing some empathy. That would be good for starters as well as non starters.

2.     Protecting the farmer- the population of farmers is declining but more than seventy percent of India still lives in rural areas. As their new generations join the economy, farmlands give way for factories, highways and cities. The farmer suicide graph is touching new highs. India needs another green revolution and for that the farmer has to be protected. The recent surge in food items’ prices showed the need of agricultural developments in our country. High yielding seeds, state of the art technology, friendly environment are essential. Rather, old and traditional methods can also be followed which have worked for us since ages. A lot has to be done to protect the interests of the ‘kisaan’. An amalgam of technological and agricultural development only can take this nation forward.

3.     Protecting the environment- one more reason for the farm crisis, hunger and growing disease is the poisoning of lands, rivers and other natural resources. India has some of the best environmental laws in the world but most of them have been ignored repeatedly. Lately, a lot of activity has taken place for good. Its not inherent contradiction. At a time of climate change, India has to preserve its natural treasury to sustain its growing economy.

These are some of the lesser touched upon issues. All of these along with others have to be looked upon to make India reach the pinnacle of glory.

Debarpit Chandra