India, a majestic country, is growing
at the second fastest rate economically. Enter into this country through Delhi
or Mumbai, look around at the infrastructure, business hubs, educated
population etc., all these tell us the story of growth. Indian businessmen are
making their way to some of the wealthiest persons in the world. Brand India is
becoming more and more popular among the western countries. Companies like
Walmart and IKEA are paving their way to enter this country keeping in
mind the increasing purchasing power of the citizens of this country. These
might be some reasons to cheer about but the ground reality is totally
different.
More than half of the population is living
under poverty. One-third of the population is in extreme poverty. This class is
vulnerable to exploitation, diseases, drugs addiction and many kinds of
negative things. These are the people most affected by natural calamities. Lack
of education and awareness makes these people devoid of employed, consequently,
forcing them to enter into world of crime.
Poverty and prosperity both
coexist here but we can say poverty in more rampant here. Thousands of children
can be seen walking on foot to their government school in any crowded street in
Delhi in comparison to some fifty children would be found sitting on their SUVs
making way to any international school. Despite of more than 60 years of
Independence, the government has failed to bridge the gap between haves and
have nots. This economic division is becoming more and more dangerous for this
country for the youths who don’t get the same opportunity on jobs (or anywhere
else, where they are discriminated because of their economic level).
Increasing crimes rates and involvement of
mostly poor people shows the frustration brought by this gap. The rich flaunt their
prosperity in such a way that it makes fun of those people who can’t afford to
have that luxury. People’s behaviour also changes towards person depending on
their prosperity level, no matter how inhumanely or corruptly he had acquired
that immense wealth. Why rich people are getting richer and poor people are
becoming poorer? This question needs serious debate on the part of policy
makers of this country. The government should improve the level of education
and bring it on par with those costly international schools or the government.
Education should also be more customized for different group of students,
student with different ambitions and future plans should get different kind of
education.
Has anyone wondered about why people from developing countries are in
the wealthiest persons list ? It might make
you feel happy that many Indians are in the billionaire list but it certainly
makes me sick. They have made their way to the list because millions of people
never got the opportunity in all those businesses where a single family owns
hundreds of business. They suppressed their less wealthy competitors by bribing
government agencies for approval. How do you suppose these conglomerates are specialized
in every business they are in, from telecom to glass making, from salt to automobile?
I will never get amused by the growth rate unless I will see the happiness in
the face of poor. Though if the poor remains poor after getting equal opportunities
in comparison to rich people, then it’s not anyone’s fault, then I will not
condemn rich.
I know if everybody is provided with equal opportunity
despite of their economic status, I believe that the gap between rich and poor
will be bridged. There won’t be any billionaire like Ambanis and there won’t be
any poor like a landless farmer and that will be when we will be heading towards a better tomorrow.
