White Tiger

On the 60th Anniversary of India's Republic Day, I cannot help but contemplate the country's achievements, its setbacks, its challenges, its potential, its talents, its culture, and most importantly, put India in perspective.

I have great respect for India, although, it saddens me to see that due to the shortcomings of a few crooks in the system, India does not have simple things like roads and basics like clean water and decent housing for the poor. I believe in and admire India for its talent and perseverance, but loathe it for the corruption and the lack of faith its individuals have for their own country. Yes, Indians have relied upon themselves, they have made great leaps, but they have also left millions behind! I have always believed that if India had opened up its economy to the foreigners, it would have provided a level playing field, or at least the much-needed jobs for the poor, which would have created the means to taking the nation to even greater heights.

However, I have also come to the realization that perhaps what I have been concentrating on is a thing of the past. Perhaps, I have been unfair to judge the progress based on simple textbook theories. Perhaps, the resilient and sophisticated India that is transpiring is a direct result of the incompetencies of the system. Let us not forget, India has a history dating back as early as 2500BC; it is a complex country with different cultures, religions and languages. It has a population of 1.1 billion, making it the world's largest democracy. And by all these measures, recent growth rates averaging 9% is a great accomplishment for the Indians to be proud of.I have had numerous discussions on India and its accomplishments with people who have experienced it first hand, and two have had a lasting impression. One, where an acquaintance stated that - India is the only country that is big and ‘innovative’ enough to take over United States as the next biggest economy; and another where I concluded local Indians as 'opportunistic' the way they go about their everyday business; two qualities that I strongly believe are essential for achieving success.

I was told that Thomas Friedman once said on CNN that the difference between China and India is (not directly quoting as I have not watched the interview, but somewhat get the gist) - China is a 4 lane highway with cars travelling at 80-100mph and if a bump is encountered there would be two likely scenarios, either the vehicle would lose control and crash or it would fly in the air and land slightly damaged but will stay on course. India on the other hand is a road full of potholes and puddles, cars travel at 50-60mph, the speed is steady and if bumps occur the vehicles will adjust the speed and carry on moving unscathed.

Just like the latest sensation 'Slumdog Millionaire', the journey might be slow and agonizing, but the end results are more than worthwhile. Being an optimistic, opportunistic, self-reliant, creative hard-worker, with high attainable goals, and a 'never say die' attitude is all it takes, and really that's what makes India, India.