The start of a new year is a time to look back with nostalgic memories of happiness, and sometimes sorrow but also to look ahead. The year 2005 has seen many disasters, natural and man-made, though no worse than many past years. It has also been a year when the stock of India (and, indeed, the stock market in India) rode high, and India was the flavour of the year. Following Goldman Sachs' BRIC report, which prophesied the rise of Brazil, Russia, India and China, the board of every major global company is formulating an "India strategy". Bountiful rains have ensured that economic growth will be well over 7%, even as the Sensex continually sets new records. Meanwhile, multiplexes and malls multiply, software soars, air-travel arrives and even manufacturing makes its mark. There is clearly energy, self-confidence and a new sense of dyna-mism in the air. Urban India witnesses unprecedented ostentation and conspi-cuous consumption, and the future looks brighter than ever before.
Talk about an "Indian century" and "resurgent India" no longer expresses dreams or hopes, but expectations. But what do these mean? What do we want India to be? One dream, shared by many, is of Superpower India. Our history during the last millennium, when invaders dominated India, makes this an understandable aspiration. Investments in armaments and in sustaining a large military force have already made us a major power in the region. Our strong technological capabilities have added an altogether new dimension in the last few years, certain to propel us into the global power league in a few years. Becoming a superpower in the next two or three decades is, therefore, well within the realm of possibility. Another dream, probably a reaction to centuries of poverty, is of being an economic power. This is further fuelled by the prevailing climate of consumerism and materialism, promoted by media, advertising and retailers. Even conservative projections of likely growth rates point to India's emergence as a major economic force within the next two decades.
The question is only whether it will meet or beat the Goldman Sachs projections. Therefore, barring some major catastrophe, India is well on course to achieving economic superstardom. These desires of military might and economic clout are probably reactions to our history of powerlessness and poverty. Yet, looking ahead not at this year or even this decade, but beyond, is this our vision for India? Is our goal limited to getting where others are already, to play "catching up", or do we have different and more ambitious dreams? President Kalam has often proclaimed the goal of becoming a developed country by 2020. This is itself an ambitious and laudatory goal, but we may want to look even beyond this. India carries a historical baggage of caste discrimination, exploitation, gender discrimination and illiteracy, and more recent ills like communal problems, crime and corruption. For such a society, mere economic development at a macro-level will not be adequate; if anything, it may intensify some of its woes, particularly crime.
We, therefore, need a more holistic goal: A definition of development that is very broad and multidimensional, or a vision that goes beyond development. I would propose that we seek to bring about a Civilised India. A civilised India would be one that focuses on individual economic well being, and not on GDP. It would ensure healthcare, good education and housing for all. Employability, equity and equality will be created. Projects will not be based on government decisions and people's participation, but on people's decisions and government participation. Democracy will mean freedom and respect for views of the few, and the right to dissent. The doctrine of equality before law will be as applicable to the rich and powerful as to the poor and ordinary. Caring, sharing and compassion will be the preferred values, as will need rather than greed. Diversity will be respected, even encouraged, resulting in a vibrant and creative society. Culture and the arts will be strongly supported and be given as much importance as the economy.
Voluntary groups and civil society organisations will be as important as big corporates or the government. Decentralisation and devolution of power will ensure that community organisations play a major role in decision-making. Some would decry the goal of civilised India with the angry question: Are we uncivilised now? The truth, bitter though it may be, is that large parts of India and substantial segments of society are, in fact, uncivilised by the yardstick outlined here. Many would consider such a vision as utopian, particularly in the context of continuing poverty and exploitation. But, even if there is no bread today, can we not work towards cake for tomorrow? The dawn of a new year is a time for idealism, for ambitious goals that may seem unrealisable. As Robert Browning observed, "but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" So, let our dreams soar; let us aim for a Civilised India. The writer is President, NASSCOM. Views are personal.
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