Lessons to learn from India

Niraj Aryal

In the 50’s some development theorists thought for rapid development to take place a sort of autocratic rule is necessary. Then there emerged the Asian tigers.

But now in the 21st century, perhaps the largest democracy in the world, India has proved everyone’s perception wrong in this regard.

No one talked of India. It was just thought of as a tourist destination. People come, see, go and talk of Indian hunger and poverty. The Indian democracy looked messy. The economic scenario till the last decade looked pretty gloomy. India was indulged in fighting with the archrival Pakistan. There were problems with neighbors now and then.

Now the situation is different.

India is celebrating its 57th years of independence with yet another general elections under way.

Now, Pakistan is no more an enemy. It’s time to take on the rest of the world. Conventional war has become talk of the past. Even Nuclear war appears remote.

A sort of history was made (?). Vajpayee ruled the country for continuous 5 years period. Economy grew at a faster rate. The democracy took its shape. That was what the country was looking for, since long time.

It seems the old bachelor with lots of vision will be in the office for yet another 5-years period.

Vajapyee dreamt of constructing 14,000 Kms of road throughout the country. This dream is becoming a reality.

If Vajpayee’s determination is any indication what could be expected is his next-tenure will bring astounding progress to the nation. Atal is really Atal. The man who physically cannot even walk on his own is carrying the load of 1 billion Indians on his back and taking on the rest of the world.

The time is gone, when in Nepal we used to talk of progress made in the Europe and America. India has set up an example. It has shown the rest, if you are really determined to prove something you can do it on your own. It’s time to learn from our immediate neighbor about their 60 years of democratic experience and the development they have achieved in the recent past.

Here in Nepal, it would have been better if the situation remained intact. But we are sliding. That is where the problem lies. County’s inability to produce leaders like Atal Jee has been a real sore for us.

With all these stupendous achievements that India has backed over the years will not provide India a regional or global power status until and unless her neighbors like Nepal nurture suspiscion on India’s neighborly attitudes.

India must be magnanimous.

The author can be reached at niraj_aryal@hotmail.com

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