Perception of India across the world - the past and the present
I just watched a video on youtube - Foreign Media on INDIA : Britain is rich because of INDIA. The discussion starts with the Shashi Tharoor's viral speech at oxford where he has been very vocal about Britain owing reparations to India. Let me ask you "Do you want today's Britishers to pay for what their ancestors did?". Aren't we self sufficient to stand up on our feet, forgetting the past? With that said, a sincere apology from the Britain would have solved the issue....again that is my opinion.
Imagine India, if neither the Moghuls nor the British had invaded our country. I just can't believe the cultural richness we would have still enjoyed. I might be a little short-sighted by restricting my view to only cultural side, on a broader aspect what about our education system, our intellectual abilities, our economic supreme to name a few. Lest we can't change the past, but yes we can learn from it. I do agree that India lost more than we gained from these two empires (Moghuls & British) between 12th century till 19th century. A country that had richness defined in every aspect of life was brought down to its knees literally. Now with that let me ask you again - "do you any country to pay us back for what they did?" Is it fair to ask for the past crime?
On a brighter side, India was introduced to modern education system (I would not say it was better than our Indian education system) with a command over English language. We got introduced to new ways of lifestyle like travelling in railway, police, courts but the perception of India was different when we got our independence. What we did after our Independence since 1947 is something we can't blame anyone. But do remember the damage was already done - we were taught what slavery is all about.
Post independence, we did our best to reconstruct our nation for almost 43 years ( I want to break the post independence era in to two - pre-open economic India and post-open economic India) and believe me we did our best. But unfortunately what went on during those 43 years was not sufficient to see India's true potential. The whole world saw India as a country of snake charmers and slaves. In 1991 our economy was opened up. Believe me, a great step towards globalization took place with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) progressing at a pace that the world started looking at us in a different view.
From 1991 till date, we (Indians) have shown the world what we are truly capable of. The world has appreciated our leadership skills, our talent, our intellect since then. Our spirituality and the ancient practices of Yoga have given the world something to cheer about in their lives. Not to forget what the software sector has done to the world. We have made an impact to this world and showed them what we truly capable are. The perception of India has changed for the better. There are talks across the world that India can be a super power in years to come. Let us be realistic, we have a long way to go before we become super power.
A slow revolution is taking place inside India. It started with Information Technology sector and a diffusion effect to many a sectors. Informal sectors are now becoming formal...for instance retail chains and the latest addition the e-retail chains. We are evolving at a pace that is making the world look at us as the future superpower.
Imagine India, if neither the Moghuls nor the British had invaded our country. I just can't believe the cultural richness we would have still enjoyed. I might be a little short-sighted by restricting my view to only cultural side, on a broader aspect what about our education system, our intellectual abilities, our economic supreme to name a few. Lest we can't change the past, but yes we can learn from it. I do agree that India lost more than we gained from these two empires (Moghuls & British) between 12th century till 19th century. A country that had richness defined in every aspect of life was brought down to its knees literally. Now with that let me ask you again - "do you any country to pay us back for what they did?" Is it fair to ask for the past crime?
On a brighter side, India was introduced to modern education system (I would not say it was better than our Indian education system) with a command over English language. We got introduced to new ways of lifestyle like travelling in railway, police, courts but the perception of India was different when we got our independence. What we did after our Independence since 1947 is something we can't blame anyone. But do remember the damage was already done - we were taught what slavery is all about.
Post independence, we did our best to reconstruct our nation for almost 43 years ( I want to break the post independence era in to two - pre-open economic India and post-open economic India) and believe me we did our best. But unfortunately what went on during those 43 years was not sufficient to see India's true potential. The whole world saw India as a country of snake charmers and slaves. In 1991 our economy was opened up. Believe me, a great step towards globalization took place with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) progressing at a pace that the world started looking at us in a different view.
From 1991 till date, we (Indians) have shown the world what we are truly capable of. The world has appreciated our leadership skills, our talent, our intellect since then. Our spirituality and the ancient practices of Yoga have given the world something to cheer about in their lives. Not to forget what the software sector has done to the world. We have made an impact to this world and showed them what we truly capable are. The perception of India has changed for the better. There are talks across the world that India can be a super power in years to come. Let us be realistic, we have a long way to go before we become super power.
A slow revolution is taking place inside India. It started with Information Technology sector and a diffusion effect to many a sectors. Informal sectors are now becoming formal...for instance retail chains and the latest addition the e-retail chains. We are evolving at a pace that is making the world look at us as the future superpower.
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