India will be celebrating its 69th anniversary of independence on August 15. Occasions like these offer an opportunity to pause and reflect. During these 69 years, this nation of 1.3 billion people has made huge strides. It has transformed itself from a third world country to a major power and an economic powerhouse.
There is no doubt that like every other country, India also has its fair share of problems. As a matter of fact, it has to deal with multiple external and internal challenges almost on a daily basis. A large segment of India’s population still lives in poverty. Also, other issues like religious conflicts, terrorism, corruption and pollution are constantly staring it in the face. However, despite all of these challenges, India has been moving forward.
This most populous democracy of the world continues to lead the world in a number of areas. This includes advancements in technology, which has become an envy of the world. Over the next few years India’s economy is expected to grow between 8 to 10 % annually. It will boost India’s economy from $2 trillion to $8 trillion over the next 15 years, making it the third largest economy in the world. India’s Space Research Organization is looking forward to the Mission to Venus after the success of Mission to Mars
India, being one of the world’s ancient civilizations has given some amazing things to the world. These include the Sanskrit language, the Rig Veda, the number Zero, Yoga, Chess, Ayurveda and diamonds. Speaking of diamonds, recent media reports indicate that the city of Surat in Gujrat province of India has now become one of the major diamond centres employing 450,000 people. Over 80% of the world’s diamonds are now processed in India. Furthermore, ancient centres of learning including universities like Taxila and Nalanda were hugely popular all over the world.
It has been reported that India is one of the world’s youngest nations with a median age of 25. In comparison, it is 43 years for Japan and 36 for the U.S. India’s middle class of more than 350 million is a big drawing card for multinationals around the globe. These corporations are stepping over each other in order to tap into this huge market.
India is a tourist’s dream. A good friend of mine, prominent journalist Gurmukh Singh, based in Toronto often sends me some very interesting information. Recently, he shared with me some of the amazing places to visit in India. These include the following;
Mawsynram: Located in the Meghalaya province in north east India, this is the rainiest place on earth with 11,871 mm rainfall each year.
The Sichuan Glacier in the Karakoram mountain range in the Himalayas, 6,000 meters above sea level is the highest battleground in the world. It has 35 feet of snowfall during winter and the temperatures can drop to 50 degrees below zero Celsius during winter. It has been nicknamed the third pole in the world.
The Thar Desert in Rajasthan is the 17th largest desert in the world with a rare diversity of flora and fauna. The temperatures can range from zero during winter to 50 degrees Celsius during summer.
Arunachal Pradesh –Land of the Rising Sun has 82% of its area under thick forest. It is home to some of the most naturally beautiful places such as Twang and Ziro.
Kerala, is considered to be one of the top ten paradises in the world endowed with natural beauty .It has a lot to offer including attractive beaches, rolling mountains, rich wildlife and a lot more. Kerala has the highest life expectancy at 74 years and the highest literacy rate, 94%, more than anywhere else in the world.
A visit to any of these places should be a treat and a reflection of India’s beauty.
Happy Independence Day, India!
Balwant Sanghera is a retired School Psychologist and Community Activist.
