As a nation, we are let into the feeling that -
We are one of the most respected cultures in the world.
Our media positions itself as the most vigilante media.
Our bureaucracy makes us believe that it is one of the most efficient bureaucracies in the world.
Time and again we hear about reports suggesting Indian Air Force being the third biggest (and best) Air Force and similar high ranks for Indian Army and Navy.
We are one of the handful countries having nuclear weapons and delivery capabilities from air, water or land for the same.
We have one of the most sophisticated satellite system in the world and amongst the very fews who can launch one of their own.
Ours is one of the biggest economies in the world (probably fifth).
We have the highest number of doctors/engineers and we are the best brains. Any wonder that US Spelling Bee competetion always has Indians making a good show there.
Silicon Valley has a great number of Indian brains.
We are the biggest democracy in the world.
In the world that is ageing fast, we have the human capital (read population) that is young, positive and ready for the next challenge.
We have the freedom and respect for human rights in our country.
I am pretty sure that I would have forgotten many points here and would be open to add them to this list if I get to remember some more. How we perceive ourself is one part of the equation. The another - How we are perceived by others? What importance do they give to a country with such a brilliant record and statistics? How much do we as a nation command respect and how much say do we have in the worldly affairs? We can think and debate and justify and criticize and try to be as intellectual in our approach, but here is another view. Lets focus on our political will for today because thats what matters the most.
People from such a great culture face racial abuses in another countries. There are people from other countries as well, but Indians face the ire most. (Some say its because we are better than others and people fear our superiority the most. Really?). Had it happened to some other race say Chinese, British or American, they would have ensured such tough response. For us, only words.
We took most of the things from British. Their constitution to build upon, their parliamentary ways, and above all - their policy of "Divide and Rule". Our politicians divide us in the name of religion, caste, state, language, opputunity etc etc and rule with comfort. British system failed so badly that a country that once had the biggest empire in the world is now degraded to the status of 'Yes Sir' for America. They may change it, but we won't because we will have the answer always ready - "India is a country with its own problems and solutions.". The only problem - our leadership doesn't know what solution means.
Our politicians are the new kings. They rule without any accountability. They can announce populist schemes like free color TV, free computers, laon waivers etc. without ever letting people know where they will get the money from to finance this. "Public money" is surely anything but public's money. It's the money that public mints out for these politicians comfort. Afterall, a Mayawati can invest heavily in the construction of Ambedkar Samaraks, and getting her own statues in the state of UP. As if its her own money. But who cares.
A country who we are supposed to believe that it is in shambles and will break soon; treats us as stupids. Think of this drama -
10 Terrorits from Pakistan get into our economic capital.
Kill 275+ innocent citizens and we lose some of our best commandos and soldiers.
With the whole nation outraged and the elections coming soon, the government suspends all political dialog.
America comes out strongly against terrorists among rising tensions. Calls for very tough action against terrorists.
America terms it as "India's 9/11". Still calls for calm and sanity. (275 Indian lives; 20 Americans and we would have seen a diff response)
Pakistan house-arrest the perpetrator. Asks for evidence.
We provide evidence. They say its not sufficient. We provide that again.
Indian public debates terrorism just as one of the many political issues. Congress wins the elections 6 months after these attacks.
Analysts think that what ticked for it was the loan waiver (as if it was their own money to waive off) and the Employment scheme. How they treated terrorism doesn't count.
With Indian elections over and 6 months past the incident, all the hard stances against Pakistan have turned to dissappointment.
Our Prime Minister is to visit Pakistan's President in Russia on the sidelines of a summit. This is the ICE-BREAKER.
America wants us to resume dialog. (275+ 'Indian' lives. Doesn't matter. 20 Americans and the rules would have been different.)
In the near future - even with no change we will go down the same path of talk, talk and talk. Politicians will be safe in their own security nets at taxpayers' cost. For the public - who cares.
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