INDIA

India is a land of great diversity in its physical features, people, languages and cultures. We have the snowy peaks of the Himalayas in the North, the evergreen luscious forests and fertile plains in the North and the South, rivers and valleys and it is surrounded on three sides by the mighty oceans. We have 29 states and many more communities living in these states speaking different languages with different dialects for each language.

India has a rich heritage in science, architecture and literature. In the field of science we were far ahead of other nations even in the ancient times, and the modern age has seen a great development in medecine, science and technology. We produce practically, everything under the sun and export industrial goods, medicines, leather goods and so on. Our scientists Aryabhatta, Bhaskar Reddy, C.V.Raman, Dr. Kalam and others are renowned all over the world.

In architecture, we have beautiful monuments, temples, mosques and tombs. The Taj Mahal is an unbelievable wonder for the world. There is Fatehpur Sikri, Lal Quila, Agra Fort, Charminar and so on. The intricate sculptures in the South of India are delicately carved and the delicately carved murals of Ajanta and Ellora caves evoke wonder and admiration. Our skill in architectute is not confined to ancient architecture alone. Modern India can boast of the best of multi-storeyed buildings, roads, bridges and so on.

In the world of literature, arts and letters we have renowned personalities such as R.K. Narayan, Naipaul, Mulk-Raj Anand besides a host of others. We are the world’s largest film makers and our films are appreciated world wide. Our musicians and dancers give great performances all over the world.

However, with all these assets and many more to be proud of, we also have a lot of problems. There is widespread poverty and illeteracy and there is a wide gap between the rich and the poor. There are those who cannot afford two square meals a day, and there are those who live in five star luxury even in their homes. Again, there is the problem of over population. Although tremendous efforts are being made by the government and the social organisations to educate the people in this direction, yet it is not an easy task to check.

Unemployment is yet another major problem which further increases the gap between the haves and the have-nots. Unemployment gives rise to poverty and poverty gives rise to unemployment. There is a regular influx of people from the rural areas to the cities in the hope of getting jobs. As a result, there is over-crowding in the cities and slum colonies form within a short period. Unfortunately, world’s largest slum happens to be in India’s most developed city, Mumbai.

Pollution is yet another problem that we are faced with because of the increasing urbanisation, expanding population and over-crowding. Apart from the factories that spew black smoke there are countless motor vehicles on the roads emitting poisonous gases which make life in cities a veritable hell.

There are problems created by men like communal tensions resulting in riots which harm everybody around. Terrorism in Kashmir, unrest in the North-East, tensions at the border and religious differences have created a rift between man and man. These are the problems created by the selfish nature of man, and it is only if the saner part of man dominates that these problems can be solved.

Thus, to conclude, I want to say that India is a great nation which is advancing towards development in all spheres and at the same time going through a period of stress and strain in the social and political arena. However, I am confident that the lessons of Gandhi, Nehru and Mother Teresa will not be wasted and the time will come when we shall have solved our problems and live amicably together in peace and harmony.   

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