May 16, 2009

Praise for Indian Election Machinery and past glory

This article from a NY journalist praises Indian elections and the challenges it poses. Of course it's a great feat and is well deserved. How ever down the line like every other one of us delves into past for search of more motivation. I hope that 10 years down the line some one writing such an article wont have to go into past of Indian greatness. He will get 90% of the contents from the late 20th and in force 21st century. Thanks to a friend who sent the article to me on mail.

Though I would say thanks primarily to EC and T. N. Seshan which gave the body self respect to stand against the politician/political parties and play an important role in Indian polity.

Article follows :--

 THE INDIAN ELECTIONS - NEW YORK TIMES
 
It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse and democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future. It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes de-stabilizing and violent Pakistan , China , and Burma. Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else, particularly in development and fending off terrorism -- but considering these challenges and its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions and cultures, is not only surviving, but thriving. The nation where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were born, which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth; where Christianity has existed for 2000 years; where the oldest Jewish synagogues and Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple; where the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile reside; where the Zorastrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland; where Armenians and Syrians and many others have to come live; where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest only 200 years ago; where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected, where a Sikh is Prime Minister and the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman, where the President is also a women, succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist was a hero in the nation; where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year and is expected to have the majority of its population in the middle class, already equal to the entire US population, by 2025; where its optimism and vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth, and voting, despite all the incredible challenges and hardships; where all the great powers are vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world. Where all of this is happening, is India , and as greater than 1/10 of
humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to all the World. 

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