Villages of India

All our politicians starting from Sri MK Gandhi have never been tired of telling us that true India is in its villages. But even after nearly 70 years of freedom, the villages have improved precious little and people in villages live without proper housing, sanitation and basic amenities. Instead we now talk about smart cities, totally forgetting about villages.

During our PM's visit several American companies have promised to bring low cost Internet to Indian villages, but what is its use when there is no electricity for 80% of the time?

I think we have got our priorities totally messed up. As educated people (I mean those who are a part of this circle), we must insist on the government to initiate measures to improve village life with the participation of experienced (even retired) scientists, technologists and administrators in the next 2 to 3 year timeframe (6 months to devise an approach, 6 months to plan and then progressively work on this objective and make a visible change). These should include housing, basic amenities, healthcare, education and employment.

China which was crippled by Mao's cultural revolution in the 1970s has come up in the last 4 decades at a scorching pace and is today able to command the respect of all nations including those of the first world. Of course we in India blame democracy and its vagaries for our inability to emulate China, but this attitude is not going to help us for ever.

I thought Mr. Modi would be India's salvation, particularly given the massive mandate we gave him and his party. After an year and a half of his rule, I am not too sure about this any longer. It looks to me that the next election may once again see the dynastic politicians coming back or at least gaining in strength and carry on with their destruction of Indian society. A very sad state of affairs that will be. more