A great country

I was born an Indian. I spent the first 40 years of my life in India. As a result there is a lot of Indian-ness in me and it will remain for the rest of my life. I feel very uncomfortable when someone says that India is a great country and that one should be proud of it. The fact is that India is not a great country and that there is very little in India to be proud of. Unless we accept these facts we will not be motivated to do anything improving the state of affairs in India.

Look at the poverty figures, look at the education figures, look at corruption, look at lack of education in rural India, look at the mismanagement and misappropriation of natural resources. What do you see? Do you see any greatness? Do you see anything to be proud of? If you need any more convincing — see here. So don't be proud of India, and start to work on making India something you can really be proud of. It does not need much. All it needs is a sense of honour. Don't do anything dishonourable like cheat, lie or, ask for a bribe. Don't take what is not rightfully yours or something which you have not earned. Be true to the duties and responsibilities of your job. Respect your fellow citizens. India is quite rich in natural resources. If we just stick to a few fundamental principles as a country, we will do well.