Seven arguments for and against my country

In light of the recent debate upon depreciation of value of rupee, corruption, lack of security, etc. I often found myself loathing the nation that I was born in. I no longer remembered the moments of proudly singing the national anthem and saluting to our national flag. I started comparing my life to those who are settled in developed countries. But then amidst all this something happened – a discussion with a friend who is totally anti-India made me think that somewhere within me is someone who still believes in the greatness of this nation.

This post is a mere reflection of turmoil that goes inside my brain and maybe yours too.

1. Poverty – Everywhere you go, you see poverty. You see beggars, slum dwellers, people struggling to earn two basic meals without any social security.

1. Generosity – The number of free food arrangements in Gurudwaras, temples and mosques is unbelievable. Be it a festival or a family function, a mere visit to temple or a grand ceremony, Indians believe in sharing. In the name of God, ancestors and luck, we share our meals, our means with needy and poor.

2. Corruption – I needn’t write anything on this. Everywhere we go, we discuss corruption in Indian politics.

2. Corruption – A belief that it begins with me. I need to fight it. I need to avoid the easy way out even though there is one.

3. Lack of Infrastructure – Poor road, mismanaged sewage, electricity shortage, etc. this country’s list of poor infrastructure can go on and on.

3. Culture – On those poor roads, every time you travel 50km and beyond, the cultural dynamics change. Languages, food, lifestyle, clothing – India has the largest cultural diversity.

4. Illiteracy – Look at poorly managed schools, children and adult who cannot write or read. There are people who cannot even speak Hindi let alone English.

4. Skills – It is a well-known fact that Indians have one the most diverse skill sets. Be it embroidery or handwork, carpet making, pottery, brass work or iron work. India is known for handicraft and skills that rural artisans possess. India is world’s largest exporter of hand crafted products.

5. Insecurity – Being a woman, I often get worried about my security in the nation where rapes and murders are every day story.

5. Insecurity – Having travelled a bit, I know that people are same everywhere. Rapes and murders happen in great nations too. I also know that a lot of safety comes at our own hands. This sounds like a defense in vain but that is the truth. I recently read a story of a woman who was raped inside her own house in one of the developed nations.

6. Depreciating value of rupee – India’s economy seems to be sinking. My industry seems to be sinking. My career seems to be in danger.

6. Global Recession – We all know different countries go through different recession period. Each economy has its own cycle. India is just going through its own.

7. Communal wars – Riots, curfews, Hindu-Muslim fights, etc. This country seems to have never evolved after 1947.

7. Diversity – Cultural and communal diversity in this country is like no other. Four major religion, with over 100s of communities and cultures live together in a single nation making it one the most culturally diverse nation.

To sum it up, there are two sides of each coin. If I seek one, second comes along. Each nation, each community, each situation has its pros and cons. And it depends on us of what we make of it. Somewhere between loathing and criticizing the politicians, economists and community, there is an Indian who praises the culture, values, diversity, heritage, skill and humanity of this nation. While making the plans to shift abroad for a better job or better life, there is an Indian who proudly salutes the Indian flag and fondly sings Jan Gan Man…

I am taking part in The Write Tribe Festival of Words 1st - 7th September 2013. 

Read the post from Day 2 - Seven places I'd like to travel to