TEN REASONS WHY MY INDIA IS THE BEST

On the occasion of our country’s 64th independence day, I thought it fit to list down my top ten reasons as to why I do truly think that India is a great country, and not just because it is the place where I was born and live.

So here goes…

1.                   DIVERSITY – Because no other country on the face of the planet can boast such diversity in all arenas ranging from language, culture, religion, to climate and geography.

2.                   CULTURAL HERITAGE – Because our cultural heritage is second to none, whether it be the wealth of dance and music from the south or the festivals of the north or the treasure chest of literature and art we have accumulated over the ages.

3.                   DEMOCRACY – Because we are the largest democracy in the world, a feat which is oft underrated and glossed over, but needs just a few moments of rumination to impress the achievement it is in itself.

4.                   SECULARISM – Because we have amongst the largest population of numerous religions, not just Hinduism, which for the large part co-exist under equal opportunity and treatment guaranteed by the Constitution.

5.                   HISTORY – Because the history of India spans centuries, dating back amongst the oldest civilizations with the richest archival value and highest relevance.

6.                   SPIRIT – Because India possesses a spirit which has not been broken by the invaders, terrorists and the detractors who have lobbied and continue to lobby against it, and try to bring India to its knees.

7.                   PERSEVERANCE – Because despite the repeated setbacks to the advancement of our country, in any field, we have continued to persevere, stand up despite our falling and proceed again undeterred.

8.                   HEART – Because the heart of India is large and forgiving, not only to its external enemies and rivals, but also the internal aberrations (including the corrupt politicians and the terror groups).

9.                   POTENTIAL – Because we harbour the most ingenious human resource base which endows India with unparalleled potential for growth, prosperity and dominance in the decades ahead.

10.               HOPE – Because we look onwards to the future full of undiminished hope and unfazed optimism and we all know that the journey of the centuries has finally culminated on the crossroads where we can look ahead to the era of our country – the Indian century.

While many of us find reasons time and again to criticize our country including its governance and so many things which do not function as they are supposed to, or do not live up to our expectations, we do so as a matter of right, as anyone can with something or someone that they feel is intrinsically theirs. It is an outlet for our pain and frustration we feel for not only individual suffering but also for the country’s detriment. And despite the day to day rigmarole we all are, in our hearts united and aspire collectively to see our country progress to its rightful place in the annals of the greatest nations of the world. This to me is the biggest strength of India and fills me with joy and pride to be called an INDIAN.

JAI HIND!!!