Yup...thats me...cynical and Indian! A shortage of the basic supplies pulled me on an errand to Costco. And passing the aisles for magazines, I came across a familiar face splashed on a glossy. A calmly confident Serd in a blue turban, whose quaint eyes exude a small chuckle..."You can doubt me for all you care...but I know my way..." For those who dint still get it past the drumroll...that face was Dr. Manmohan Singh - the now victorious man in Indian politics.
His photo himself was not what held me...but the caption - Singh's 100-day plan and how it could save the world. Yes India is, in most aspects a 3rd world nation. Yes our indices in most categories are next to abysmal...but still, what held me there at that moment is the respect that the international media is affording us at this juncture. To smoothen the darker-than-me cynics, I need to get some disclaimers out. Yes, one of the 2 authors of the article is Indian. Yes, most aspects of Indianism are reported as bare and naked as possible.
But there was something new to my eye...a respect for my India. One which I have always found missing hitherto...
During the run-up to the elections, there were some shudders that the nation could be run by the likes of the Laloos and the Karats and if that is not a nightmare enough...the Mayawatis...but am glad that sensibility prevailed and Dr. Singh rules the roost! Here's to the countdown for 100...
Please do read the article (esp. if you are Indian). Its so much better and satisfying than those stupid patriotic forwards on 15th Aug and 26th Jan...
Be a proud witness to a fantastic journey!! These days will be remembered in the history of this nation.
Dilli..Ye Mastano Ki Dilli!!..Dilli-6
15 years ago