India today celebrates 60 years since independence from Britain.
As over a billion people celebrate in India, and many millions in all corners of the world, there is no doubt that the country has come a long way in the last few years alone.
Last week, I witnessed an amazing performance by the UK’s leading South Asian theatre companies, Tara Arts, in Trafalgar Square, London. You can see what happened in the above video clip.
India today is an economic powerhouse with its people and culture having a massive influence worldwide in the world of commerce, art and even sport now. Cricket may only be played in a few countries worldwide, but it is followed by millions in India and the recent series win by India over England could not have come at a better time.
India is now developing and rising so rapidly, but at what cost?
Firstly, the economic growth India is undergoing is sure to also bring about huge pollution. The beauty of the Indian countryside must not be ravaged as has been the case in other parts of the world.
Also, most importantly, the rich in India are getting much richer whilst the poor are falling further behind all the time. What the country needs is more internal peace, equitable wealth and social justice. One wonders what Gandhi would have made of his beloved country, sixty years after independence.
Yet, India to me remains the most amazing country with its many contrasts and extremes. If any country in the world can resolve its many challenges and continue to rise, it is India. One wonders where the country will be when the 75th anniversary comes around in just another 15 years.