New York Times reader comment on India going to the polls, "The
world's biggest exercise in democracy"
April 15, 2009 It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a
diverse and democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote,
providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization
into the future. It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood
which includes de-stabilizing and violent Pakistan, China, and Burma.
Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else,
particularly in development and fending off terrorism -- but
considering these challenges and its neighbors, it is even more
astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of
languages, all religions and cultures, is not only surviving, but
thriving.
The nation where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were born,
which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth; where Christianity
has existed for 2000 years; where the oldest Jewish synagogues and
Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd
temple; where the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile
reside; where the Zorostrians from Persia have thrived since being
thrown out of their ancient homeland; where Armenians and Syrians and
many others have to come live; where the Paris-based OECD said was the
largest economy on Earth 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the
2nd largest only 200 years ago; where 3 Muslim Presidents have been
elected, where a Sikh is Prime Minister and the head of the ruling
party a Catholic Italian woman, where the President is also a women,
succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist was a hero in
the nation; where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of
poverty each year and is expected to have the majority of its
population in the middle class, already equal to the entire US
population, by 2025; where its optimism and vibrancy is manifested in
its movies, arts, economic growth, and voting, despite all the
incredible challenges and hardships; where all the great powers are
vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world.
Where all of this is happening, is India, and as greater than 1/10 of
humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to all the World.
