The sociocultural values,
fundamental beliefs, priorities of a nation undergo transformation with
time. The process of transformation is
in general a slow and continuous process that provides ample time to the nation
to adapt to the changing environment. However, in the post-globalization globe,
emerging nations have moved fast in economic front. Along with economy, the
fundamental value systems, cultural ethos of these nations have started
morphing. India is a good case in hand.
Though India is largely an
agrarian economy, the Hindu rate of growth is history for India. For last several years India is growing at a
yearly rate of more than 5%. Unlike countries that have transitioned from
agrarian economy to manufacturing economy and then to service economy; Indian
has skipped the middle phase to focus on service sector directly from
agriculture. Indian banking and finance sector is considered as among the best
of the worlds, Indian IT companies have established themselves comfortably in
the competitive world. Indian talent is being appreciated around the globe.
At the same time India is
witnessing a lot of challenges in its path of growth and development. To decode
the contemporary context of India one has to focus on the major dimensions of
changes that India is confronting with.
Democracy and Politics
Indian democracy is no more a
playground of a single political party. Today, we witness regional satraps
having their say in national scene.
Politics is now a politics of coalition, sometime addressing the
contradictory demands of two different coalition partners. A sizable chunk of Indian electorate has
moved out from the traditional way of choosing representatives on the basis of
caste and political party. They are now concerned over the issues of development
and progress of their region. Large voter turnout in all recent elections is a
result of interest of common electorate in the issues related to their
constituency. Gone those days when high voter turn-out was essentially being
seen as symptom of high anti-incumbency voting. Electorate is turning to
polling booth both to support good governance and to throw a non-performing
government out of power.
Confusion and Corruption
With fast changing policies,
dynamic economic environment confusion and corruption seem to have increased
manifold. 2G spectrum allocations, coal block allocation; numerous mining scams
at state government level appear to be mix confusion and corruption at policy
level and implementation level. Indian administration and policy making is now
dealing with multimillion dollar multinational companies which never had such a
deep presence in the countries boundaries.
Politicians have also floated their own business enterprises or have
become advocates or consultants of companies who lobby of their own profit and
growth. Crony capitalism has made inroads into Indian life.
Public Institutions
Role of public institutions have
become more critical for functioning of this country. Fortunately, in India
institutions like CAG, Election Commission have managed to come clean in the
environment of confusion and corruption. Their independent stand and impartial
decisions have put the corrupt elements of administration on an alert. At the
same time, public institutions are increasingly being challenged by central and
state governments who had till now exerted their unquestioned authority and
power of common man.
Indian judiciary still lacks the
strength to enforce regulatory majors, ensure smooth functioning of the law.
Judiciary reform is being talked for decades, but nothing has happened on the
ground. Despite the shortfalls, Supreme Court of India has managed to carry the
hope of billions of Indians.
Indian Media
Indian media now has become
either a corporate house that seeks profit or a tool in the hands of political
parties that ensure selective publication of news items. Profit motive has
undoubtedly come in the way of delivery of transparent and true news. Selective
deformation of news creates confusion in the minds of readers/viewers. Lack of ethical
journalism, investigational reports and excessive sensationalism is
increasingly becoming a norm.
Indian Youth
Indian youth has started
challenging the system, asking questions and seeking answers. In recent past
India has witnessed huge anti-graft movements. Lack of security for women has
again made Indian youth and students to come out of their home, to protest on
the street seeking accountability from the political class. Social media and
internet has helped youth to connect with larger sections and voice their
opinion. It is being said that some of the protests/demonstrations were organized using social media as an effective tool of communication.
Till now the decision making
class had been using the resources for their own need and greed. They had enjoyed security from police force,
uninterrupted supply of electricity and water, unrestricted access to places of
importance. Now Indian youth has started asking for the same, they have started
asking the basis of such discrimination and disparity in availability of common
resources.
As India moves further in the
path of development, Indians will ask their politicians, administration tougher
questions. They no more could be silenced and ignored. Public institutions,
judiciary, media will be subjected to even more demanding times. Evolution of
this emerging nation will be full of excitements, conflicts and progress.
