INDIA’S BRIGHT PROSPECTS IN THE DISTANT FUTURE GEOPOLITICAL SCENARIO

INDIA’S BRIGHT PROSPECTS IN THE DISTANT FUTURE GEOPOLITICAL SCENARIO

Today’s world is dominated by the US, Europe, Russia, Japan and now to some extent by China. Till about 16^th century AD China and India were the premier countries of the world, the two largest economies and the most powerful and enduring civilizations. But the Industrial Revolution gave a very definitive advantage to the Western World, initially European nation states and then the US. The European nations particularly UK, France, Germany and to some extent Italy, Spain and Portugal surged ahead in various fields and some of these mentioned countries established colonies in various parts of the world and their economy burgeoned at the cost of these dependency nations.

The end of world war-2 heralded the process of decolonization that is various Asian and African nations gained independence from the Western Rule. The world war-2 saw the emergence of US and USSR as the most powerful countries of the world. But by the 1990s this trend has slowly begun to reverse. China has already become the number 2 economy of the world and India is surging ahead too. In a matter of 30-40 years China and India are sure to get back their good old status as the foremost nations of the world. However in the long run (by 2100 AD) India stands a good chance of becoming the Premier nation of the world beating even China and is likely to remain there for a very long time. Reasons for this are explained as follows.

ADVANTAGE INDIA COURTESY THE DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION OF THE WORLD

A recent forecast study conducted by the UNO based on current models and trends postulates that China’s population will peak at 139.50 cr in 2025 and thereafter it will decline. By that time (2025) India would have already overtaken China as the most populous nation of the world. India’s population will continue to grow till 2060, when it reaches 171.80 cr and thereafter will begin to decline. This will make India the most populous country there has ever been or probably ever will be. By the turn of the century (2100 AD) India will be double the population of China. The next most populous country after these two would be USA – a distant third at less than 50 crore people.

POPULATION AN ASSET IN THE FUTURE WORLD

The time we are talking is hugely distant from the present and the conditions then will be vastly different. There would be full literacy and education must have reached it’s very high level. Technology would be extremely superior compared to today. Thus the people would surely be a human resource, the most valuable asset of a nation. Having so many people more than China and USA, India would surely be Number One in economy, and most likely in defence and space technology as well. As the nations pass through demographic transition, they pass through three stages. First stage the primitive stage, when the high birth rate is neutralized by high death rate as neither people have adapted family  planning nor have the medical facilities improved to lessen deaths. In the second stage, the developing stage, medical facilities have improved drastically and there are much lesser deaths, but the mindsets of the most of the people has not changed, so family planning is not common, result is population explosion. The third stage is the developed stage, in this both birth and death rates have been brought under control hence the population plateaus ideally to ZPG (Zero Population Growth) but more commonly to mild negative growth rate.

India is fortunate that by the time it reaches the third stage of demographic transition, it would be the country with strongest human resources.

PEOPLES’ COMPLAINT – BLEAK PRESENT

Many people point out at India’s dismal present scenario and doubt whether we will ever get developed. There is widespread corruption, chronic poverty, huge unemployment, regional disparities, social tensions, etc. However, it should be kept in kind that India is a vast country and it will take time to adjust itself. Already wars on various fronts are being faught against all of these above mentioned evils by various sections – civil society, NGOs, enlightened citizens, responsible politicians, etc. This struggle will yield results sooner or later.

IN NDIA – UNLIKELIHOOD OF ANY MAJOR SOCIAL DISRUPTION

India, being a sound functioning democracy since inception is unlikely to see any major social disruption in the future. This is in sharp contrast to the Chinese case, where it is highly expected that a social explosion is waiting to happen. These events can derail or postpone the development of a nation.

WORD OF CAUTION

This is just a vision. It won’t happen on it’s own. We need sincere and earnest efforts to make it happen. Or else it will be postponed for a very long time, perhaps for eternity.

SARE JAHAN SE ACHA, HINDOSITAN HAMARA (IN THE ENTIRE WORLD, OUR INDIA IS THE BEST)

Let us make our country a shining model for the world. Let us become an example which others emulate and look up to.

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THE UTILITY OF NATIONS – NATIONS AS INSTRUMENTS OF HUMAN DELIVERANCE

THE UTILITY OF NATIONS – NATIONS AS INSTRUMENTS OF HUMAN DELIVERANCE

The Construct of Nation is one of the most ‘radical’ scheme of arrangement which Human Beings have devised over time in order to manage the diverse complexity of Human Affairs. The concept of Nation, in the modern sense of term, developed in the 17^th-18^th Century Europe.  However, broadly speaking it is almost as old as the civilization itself.  Of late, various arguments have been put forward for and against the idea of nation, with several opponents claiming that ‘Nation State’ will very soon become redundant as waves of globalization destroy the last sanctuary of ‘Regional Ghettoism’ and pave the way for a single world belonging to a single people. While on the other extreme, there are the Pro ‘Nation’ ists, who swear by the idea of Nation and feel it alone can provide a sense of belonging to the Confused Man and it is this identity which helps maintain order and harmony in the world.

Both of them take extreme positions and their logic lie at the fringes of ‘the crux of reality’. Nations are  a necessity of the Global Human Order.  We need them to survive, thrive and flourish. Nations usually exist on a cultural basis, i.e. it is cultural affinity which brings together a people to forge  a  national identity. The inherent tendency among human beings to exhibit their cultural identity is vented out and put in good place through nation. World needs divisions, so that different governments can divide the management tasks among themselves. Many people associate nation with Adolf Hitler, Mussolini and so on. But they should be reminded that National Movements have also created the Likes of Mahatma Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln.

Nations must be a means to an end, not an end in themselves. They are there to serve some purpose. It is humans who make the nation and never the vice verca, this should be clearly kept in mind. The Deliverance of Human Beings is the Essential objective of Nationhood. The protection of citizens from various natural calamities and man made problems and to take out the people from poverty, unemployment and other social crises is the basis of modern welfare state. Nations are not there to compete unhealthily, to wage wars with each other, to crush it’s people in the name of some ‘artificial ideology’ or under ‘some filmsy guise’. They are there to co-operate and co-ordinate the smooth and harmonious march of human civilization.

Nations must share the governance of humanity, of common heritage of our specie to take it to new heights. They must bring out the best in society and enhance man’s productivity. Nations must create an environment where there is flowering of civilization. nations should never be imperialists. They should preserve their sovereignity against irresponsible dictatorial regime led nations. Fair play nations should team up to foil the nefarious designs of rogue states.

A righteous nation is one which believes in global brotherhood. An utopian nation is that where all people live for 100 years, with quality, where there are no accidental deaths man made or natural, where there is internal social harmony and it shares good relations with it’s neighbours.

THE CURRENT SCENARIO

The current scenario is not very encouraging. The UNO – the international body to solve global disputes and promote human brotherhood and integration is disproportionately dominated by the Powerful USA and European lobby. The Security Council- the most potent wing of the UNO is by enlarge  a  White Man’s Club. It is suspected that this bloc very often influences the UNO decisions and actions to suit their vested interests. The Gulf war-II was commanded, it is believed, by the US led UNO to provide US Oil Corporate Houses contracts in the oil rich Iraq.  This is high time this must change. There is need for representation of other continents as well, Brazil from South America, African Union or South Africa must be urgently included in the Security Council as permanent members. It is a circumstantial tragedy of the highest order that India, a sound and responsible democracy, an emerging economy, with a population of over 1.20 billion, i.e. 17% of humanity must be out of Security Council.

SEEMINGLY BRIGHT PROSPECTS AHEAD

Future looks bright. The World will no longer be dominated merely by US. An integrated Europe would rise and rival with US very soon. The Rise of China and India would trigger massive changes as world’s Locus of Control is likely to ship eastwards in next 30-40 years or so. Brazil, Russia and Japan are other big powers/big powers in making. The integration of African Continent under African Union is another landmark process in happening. Some fear the rise of China with anxiety and suspicion. China is a virtual dictatorship and hence the fear.  But it should be kept in mind that China would be neutralized by other nations/blocks. There is also the strong possibility that China would turn democratic sooner rather than later. Thus these nations/blocks would neutralize each other and function like competitive democracy in a multi-party system.

EVOLUTION OF HUMANITY – AN ONGOING PROCESS

The Human Specie may  have evolved thousands of years ago but it’s socio-politico-cultural evolution is happening and will continue to happen. The evils which plague humanity will continue to perplex mankind, in one form or the other. The Institution of Healthy Nationhood cann lessen it. It can be only minimized not eliminated altogether. Let us hope that ‘Better things Happen’ in future and ultimately the spirit of humanity triumphs.

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DRIVE OUT THE BEAST WITHIN MAN – LET THE ANIMALS RULE THEIR KINGDOM

DRIVE OUT THE BEAST WITHIN MAN – LET THE ANIMALS RULE THEIR KINGDOM

Animal Kingdom is as sacred a creation of the Supreme Force as anybody else. They possess consciousness and form the basis from which human beings have evolved. The life of animals should be respected and revered by all thinking, conscience human beings. There should be no hunting of animals, no maltreatment of them, no caging of birds. I would love to see that day when all the national governments of the world protect animals, promote animal rights and promulgate laws to curb cruelty towards animals. I would wait for that day when all the nations endorse and effect the Jainism’s brand of kindness towards animals. End the animal holocaust-Bring the Needed Change-Let the Ethical Way Bloom.

Animals are created by the same Creator as man’s. No Doubt, they are much less evolved than human beings and have no real sense of intelligence as per Human Standards, but at the same time, they possess sufficient level of consciousness and most of them are considered biologically highly developed. It is on this basis that a strong case is made in favour of kindness towards animals, which is both, man’s obligation towards nature and the highest level of civilizational sense. Animals have been the softest targets of most civilizations of human beings. They have been slaughtered, butchered, killed for a range of things right from hide, meat to various medicinal products. Human Being has since a long time lived with a sense of exclusivity, as if they are the sole specie residing on this planet. Few religions have prescribed , promoted or ordained the virtue of kindness towards animals. Notable among these are- Jainism, it is the most fervent on this issue, followed by Hinduism and finally, to some extent Buddhism.

The time has come for a change. Human Being has to live in perfect harmony with his Environment. Animals are as much the inheritors of this Kingdom of Earth as Man, albeit at a much different scale. Animals deserve and must get their due- The Right to Live. It is as much their basic need as the Fundamental Human Rights is of Human Beings. Animals feel the pain when they are slaughtered and this is highly unethical-immoral. It is common sense. We need laws across the world to discourage Non-Vegetarian eating and other forms of cruelty towards animals.

GREEN REVOLUTION – POTENTIALLY A RESCUER OF ANIMAL KINGDOM

The Green Revolution has been successful in large parts of Indian Subcontinent, and also in other parts of the world. It has increased the food production manifold. This is a point to cheer. As more cereals production (Wheat, Rice) and also increase in other types of foodgrains production should appropriately mean lesser and lesser dependence on Animal Products. The Foodgrains production is continuously improving and today the world produces enough to satisfy it’s need through a veggie diet. But this needs some vision on the part of planners. People should be encouraged to switch over from Non-Vegetarian Foods to Pure Vegetarian Foods.

 A law enforcing vegetarianism and discouraging cruelty towards animals, if and when it comes, in India or anywhere in the world would be the most radical and revolutionary change the world has seen so far.

CAGING OF BIRDS AND OTHER TYPES OF CRUELTIES

Lakhs of Birds across the globe are kept in cages whether at home or in the Zoos. This is a very cruel, inhuman and immoral practice. The Nature of Birds is to fly in the open air. To keep them confined to small cages is highly unethical. Laws have been passed against these ‘inhumane practices’ but with limited success. Governments needs to be more stringent on this issue. Tougher laws and stricter punishments for the violators needs to be put in place. This practice must ideally be brought out of existence.

Animals are also kept in Circuses and Zoos in highly ‘torturous’ and inhospitable conditions. Something needs to be done about this seriously. Use of animals in circuses should be banned effectively. And zoos need to improve their track record. Poor conditions for animals is a grave fault on their part. The Animals kept as pets should not be maltreated as well.

HOPE IS SURGING

The number of Vegetarians is increasing across the world. It is evident from the statistics. This is more so in the Developed West. The Recent establishment of ‘Muslim Vegan Community’ in UK shows vegetarianism is growing acceptance among Muslims as well. Not only this, the influence of organizations working against cruelty towards animals is growing. These are heartening developments. But still lots needs to be achieved.

 IN THE END

Promotion of vegetarianism, and lessening other cruelties towards animals is the key to making this planet more animal friendly. There are many who will question this concern for animals, when even many nations of people have not come out of evils like chronic poverty. Let me say this, that many issues of Positive development go hand in hand. Animal Rights Protection is the Highest Level of Human Civilizational Virtue. It is in this context that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest man of our times had said the following words-:

  “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”

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THE SAI TRINITY (SHIRDI, SATHYA AND THE PROSPECTIVE PREM) AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITY

THE SAI TRINITY (SHIRDI, SATHYA AND THE PROSPECTIVE PREM) AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITY

‘I have come to light the lamp of Love in your hearts, to see that it shines day by day with added luster. I have not come on behalf of any exclusive religion. I have not come on a mission of publicity for a sect or creed or cause, nor have I come to collect followers for a doctrine. I have no plan to attract disciples or devotees into my fold or any fold. I have come to tell you of this unitary faith, this spiritual principle, this path of Love, this virtue of Love, this duty of Love, this obligation of Love’.        (4 July 1968, SATHYA SAI BABA)

Kaliyuga (or the last stage of Cosmic Cycle, which will be succeeded by Universal Apocalypse and subsequently by restarting of Cycle of Ages), according to Hindu Religious Belief is an age of moral decay and general deterioration of Human and spiritual values, which will then touch it’s lowest ebb. This age, is marked by all round depletion of moral sense and ethical practices in the society. Lord Krishna promises his followers in the Epochal Bhagwad Gita –‘Whenever and wherever there is decline in righteous practices, and  a simultaneous rise in irreligion-unrighteousness, then to protect Holy Men from the harassment by wicked men, and destroy Evil doers and re-establish Dharma (the Rule of Righteousness), I appear on Earth in Human Form.’ Every age has it’s Avatar or God in Human Form – ‘Treta was sanctified by Maryada Purushottam (Personification of The Ideal Man) Lord Rama, Dwapar had been Glorified by Mahayogi (The Master of all Mystics) Lord Krishna. But Kaliyuga is very different. Unlike other Ages, in Kaliyuga the kingdom of evil is not concentrated among few people, or kingdoms or races. It is widespread, rampant and deeprooted.

Thus we have the unique Avatar Hood of The Sai Trinity – the series was initiated by Shirdi Baba, then came Sathya Sai Baba and it is believed that after eight years from the Mahasamadhi of Sathya Sai Baba (i.e. 2019, Sathya Sai Baba gave up his mortal coil on 24^th April, 2011), there will be born the Third of Sai Avatars in the state of Karnataka – Prema Sai, who will carry on the mission of the previous two Babas and bring it to it’s logical conclusion by the time he leaves his body prospectively in the 22^nd Century.

THE MISSION OF SAIs

The SAIs are the messengers of peace and love. They are re-establishers of Universal Love and have helped create a society, which is harmonious and interwoven with ethics and morality. The Sai Era is characterized by Resurgence of Religiosity, and Righteousness. The two Babas who have so far happened have strongly advocated Universal Brotherhood of Mankind, unity of all religions and laid great emphasis on Love (Or Prema) as the universal remedy of all ills.

The SAIs have influenced upon their devotees through miracles. These they have done to convince the ignorant men of their divinity, so that they come on the Sai Path. Indeed, The SAIs have done so much to help man come out of his slumber.

THE CONTRIBUTION TO HUMANITY

While Sai Baba of Shirdi was the initiator of The Sai Series and did lots for the devotees through his miracles and preachings and teachings, and thus he is of immense importance,  but during his times the Mode of Transportation and Communication, and Science and Technology, was still limited , so he did not do things materially up to the level of Sathya Sai Baba.

Sathya Sai Baba set an example to the Governments, The NGOs, The Rich and Powerful Men, and even common people, of selfless service to Humanity. He set up Colleges, Universities, and educational institutes, where students were chosen on the basis of merit and taught free of cost. He set up several Massive Hospitals, where the best Doctors treated the poor and helpless patients, cured them of serious illnesses through surgery, without charging a single paise. Several Countries in Africa have incorporated in their national school curricula, the Human Values preached by Baba. He has brought changes in the lives of millions, he has an estimated over 6 million followers spread across 170 countries of the world. He teaches LOVE FOR GOD, AND SERVICE OF MANKIND, as Man is but the reflection of God (Manav Seva is Madhav Seva).

SATHYA SAI’S MAHASAMADHI

Sathya Sai Baba Left his mortal coil (Passed away) on 24^th April, 2011. He was hospiatlised since 24^th March, and was suffering from several health complications. His Mahasamadhi must reaffirm our faith in his teachings, it is only the values which survive, neither man, nor his material possessions.

THE PROMISE OF ANOTHER AVATAR- PREM SAI

Sathya Sai Baba during his lifetime had promised that after eight years of his leaving body, He will be reborn in Karnataka as Prema Sai, near Mysore. This Avatar will too declare his Avtarhood in his 14^th year of his life. He will complete the The Sai Age and bring it to it’s logical conclusion.

SAIs – GOD’s BOON TO HUMANITY

Indeed, it is Humanity’s Greatest Fortune that we could get and see SAI. Our generations are the Most Blessed Ones, in this regards. We will always remain indebted to SAIs for their help and guidance.

AUM SAI RAM