THE INDIAN ELECTIONS - NEW YORK TIMES

 THE INDIAN ELECTIONS - NEW YORK TIMES

It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse & 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 & violent Pakistan, China, and Burma.

It's challenges are immense, more so probably  than anywhere else, particularly in  development & fending off terrorism -- but considering these challenges & its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions & cultures, is not only surviving, but thriving.

The nation: 

where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism & Sikhism were born, 

which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth;

where Christianity has existed for 2000 years;

where the oldest Jewish synagogues & Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple; 

where the Dalai Lama & the Tibetan government in exile reside; 

where the Zoroastrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland; 

where Armenians, Syrians & many others have come to live;  where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth for 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest, only 200 years ago;

where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected, 

where a Sikh was Prime Minister & the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman, 

where the past President was also a woman, succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist is a hero in the nation; 

where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year & 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 & vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth & voting, despite all the incredible challenges & 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 1/10th of humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to the entire World.

— V Mitchell, New York, NY