The article “An idea from India” (February 21) by Sanjaya Baru frames India’s position in the world with clarity and vision. We have not articulated a strategic vision of India’s place in the world, something that is not reflected in jingoistic terms that surface these days like “superpower”, “world leader” et al, but through the unique, “transportable” values that India brings to the world table.
Certainly, there are countries that practise democracy more effectively than India. Some are perhaps better at managing cultural and religious diversity; the small island of Mauritius comes to mind. A few others have achieved a higher growth rate over a sustained period of time; China is a ready example. But to manage the things that Baru listed, in the immensity of a continental state?
Paradoxically, for a people who have a proclivity for hubris, we simply do not put across our real strengths, much less beat our drum to the relevant tune and beat.
Let us use the insight Baru recommends to frame a real vision of what India should offer the world through an inclusive and value-driven national debate.
Kishan S Rana, New Delhi
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