This post is a contest winner in the Blueprint for Change - Weekend Contest at
Blogadda
"Nevertheless, the past is over and it is the future that beckons to us now.
That future is not one of ease or resting but of incessant striving so that we might fulfill the pledges we have so often taken and the one we shall take today. The service of India means the service of the millions who suffer. It means the ending of poverty and ignorance and disease and inequality of opportunity. The ambition of the greatest man of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us but so long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over.
And so we have to labor and to work, and work hard, to give reality to our dreams."
From the historic speech delivered by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, on the eve of India's Independence (15 August, 1947).
We have completed 65 years since then. But the problems faced by today's India remain more or less the same. Poverty is widespread. The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) published a report in 2010 stating that 8 Indian states have more poor people than 26 poorest African nations combined which totals to more than 410 million poor in the poorest African countries. Corruption is another major issue which is also affecting India's Economy. If corrupton levels are reduced then India's GDP growth rate could increase to 12 to 13 per cent each year. Then there are other problems of Illiteracy, Gender Inequality, Unemployement, Population and Pollution in today's India.
Although there has been progress. We have built number of bridges and dams. We have sent satellites and rockets into space. We have increased the number of doctors, engineers, scientists tenfold. We have increased life expectancy from 32 years to 65 years. We have built about 1.25 million miles of new roads; we have multiplied our steel production by over 50 times and cement production by almost 20 times. We have increased our exports from a few million dollars at the time of independence to more than $125 billion now, with about $150 billion of imports.
Inspite of all this, we are a developing country and the problems India is facing today are grave. They are affecting the growth of our country. From being a developing country to become a developed nation, these problems have to to be overcome. And for this to happen, each citizen has to make some efforts.
"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
Being a firm believer in this quote. I will share those 5 problems as a part of the weekend contest on Blogadda -
Blueprint for Change, about which I can myself do something to solve them.
Problem 1 - Shortage of Resources
Living in urban cities, most of us have faced or are facing problems of shortage of water and electricity in our every day lives. In the cities of NCR region, long hours of power cuts is a usual phenomenon. There is a huge gap in demand and supply. In 2012 only 20 states faced major power crisis when 3 electricity grids failed.
Conservation of Resources - Save Water, Save Electricity, Save Paper
Switch off the electronic appliances and lights, when not in use. There are number of ways to save water while washing dishes, washing clothes, bathing etc. Apply them. Think before giving Print function. Use email or sms.
Problem 2 - Pollution
With causes like increase in vehicle emissions, lack of organized garbage and waste removal services, diversion of consumer waste into rivers, cutting of trees, there has been an increase in pollution levels leading to breathing problems in individuals
Reduce, Recycling & Reuse is the Key - We can make several efforts towards reusing things. Using paper bags instead of plastic bags. Whenever possible try to take your own bags to market for shopping. Exchange your old clothes to any furniture items in exchange sales. Sell old stationary and newspapers to the local kabadiwalas.There are also programs where you can sell your end-of-life electronic items like - Mobile phones, computers etc. Give away useless toys, clothes and other used items to orphanages or old homes.
Go Green - Plant more trees in your surroundings, park, garden etc.
Problem 3 - Population
India is projected to overtake China as the world's most populous nation by 2030. One should have a small family. Small family leads to less expenses. Today people have more children in expectation of a boy. People are more, education is less, jobs are less and food is less.
Hum Do Humare Do - Every family should apply this. Girl or boy, two children complete the family. There should not be any gender biasness. A girl or a boy, both are equal.We should also teach our children the same. Whatever they will learn in life, they will become in future. After all children are the future of our country.
Problem 4 - Illiteracy
India currently has the largest illiterate population of any nation on earth. Although the literacy rate has grown hightin the past years. But still a lot has to be done. Illiteracy increases unemployement which in turn increases poverty. All this leads to corruption.
Educating - Each one, Teach one.
If we take one hour of our day, each day, we might be able to make a difference in somebody's life. That person could be our maid or her children. Even if we dont have time, we can sponsor funds for the schooling of one child. We are educated individual and should share this gift with others who need them.
Problem 5 - Ignorance
This is the generation who has the "Who Cares" attitude. Always blaming the system for the problems happening around us. We blame our political system, our politicians. But do nothing to change all this. When it comes to voting, there are many who dont even have the Voters ID card. Nor they are interested in having one. We our busy in earning and making our lives. When we have enough money, we spend, we go on foreign trips. But we never ever think of utilising that money for helping someone in need.
Becoming aware - Read newspaper, watch news. Be aware about what is happening around you and in the world. Be aware of your rights.
Most of the problems, India is facinf today are inter related. One leadin to the other. Each of us should pledge to do our part well in order to make our country a developed nation.
Resolutions -
I will try to save water, power & paper as much as possible and will also make sure that family does the same.
I will try to walk instead if driving. Will try to sow more seeds, will try to plant more trees.
Girl or boy, one or two kids will complete the family.
I will try to make time and teach kids in my locality.
I will participate in our electoral process.
Vote - For a better political system
Pray - For a healthy life
Love - For everyone
