We are the Change Our Nation Needs...

  •   Sat, Aug 14 2010
  •   by Jean Dmello

Aug 15, 2010

Max Mueller quotes: “If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India”

Here comes our 64th Independence Day, a day for us to celebrate and rejoice. It's 64 years since our nation got freedom, most of us didn't even exist then! On the flip side, its been 64 years since we started blaming and criticizing our nation and our politicians, corrupt officials, the judiciary system and everything else for what India stands today. In this note of mine, let me just help you change your perspective and see the reality...!

a. Politicians and corrupt officials: we're through and through this every time we speak about our nation .

Didn’t we elect them?
Aren't they people like us
Weren't we the ones who corrupted them!

How can we blame them then?! We're the same Indians who bribed them to get our work done just because we couldn't wait for half an hour, WE got them habituated to it, and NOW WE blame them? WE were given the right to vote, but did some of us even bother voting!

b. "India is so dirty"

Aren't we the same Indians who throw wrappers and waste here and there? (and before you complain there are no dustbins, we just need to look out. Let's assume there are no dustbins, I'm sure every home will have one and waste can wait!)

"Dubai is so clean!" - Do we, the same Indians, dare throw waste in the streets of Dubai even if there is no dustbin around? We eat paan and spit anywhere in India, we cant control our bladders for sometime, do we dare do that anywhere outside our nation! WHY! Because they will make you pay fine. Aren't we then taking wrong advantage of the freedom given to us? HOW can we blame our home, if we can't keep it clean!

c.  No central AC, no Mc Donald’s, no pizza joints. And OMG !  No Malls !

Ooohhh, wait - right now there are a few of these, but they aren't as good as the ones in foreign countries! But have you just looked around - there are vada pav stalls, panipuri stalls - aren't these mouth watering! Oops! Hold on - "They aren't hygienic." Give me a break! They don't kill us! The panipuri stalls on the street serve us better panipuris than the ones in the food courts of malls. As they say "bandar kya jaane adrak ka swaad". Ever wondered how healthy burgers and pizzas are - why Indians don't suffer from diabetes in their teenage years?

d.  No proper roads

For all those of us who forget what we studied and wrote essays every year in school, India has three seasons - summer, rain and winter. India is among the countries which receive the highest rainfall in the world, and rains do wash our roads away. And we come to India during the rainy season and complain about our roads, how fair is that! And to repair existing roads is not an easy task, because in a densely populated country like India, in how many ways can you direct the whole traffic? Aren't we complaining without knowing the actual facts?

e.  Comparison

This is one of the biggest diseases amongst us... WHY can't India be like Dubai? Let's see why. Population of Dubai: 8.19 million. Population of India 1,139,964,932. Lol! I'm sure every person in Dubai has a roof above his head, at least four pairs of clothes and food three times a day! With due respect, Dubai has seen commendable progress. But how can we expect such growth in our country when the basic needs of the common man are not fulfilled? Are sophisticated systems and developments more important for a nation than the basic needs of its citizens?

It is our nation. We should be proud of it! Our nation is the most beautiful!

I quote from 'A Rough Guide to India': "Modern day India represents the largest democracy in the world with a seamless picture of unity in diversity unparalleled anywhere else. It is impossible not to be astonished by India. Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and tongues. Enriched by successive waves of migration and marauders from distant lands, every one of them left an indelible imprint which was absorbed into the Indian way of life. Every aspect of the country presents itself on a massive, exaggerated scale, worthy in comparison only to the superlative mountains that overshadow it. It is this variety which provides a breathtaking ensemble for experiences that is uniquely Indian."

It is our home... we owe a lot to this country - for giving us shelter, education , teaching us what life is all about... where else do we get a chance to see such a variety of people, such vibrant cultures, different traditions, numerous festivals. This is one country that teaches us not only to respect people but also our mother nature and our environment!

It's high time we individually do our bit for our nation. We have to nurture and nourish the hard-earned freedom, that was given to us 64 years ago. Let's not be just 'Independence Day Indians.' I am sure little things that we do to our country will bring about a great deal of change. Let's love our country, be proud of it, lets work for it and rejoice in the freedom of our nation!
by Jean Dmello
Jean Dmello is residing in Belman. Currently pursuing her 3rd year Engineering in Nitte in Electricals & Electronics.
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Comment on this article

  • Rolphy Almeida, Udupi/Bangalore

    Fri, Aug 20 2010

    Jean, I enjoyed reading your article except for D and E.
    D. You have shown your maturity, in teaching everyone, that blaming others is bad and learn to do something ourselves. Aren’t we blaming the climatic condition of our country to justify our poor quality of road construction? Have you ever travelled by road in other state, where there is minimal rain? Have you seen the quality roads of far eastern countries where the climatic conditions are similar to ours? I am sure being an engineering student you know the quantity and quality of stuff that should go into good roads.
    E. You may call comparison is a disease, but I call it a study. One cannot achieve anything without proper comparison study. While comparing the juice of two fruits one has to compare size of the fruit also. Size of Dubai may be little bigger than DK, but mind you it is not an oil rich Emirate. They survive totally on trading. They grabbed the opportunity of air transit point between Fareast and Europe during civil war in Lebanon (Beirut). Our country can be much richer than few Gulf countries, provided the resources are utilized appropriately.
    Please don’t get disheartened, keep writing and give us opportunity to comment.

  • Jason arun d'souza , neckare

    Fri, Aug 20 2010

    hey jaen, kool writing, really liked it. and im proud to be an indian in many ways.. but by saying that,even say u r wasting your time by writing articles like this,because all the people who commented neva gona change, even me, may b even you.. rite?? waiting for more articles...

  • Judith L, Mumbai

    Wed, Aug 18 2010

    Hi Jean,

    Good positive articl but it should not stop here. We Indians especially the youth need to be proactive. The youth should join politics and social service and lead the Country. We Indians are tired of relying on the Govt.,politician and bureacrats(except for Ms. Kiran Bedi). Though our Contry is progressing, the number of poor are increasing. our Country can be economically selfsufficient if the GDP of each individual atleast meets the food,water,shelter primary education, health,sanitation basic needs of the people. Also, the population should be less since this will lead to better control of crime and governance. I feel every area should have a committee to see that these needs are met. Then only we can say we are Super Power

  • Mitha, udupi

    Tue, Aug 17 2010

    Very Thoughtful of you Jean,Keep up the spirit.But sadly I say that we Indians ourselves will not let India to be the superpower.

  • sr.Agnesia Frank b.s, Shubada suralpady

    Tue, Aug 17 2010

    Dear Jean a few do begin.. u r one of them.... keep it up. continue to think differently n enlighten people .. keep going

  • sr.Agnesia Frank b.s, Shubada suralpady

    Tue, Aug 17 2010

    dear Jean a few do begin.. u r one of them.... keep it up. continue to think differently n enlighten people .. keep going

  • Joyer Noronha, Kinnigoli

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    Dear Jean
    Its immensely pleasing to see a youngster so pleadingly and candidly advocating for better esteem amongst us, complaining souls. Kudos for being bold and expressive, we share many of your thoughts but don’t express. I appreciate your initiative in taking pain to pour your heart out that too with immaculate timing.
    Youngsters like you with your positive mindset and exemplary self esteem are the real asset s of this ascending nation . It’s nice to see you pen despite being an engineering student. Keep writing and honing your skills and I am sure you’ll be a great writer someday.
    On couple of issues I wouldn’t agree with you fully, hope you won’t mind
    The road part was not fully convincing. It’s not the rains that eat away the roads from top. The truth about our inefficiency in adapting apt methods technologies is darker than the bitumen itself and the corruption is much thicker than those threadbare layers of bitumen the contractor chooses to pour and engineers certify for payment.
    On a lighter note : To make your Pani puri case stronger, I would add about greater health it would bring to our nation by pumping in few extra bacteria to our body thereby building the immunity of the nation.
    I agree with you when you say that this country “teaches us not only to respect people/nature”, but unfortunately my tours among other countries have left me feeling that perhaps they know better about respecting both people and nature.
    I would request you not be demotivated or harried to see a few views not in line with you thoughts. The very fact that you have created a platform for discussion is a tremendous feat and you language skills are appreciable too. I hope the opposite views would help you gauge another side of the coin and to be greater writer in coming days.
    Commendable job, Jean.
    (On a personal note: It was extremely pleasurable to see someone you last saw as four year old on front page of daiji. I saw you while doing my engineering at Nitte and while being a PG near Belman church.)

  • Rakesh Madtha, Bealthangady /Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    Good Article , Appreciate your thought .

  • kenneth, oman

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    hi jean!  \Must say!a really good article!
    I hope u enterd Nitte college without paying any donation.If yes u r great coz i consider donation is a form of bribe.To my knowledge in India without donation(bribe)/political influence it is very difficult to enter into a well known university.

  • kenneth, oman

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    hi jean!
    Must say!a really good article!
    i hope u enterd Nitte college without paying any donation.If yes u r great coz i consider donation is a form of bribe.To my knowledge in India without donation(bribe)/political influence it is very difficult to enter into a well known university.

  • MARINA DUBAI, BELMAN

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    well done,good job,we indians should realize these things.

  • Fr. Ronald Cutinha, Samanvaya, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    Congratulations Jean for your thought provoking message regarding India on the 64th Independence Day. Keep writing such articles regularly.

  • Ajith , Udupi/Dubai

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    Very Nice article,keep writing.

  • Senora, Dubai

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    Nice article Jean...keep writing...

  • Vinod Lewis, Kallianpur-Uppoor/ Bahrain

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    Very good article and everything is true .

  • Vazir, Bangalore

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    Good thoughts. India has achieved tremendous progress during the last 63 years. But still is faced with problems of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, gender discrimination,lack of infrastructure and so on. Perhaps, things might improve over the years.
    But Dubai is no comparison to India by any stretch of imagination neither in terms of size, population or diversity. The biggest difference is that Dubai is a trading centre & depends mostly on other emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi for its survival. Dubai is ruled by monarchy The recent Dubai financial crash is example of its vulnerability. It had to be rescued. India is the second biggest democracy. It is also the second thickly populated country after China. India's problems are different, complex and diverse. The same Indians when they go or work abroad are disciplined, maintain clealiness, generally follow rules, laws, most diligent and are punctual. Why don't they do the same in the country. One can make a long list of comparisons. But unless we Indians work, sacrifice, share and contribute, it is difficult. No point in blaming politicians alone. We the citizens are also equally responsible. It is upto us to make it better.

  • Shiv, Karkala

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    Dear Jean DMello,

    This is the great article with regard to Citizens duties. your Quote "Aren't we the same Indians who throw wrappers and waste here and there? (and before you complain there are no dustbins, we just need to look out. Let's assume there are no dustbins, I'm sure every home will have one and waste can wait!)

    As you rightly told and commentors viewed: Road condition owe to both Rain and the worst Beauracrates.

    However, I feel this is the nice article and I appreciate you for that. As Dr. Kalam told "Dream and work towards making dream come true".

    Regards

  • Clara Lewis, Kemmannu/Dubai

    Mon, Aug 16 2010

    In Japan skycrapers are built keeping in mind the local condition,they design,construct & maintain structure to perform at earth quake exposure. Indians have excuses for all the failures pothole on roads,bridge,buildings collapse due to rain,India is not the only country which have rainy season in world.In Dubai even expatriates complain in the Newspapers editors coloumn, about everything from traffic problems, public transport system, rising rent, school fee, daily commodity prics, condition of pet shops, zoo, spoiled food in supermarkets, labour accommodation, working condition, transport, school transport, harsh driving many more. A year ago people compalint about heavy traffic and public transport system within few months there are lots of changes in the city the roads are made broader, new bridges were built, toll system implemented, the worlds longest computerise metro is running in the city and people travel happily with ease because the authorities pay attention to complaints and don't give excuses but work for the development and for the convenience of the users. I love my country and happy to see the development in my country.
    Also good news for us if our country stands in the list of highly advanced countries.

  • Antony Herbert Crasta, Mangalore/Sydney,Australia

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Hi Jean : Yes, I like Jyothi`s (Mangalore) suggestion with regard to proper usage of language. I have another suggestion as well. OK, you have written an article or raised an issue - there will be a lot of comments and views on it - some of them may be pro, while a few contra as well, but you do not have to respond to each and every one of them, which is not possible any way, - the commentators themselves will sort out, by their to and fro comments. However, when all the things settle down, at the end, you can summate the whole matter and offer your justifications and/or otherwise in a nutshell, and thank them if you wish. This is just another suggestion by the way, hope you won`t mind!

  • Srini R, Vittal/Mumbai

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Hi Jean:
    Good article but sending wrong message. Just be happy with what you have and things could be worse! Wish you had written how to improve upon the basic necessities. Good clean water, electricity, education, roads etc. just to name a few. Comparing with other countries does no good as we are currently far behind them. Just imagine what we could be if only the people wanted the right thing!

  • jyothi, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Nice article... except for the comments on roads, which is not true. (Our roads are definitely not good. Its a reflection of corruption for sure. Real strong roads don't wash away with one season of rain!!). There is also a suggestion. Jean, you are a writer. And when you are replying to comments, please don't use abbreviated language. You must realise that you are not text messaging your teenage friend, but a mature audience here.

  • E.J.D'SOUZA, MOODUBELLE/MUMBAI

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Dear Jean,
    I feel you are wasting your precious time in writing articles.whatever,you said is correct,but possible only, if we achieve 100% literacy with some civic sense.

  • Luca D'silva, Mudarangadi/jeddah

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Congratulations Jean. Delighted to read ur article. Really very nice. If Each and every citizen take care of his country then there will be no dirtiness. First of all there is no education to the people, there is a vide gap between rich and poor. We should not compare ourselves with Dubai. Compare Indians with Russians,Srilankans even African countries. We are much better than them. About politicans, Jean, I really agree with you, we elect them and give bribe to do our job done without wasting time. One quote I would like to mention. Take a kg of ice and pass it on to ten people, what will be the exact weight when it reaches tenth person ? Once again i appreciate to you Jean and salute you and ur article. Be Indian and always proud to be Indian..

  • neil pinto, bajpe

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    AWESOME WRITIN JEAN KEEP UP :) :-) :)

  • Felix F.,, India/Ksa

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Jean Dmello
    Inspite of all the things you have mentioned, it has not stopped the Indians from achieving success Nationally & also internationally.

    When I left India decades ago, to the middle east, looking for better future, India was in the dumps, and the future looking gloomy. Not even a sliver lining in the cloud could be visible.

    Indians visiting their home country from the Middle east, then, were to do so with pride, showing off their wealth and foreign things.

    But today India has developed so much that Indians coming from the middle east feel ashamed, looking at the wealth Indians have, their high life style and most importnt their confidence.

    In my opinion, Indians living in India inspite of all the drawbacks, have by their Never say die attitude, and hard work have, made the Indians living abroad very proud of their country, because of the way they taken the country forward in the International circles.

    While celebrating the Indipendence day, I take this opportunity to say "Thank You," for all the Indians in India for making India militarily strong, economically rich, culturally advanced and taking India to the threshold of being a world economic super power,and making all Indians Proud. Happy Indipendence day for all of us .

  • Langoolacharya, Belman/USA

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Jean,

    I am very pleased to note, a fellow person from Belman could write so candidly....keep writing, some day I wont be surprised if you become a great writer.

    Now a few points I would like to write about your article.

    1.Comaparing India to Dubai infrastructure is like comparing apples and oranges...Dubai was nothing before oil was discovered, and perhaps wont be of any great consequence after oil era is over, in next 50 years.

    They were wise enough to spend their oil wealth very wisely, opened their emirate for business, so even after oil era is over, perhaps they can thrive on business and re-export business...

    Dubai has a very good monarchy, so corruption is negligible, unlike in india where there are more cooks(politicians burocrats = Crooks)to spoil the food...

    Well younger generation think and act like you, I am sure India has a great future...

    2.Regarding pot holes in roads, especially road perhaps you travel to college(Padubidri-Kudremukh State highway) was built in 1975 primarily to transport heavy equipment from Panambur port to Kuremukh, vehicular traffic has increased big time, however maintenace costs remained almost same, inspite crude oil/ bitumen/tar prices increased several folds, corruption increase many folds... resulting directly in the condition of roads... I dont think there is any substantial increse in rain in India.

    3.Throwing litter every where, spitting, urinating every where... better teach children hygine at childhood..

  • geoffrey, hathill

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    In 64 years if we haven't learned to excerise our suffrage to elect honest and corruption-free representatives and keep our environs clean, it's high time we seriously thought if we deserve democracy in the first place.
    Blaming the heavy rains for our roads' condition is a lame excuse. There are places under the sun with decent roads that receive more rains than India does.
    India may not be as populous as Dubai, but blessed with so many natural resourses(with the exception of blak gold). Handful few are even richer than Dubai Sheiks, but the vast majority lies BPL. PHIR BHEE MERA BHARATH MAHAN HAI

  • RICHIE & RENNIE, MIYAR / DUBAI

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Congrats Jean.....
    Happy for you and well written.
    Hope people will take few positive points from your article and stop fighting in the name of religion and live together peacefull and yes ....in a clean society.
    Happy Independence Day to all.

  • aboobaker uppala, uppala/Holy Makkah

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    SISTER JEAN,IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE A ENGINEERING STUDENT.THE PEOPLE LIKE YOU SHOULD BE THE "IAS" OFFICERS OF THIS COUNTRY.WE NEED THE DISTRICT COLLECTORS LIKE YOU.VERY BEAUTIFUL AND MATURED THINKING.I REALLY APPRECIATE AND PLEASE KEEP WRITING ON PUBLIC AWARENESS.

  • geoffrey, hathill

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    'This is one country that teaches us not only to respect people but also our mother nature and our environment!' just wondering if there's a nation on this planet that teaches otherwise. Teaching and preaching don't really matter here, what really matters is practice.

  • cleevan lozil, Dubai, Pernal

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    good one jean.. keep going. all the best!!

  • Ostin Pinto, Muscat /Sasthan

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Hey Jean,
    I was about to throw some criticism on your article, but hold on... You are a genius. Keep it up.

  • John Concesso, Permude / Oman

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Jean, its a well written article....keep it up. Its up to us to make India a better place, we should change first and then only we can bring about a change....its a long process, but lets hope one day it will b true.
    Keep writing All the Best... Jai Hind.

  • Hadleen Joseph, Dubai

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Well written sis...We all are proud of you...

  • Agnello, Mangalore/Muscat

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Dear Jean,
    You ae young, pretty with beautiful mind. I am reminded of a poem by Robert Frost..
    The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep.

    So keep going, do good. All the best.

  • Mario Wilson, Pangla/Kuwait

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Really a good article jean, its really a masterpiece......U are n you should be proud to be a indian (Specially a bold youth).... If all the young people out there in india think as u do our country will surely emerge as one of the best n strongest in the world.....we should be proud of our country coz India is a place where u have lots n lots of freedom which you cannot find in many countries of the world even in developed countries.....but still in India we are havin a good culture, discipline & manners in each n every matters...we are united n linked with one another...so whatever it is our India is the best....So all we Indians be united in whatever good we do, stop blaming each other n try to improve ya self n our country.....n always be proud to be an Indian, as jean did.....god bless you jean.....

  • John DSouza, Belman/Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Hi Jean,
    Good thought. I also have something to add. please see:Independence Day Resolution
    http://www.ideas.economictimes.com/ideasXchange/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=707
    Idea is Hot: Wanted Team Members - Inspiration and strategy
    http://www.ideas.economictimes.com/ideasXchange/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=350

    All the best
    John

  • Walter Cardoza, Belman/ Malaysia

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    GOOD ONE JEAN...Happy Independence day.

  • sunilkumar, nigeria

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    KEEP WRITING,MIND BLOWING!

  • STALIN MISQUITH, M'LORE\BAHRAIN

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    JEAN KEEP IT UP....NICE ARTICLE. INDIA TODAY IS REPUBLIC OF SCAMS. QUESTION IS WHO ARE MORE DANGEROUS TO INDIA? POLITICIANS OR TERRORISTS? WAKE UP COMMON MAN ACT NOW SAVE US FROM THESE SCAMS. PLEASE HELP THE NEEDY.

  • Anil Dsouza, Halealve/Cardiff

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Jean,
    A real eye opener and as commented by many readers, a food for thought and indeed a masterpiece.Keep writing.

    I agree with all your points except ROADS.Even though we have heavy rains , the quality of roads is extremely poor.Prooof- The SHIRADI GHAT road before 2 to 3 years.

    There are ways like a grievance site which is helpful- http://pgportal.gov.in/.There are also easy steps to file an RTI. As u said.Its time to ddo something and small steps help .

    KEEP IT ON. Hope to cast a vote for you one day :)

  • Deepak Shenoy, KinnigolyBahrain

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Happy Independance day Jean..! You've written well. But then, If I may quote from Holy Bible, " These people have eyes that do not see...ears that do not hear...or else they would turn to me and I would heal them" Congrats for your article..keep writing..

  • John Leslie D'souza, M'lore

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Gud one Jean.. Waiting for many more articles.

  • vishwanath, mangalore

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    hi jean,pen is mightier than sword.u have created a platform for brainstorming.its happening internationlly.but don pause jean.keep going.i knew u can,n u did it.

  • Koni Prakash Naik, Kundapur - Oman

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Dear Jean,
    If young people like you enters the politics.. gradually they will become the leaders of our nation and things can change. Our youngsters are very intelligent and pro-active. Hence, they should be encouraged to lead the country. But in India, these oldies never give up their seats. If they want to serve the country they can be advisers and youngsters can make use of their experience in a right way. This is what I meant.

    You are aware that internationally the retirement age is set at 60 (I think now 56 in India). Hence, they should retire.

    If you look at any other developed country, or developing country.. you can see the sea difference as far as infrastructural development is concerned. In India we are going at a snail speed because of bureaucracy, corruption, politics etc., at each level of operation.

    We are technically strong, but when it comes to implementation and administration, our system lacks efficienty, which is not the case in other countries. This requires a change at grass root level.

  • Dr Srilatha Nayak, Mangalore

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Daijiworld.com has been greatest source of inspiration for aspiring young journalists. The site has given opportuinity to many young boys and girls to present their skills. The latest one being Jean's article is wonderful and looks matured too. I am sure these youngsters will take this opportunity to carry forward their talent.
    Jean Dmello all the best. Keep writing.

  • Jean Dmello, belman

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Dear sir, i accept wat u're trying to tell me. n i respect ya views... sir, we ve been blaming for 64years now, but wat happened...! we did nothin except blamin.v not oly blame, we insult our nation n its a fact, its happened in fronta my eyes. .Its the li'l things that make a great difference sir.M sorry for this, but m a youth sir. . I do wan to bring bout a difference and nothin can stop it!

  • Anand, Karkala/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Dear Jean,
    There is luxury in self reproach and when we blame ourselves, we feel no one else has a right to blame us. If anybody is blaming it is for the betterment of the society.

  • Jane Saldanha Crasta, UAE

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Hi Jean,

    very nice thought and very well explained....keep it up.
    Happy Independence day!!

  • Jean Dmello, belman

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    And  yes I really beg to differ mr. koni prakash naik... old people are miracles of nature with tremendous amount of experience.. Mr. abdul kalam was old enough, but he was ebullient president.. A nation's strength should never be judged by its economical status. Dubai and India are two different nations. . India never wants to be like Dubai. it has its unique identity. . !

  • jean , dmello

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    O yes I agree wit u Mr. koni prakash naik... Abdul kalam did speak about it and I am  well aware as i was in my 9th std. then.

    And to others reference I never said corrupt officials are good. . but we too are not good either right... I'm just telling Indians to stop playin the BLAME GAME!!!

    And i really thank everyone for the feedback.. thanks a lot!

  • Zeena Pinto,

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    good article jean:)

  • Koni Prakash Naik, Kundapur - Oman

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Good attempt from a young writer to spread awareness. However, "all is not well" here.

    Our Ex-President, Dr. Abdul Kalam, also spoke on these lines. He emphasised on a particular quote i.e. "Instead of asking what India can give you, ask what you can give to India"

    People have been giving to India by way of tax, services, contributions etc., but the demon of corruption is so massive and so predominant that whatever we give will not be sufficient to satisfy the demon. This is one of the root causes for our poverty and weak infracture even after 64 years. In my opinion, at least 40-60% of government expenditure on infrastructural development is swallowed by corrupt people. Government is fully aware of this. Then how can India become like Dubai or any other development country. It looks like we are paper tigers when we boast that India is economically strong. If people of India are not self-sufficient, then how can we call ourselves strong?

    Young people should realise the above ground reality and come forward to take up responsibilities in the political scenario, so as to bring about a change. Currently 80% of the leaders ruling our country have crossed the retirement age and what best we can expect from these retired people? Food for thought.. think it over.

  • Pinto Usha , Bahrain

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Hi Sis..Good article, Very well written.Wish you all the very best.
    proud of u,keep writing.

  • Anand, Karkala/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Wishing everyone a happy Independance Day.
    Dear Jean, as a student your article is very well written and you didn't come out of your trustworthy nature and innocence as yet.
    We just can't go and fight corruption by praising the corrupted people, we are the young generation should learn to fight poverty, corruption, population control, bringing awareness with the people of India about good and bad, educate them who are still lagging behind. We should not blame ourselves for what is happening today. Whatever the problems we face today, we don't want it to move in ascending order, we have to help those who can fight against all these.

  • Jenifer Parker, Dubai, Belman

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Good beginning Jean! Keep writing such articles! All the Best!

  • Jenifer Crasta, Mumbai/Managalore/Dubai

    Sun, Aug 15 2010

    Hi Jean, nice to read such an article on Independence day. Keep writing. Proud of you!!!

    Sachin & Jenifer, Dubai

  • arundanthy, pernal/surathkal

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    Good article,keep writing Jeaan!

  • L.Fernandes, goa/mumbai

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    Well,said or written Theo. First curb the population. Why are we racing with China on population. Corruption needs to be curbed with strict laws and punishment like China.

  • naresh, managlore/US

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    I could not agree more. Very well written.
    Whom we are, how we behave in our societies depends mostly on what values that we grow up with either at home, school or thru peers. Statement by JFK “ask not what the country can do for you, ask what you can do for the country” is very profound. We Indians should realize that with freedom comes heavy responsibility, which is something we don’t seem to recognize.

  • I.J.S.Shet, Mangalore.

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    CONGRATULATIONS on this Independenca day! Certainly the young of India are it's greatest hope and blessing!Let the old who are superflous get out of the way! It is time that the country is not bogged down and moves ahead from the curse of curruption and nepotism and other isms....! Let the young take the helm and let the elders support the efforts! All the Best!-ivan.

  • Eric Coelho, Mangalore

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    No comments to this article but Our freedom was born with hunger and we are still not free. Today 55% of indian population is below poverty line (BPL). Though we call ourselves the largest democracy and secular country in the world, I feel disappointed and upset to say that democracy has increased the population, it has made india dirty, it has increased corruption hundred folds, it has given opportunity to criminals and murders to contest elections and so on. Today I would say Democracy is confined only at the time of Election and then for next 5 years the party in power and even opposition start looting the country left and right. We talk and say that we are the next super power which will only be a dream. Take for e.g. the Commonwealth games and Global investor meet in karnataka it is reported that corruption reached the roof top level. After all leaders, politicians always speak the truth and the people/voters of Great India are not only fools but bigger liars. Today our voters have made leaders into God like recently where MLA compared DMK to Jesus and DMK's parents as Mary and Joseph. Corruption is making india into a skeleton. If our thinking, behaviour and placing pride of our nation on top priority mark my words the 55% people BPL will reach 90% in another 10 years. We have achieved Two milestone in India a) our population of 37 crores in 1947 has touched 1.14 Billion b) Our Poverty from 30% has increased to 55%. Hats of India and it happens only in India.

  • Theo D'Silva, Kadri/Toronto

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    Hi Jean,
    You have given the problems we are facing after 64 years of Independence. The solution is first and foremost curb the corruption, control the Inflation, Create a well-fair state. Strict control over corruption by taking over their assests. NO NEED TO PUNISH THEM BUT JUST TAKE OVER THE ASSESTS. thanks theo.

  • Antony Herbert Crasta, Mangalore/Sydney,Australia

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    Good article by Janet DMello and timely as well when India celebrates it`s 64th Independence Day. I agree with the writer when she says we ourselves to blame primarily for inculcating the bribing culture amongst the politicians and the bureaucrats. I also agree with her that we tend to blame the politicians straightaway when something is lacking or not proper, without realising the magnitude of the tasks and/or problems at hand. She also makes some good points with regard to maintaining neatness and tidyness in our surroundings - the comments in this regard by AD Shenoy are also well worthy to note and follow. I commend the views expressed by AD Shenoy on some other issues as well. While India has done and progressed well in quite a number of fields, it is miserablly lacking in two areas, viz. spreading of literacy and containing the population, especially in the North/Eastern and Central States, and as time and time again I have expressed earlier through the Daijiworld forum that until and unless we tackle these two issues, India will not be able to make much headway. But for its massive population, India would have been fairing very high in comparison with the developed nations. When it comes to controlling the population, India should take one or two lessons from China who have done very well and that is the main reason they are enjoying the prosperity today - they have gone much ahead of us in the recent years. India is a country gone democratically extreme, perhaps!

  • A.S.Mathew , U.S.A.

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    Great article exposing the Indian
    mindset. Keep on writing, and some
    day, changes will take place
    because pen is mightier than sword.

  • Nelson Dsouza, Karkala/Riyadh

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    Hi Jean, I appreciate the candidness and boldness in which u expressed ur thoughts. Yes, I agree and most of NRI's too agree that we the many of us cant be patient and wait the things to happen, instead it is habit and convenience to us to "pay" and get the things done. We dont care about the poor guys who want the work to be done just like us but dont have money!! Yes, change should come from us..We dont want to fight against corruption..always think that why I should take trouble?. In a lighter front, can you arrange a NSS camp with your colleagues to fill the pot holes in Nitte-Mangalore Road? ahaaaaaaa.. All the best to you jean keep writing

  • Albert Q., Pangla.

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    Nice article Jean,proud of u,keep writing.

  • AICHA LEWIS, MANGALORE

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    GOOD ONE JEAN... GOD BLESS YA...

  • adshenoy, mangloor

    Sat, Aug 14 2010

    Dear Jean Dmello,

    I am delighted to read this massterpiece by you. Finally, someone as inteligent as you are is writing which should an eye opener and mind basher to all Indians specifically for those who complain about India.
    We are Indians and Mahatma Gandhi, our liberator said "we must be the change we want to see" and rightly so. Your article desreves a writers award. We want the changes but no one is prepared to be the change for heavens sake.

    From time to time my writeups hinted the contents of your thoughts of this article but unlike you I never bothered to write about what I think in way you have expressed.
    We are Indians and we must take care of our country just like any other nations people who take care without much cricising publicly. But we Indains go on public media and criticise and damn India and make fun of India, its governance, its intrastrucure, rather than understanding the freedom and the complexity in governing this nation, linguistic and cultural goliath of this world, instead complain its ways and beyond that run away to greener places and want India to be the one like where they have fled to live.

    Our home and its our duty to keep it clean rather than abandoning it.
    Let us make India what some one want it to be like America, Singapore, Dubai, Ireland, United Kingdom and whatever one wants to be.
    On this Independence day a big salute to the nation and a big salute to you Jean for enlightening Indians.

    Be proud of our nation. Jai Hind


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