We have become an 'Aspirational Society' post Modi becoming the Prime Minister.
We had aspirations before, and the upper and middle class tried to realize it by going abroad. And the poor, condemned to live on doles, were told by the Congress that they had no right to aspire. For them Electricity, Toilet, Gas Connection, Bank Account, Internet, Potable water, Drainage etc remained only in dreams.
In Five years, Modi has revolutionized the life of the poor. It is not perfect by any means, but he has recognized their basic needs, fulfilled them and is prodding them to push further.
100% of houses with Electricity, Toilets, LPG Connection, Bank Accounts has changed the landscape and mindset of the rural population. Add to this Mudra Loans, better connectivity, and the proposal to connect all villages with Optic Fibre, the future looks bright.
I have written before how a few villagers stopped their vehicle on seeing my father, who was leading a retired life, rushed to him and thanked him profusely for electrifying their villages, though he was only doing his duty as an Executive Engineer in Kerala State Electricity Board. They went on to tell him proudly that their children have been able to get admission into top colleges because of availability of electricity at night.
And this was in Kerala in 1980s, which was on the forefront of education and infrastructure in 1980s.
Imagine then the change that will be seen in remote Northern and Eastern States now. The impact of Modi's rural developmental agenda will be felt years or decades down the line.
Our youngsters from Rural Area can now freely aspire to become whatever they want. The world is at their finger tips.
The Urban and NRI youngsters will take more time to come to grips with the changes in our Country, and what it means for them.
Recently, a young Class XII Indian student in Muscat asked me whether she should pursue her studies and career in US, UK or Germany.
I told her to put India at the top of the list, and told her why, as one of the very few fastest growing economies, she will stand to benefit more by working in India, than in the stagnant economies of US, UK or Germany.
Being brought up in Oman, she didn't quite understand the significance of what I said, but it made her think.
I wanted to tell her 'Janani Janma Bhumicha Swargatha Pigareeyasi', but did'nt, as she wouldn't have understood, having been brain washed by her Church, Parents, Friends and the School, which did its best to demean India and Indians.
I am sure after another term or two of Modi, I wont have to even offer such advises, as awareness would have kicked in among the youth about the greatness of our Country
