On Saturday 25 Aug 2007 11:39 pm, Ingrid wrote: > What is it you think they are doing differently? The standard excuse I hear > quoted is that their relatively small size makes it easier. But no Indian > state, even the smallest, can claim to have done as well.
Interesting question that will spur me on to looking at some things in greater detail. Could it be because of "India shining"? A sheen is put on some parts and the dirt is hidden. I just wonder if India is reaching a stage when it has to confront its worst social problems and biases. India seems to have a "pool" of 250 to 300 million people who are probably not being touched by any of the ongoing development efforts. "Breaking in" and getting to these people does not seem to be easy. I am not sure why - but it may well be because of widespread biases that are present everywhere (the elephant in the room) that people are unwilling to recognize or admit. I really don't know. I am beginning to suspect that the manner in which upper castes have been replaced by "others" gives the impression that things are being set right. But this hides the fact that the middle and lower castes are becoming the new forward castes and they carry forward the worst discriminatory biases against those situated lower than them, even as they indignantly claim that they are victims of discrimination from the original upper castes. shiv
