Some advantages of British Rule.

Regular archaeological excavations beginning 1861, made the educated Indians get a vivid picture of past glory of ancient India and realize that Bharat was on par with Rome and Greece. The learning of English enabled the Indians to read about the strong current of nationalistic ideas that passed through Europe and South America during the 19th century. Said Bal G Tilak ' English education has imparted to us knowledge of ancient and modern history. We have learnt how the Greeks, Romans lost their patriotism etc. Only those who have learnt have begun to realize the defects of British administration'. Ability to communicate in English has today, become a major advantage for the Indians. The Call Centre and medical transcription business have become increasingly popular. Notice how comfortable was the Miss Universe, Yukta Mookhey, speaking in English as compared to other participants. White skinned people across the world seem baffled at our comfort with the English language.

The printing press helped growth of vernacular literature, spread education, connect India. Although not intended, the railways have played an important part in uniting the country. A train journey has become some sort of a melting pot. A berth of four could have people from different parts of the country, each sharing with the others, the beauty and uniqueness of the place that he comes from. Their importance can be judged by the fact that one of the reasons being cited for the lack of integration of the North East and Kashmir valley with the rest of India is the lack of an adequate rail network.

We have none but ourselves to blame for this current state. We have adopted a system of governance that is alien to us, study English literature that does not tell us about our culture, believe that whatever happens in the West is good - should be aped by us, continuously criticize our poverty without trying to understand why we find ourselves in this situation today, refuse to take hard decisions ' protect our national interest. If India were a human being and went to a Psychologists for treatment, the answer she would get is Lack of Self ' Esteem.

An example is the controversy on the Narmada Dam project. The people in the North must thank Ishwar that these activists did not exist when the Bhakra Nangal Dam was being constructed. As most of you might know, the dam was one of the reasons behind the Green Revolution of the late sixties without which self sufficiency of foodgrains would have remained a pipe dream. Rehabilitation of people being submerged by the Sarovar dam is important and merits serious attention. But, is stopping construction the answer ? I would have been happier to see these very activists ensure that the government rehabilitate displaced people. The brilliance of a Arundati Roy could have been put to good use.

Unfortunately our countrymen continue to use their intelligence to, prevent things from happening, pull people down, score political points, fraud the government. If only we learn to generate positive vibrations, enjoy the success of others, love our country, Bharat would be a much better place to live in.

I am not advocating Swadeshi or Videshi but for Christ's sake lets not short sell ourselves.

This essay is based on inputs from The History and Culture of the Indian People by the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and England's Debt to India by Lala Lajpat Rai.