India: Following Our Footsteps
Can India become an economic superpower in the coming years?
India's Culture
Information from http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/indias-caste-system.html
There is a misconception that the majority of India's population speaks Hindi. In fact, 59 percent of Indian residents speak something other than Hindi. There is no official language of India. Some of the languages that are spoken are Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, and Urdu. Some of the religions that are practiced in India are Hinduism (84% of India's population), Islam (13%), Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Information from http://www.livescience.com/28634-indian-culture.html
Some of the customs and celebrations of the Indian culture are Republic Day, which is January 26, Independence Day, which is August 15, and Gandhi's birthday, which is October 2. Diwali is the most important holiday in India which is a five-day festival known as the festival of lights. Some of the traditional clothing that are worn in India are saris, which are worn by women, and dhoti, which are worn by men. Indian cuisine is also another major part of the culture. The food is rich with curries and spices. Lamb and chicken are some common main dishes.
Information from http://www.livescience.com/28634-indian-culture.html
The role of women in India has drastically change since India gained its independence in 1947. Women are much more involved in politics than they were in the past. Women such as Sonia Gandhi, the longest serving president of the Congress party, and Sushma Swaraj, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, are good examples. They have opened up a new world of opportunities for women in India. Also, education for women has evolved in the past few years. The idea that all women are just housekeepers has proved false. Women are now receiving an education so they can join the political and social battlefield. Lastly, women are being treated the same as men. Before there was modern India, women didn't have the same rights as men did. They weren't able to become political leaders or get an education. Women have come a long way since then. They now play an influential role in the development of India.
Information from http://allpoetry.com/column/10246625-Role-Of-Women-In-Modern-India-by-Abie-Arun
India's Role and Rise in the Global Economy
Information from http://www.ey.com/GL/en/Issues/Driving-growth/Middle-class-growth-in-emerging-markets---China-and-India-tomorrow-s-middle-classes
India has recently caught the attention of the United States due to its emerging economy. This could strengthen the relationship between the United States and India. Until the late 1990s, the United States has ignored India. This is mainly because India didn't have as strong of as an economy. It was very weak and protected which gave it little influences in global markets. Another reason why the US-India relations aren't as strong as they could be is because when India did have a strong economy, they were in the midst of a war between Pakistan. However, the relationship between these two nations seems to be going in a positive direction due to the progress India has made. One major turning point between the US and India is when the two countries signed a civil nuclear agreement in 2008. This is because the deal helped India's nuclear isolation by permitting the conduct of civil nuclear trade with New Delhi. To conclude, while the relationship between India and United States hasn't been as remarkable, it does have a bright future.
Information from https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/south-asia/2010-03-01/indias-rise-americas-interest
Some of the major industries in India are agriculture and textile industries. 25% of India's economy accounts for agriculture. Agriculture is not only a major part of India's economy, but it is also an important source of food for the population. Although agriculture is significant to the lives of many Indians, it considered inefficient, wasteful, and incapable of solving India's hunger and malnutrition problems. The textile industry, on the other hand, is one of the largest contributing sectors of India's exports, one of the largest employers, and is currently estimated at around $108 billion.
Information from http://www.ibef.org/industry/textiles.aspx and http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/India-AGRICULTURE.html
The Globalization of India's Culture
While India has been globalized by the United States, the United States has been globalized by India. India has had a great impact on the American culture. For example, there are more Indian restaurants in America. Also, Indian music has spread throughout the nation. In one of Jay-Z's songs called "Beware of The Boys", there is Indian background music. As you can see, India has greatly influenced the American culture.
Information from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/opinion/sunday/how-india-became-america.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0, http://www.economywatch.com/economy-articles/globalization-in-india.html, http://www.careerride.com/view.aspx?id=15301, and http://iascharisma.blogspot.com/2013/06/effect-of-globalization-on-indian.html
Modern India vs. Traditional India: Who Will Come Out On Top?
Information from http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2f2010%2f7%2f3%2flifetravel%2f6564663
Another way that modern India is conflicting with traditional India is simple lifestyles are disappearing. Life has become much more complicated for young adults in India. For example, there is increased traffic, construction, and fighting. Also, India is more inclusive than it was in the past. What was an easy life for most Indians has become harder, quicker, and more complex. We now see 20 year-old citizens typing on their laptops in Starbucks and drinking coffee. Life in India has evolved tremendously since they gained independence in 1947.
Information from http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-fast-changing-india-preserving-what-came-before/2012/08/13/60a75c70-d1b2-11e1-836a-a43238a2767d_story.html
In addition, democracy has conflicted with caste system. Cities like New Delhi are more tolerate of the new way while change in rural areas is much slower. Overall, the caste system has almost entirely vanished as democracy has spread throughout the nation. Since India has become a democracy, they have passed laws guaranteeing equal rights to all castes no matter how high or low you are. Because of these changes, Untouchables are allowed to vote and take on positions such as the Prime Minister. Moreover, India has established quotas to require certain amount of Untouchables in universities and jobs. As you can see, political and economic changes have conflicted with the Indian traditions and customs.
Can India Finally Reach Superpowerdom?
Information from http://english.cntv.cn/program/newsupdate/20130304/107676.shtml, http://www.aventure.ac.in/india-is-changing-we-need-to-change-the-mindset-too/, and http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-17350650