Hi Kamlakar,

Thanks for raising a very pertinent question. Much as we like to believe with patriotism running high in our veins, I do not see India becoming a Super Power by 2020. There are multiple reasons to it as per my observation as a citizen :

1. Corruption, we have the dubious distinction of being ranked 3rd here
2. Political brass totally out of sync with Nation Building
3. Election Process flawed
4. Media, the 4th Pillar of Democracy not in tune with the other 3, in fact at logger heads most of the time or trying to appease a particular segment
5. Too big a divide between the rural and urban populace
6. Infra-structure failure
7. Judiciary still being run on a constitution which was formed 60 years back. Each amendment needs ten years. That is the joke we call our democracy.
8. 60 years after independence, we still are selling our votes for Rs. 100 and a pouch of country liquor.

Well, I dont want to be looked at as a despondent and depressed citizen. Inspite of such details, we still are world leaders in many segments. The Economic slowdown has not engulfed India as it has the other countries. This is due to Regulatory Banking which we have been following since long. This has ensured that the exposure to the world economic meltdown is kept to a minimum. Companies which are laying off employees and other news that we hear about the recession, are all linked to world economies which have gone to docks because of improper and unregulated banking, both captive and investment.

If anything, I strongly feel that this Economic slowdown will only underline the importance that emerging markets like India and China have to play on the world stage. This is a new trend and would definitely help us to have a better seat on the negotiation table in future.

Mission 2020 is a fantastic dream. But I read it in some other forum also where it was beautifully described that it doesnt have a strategy in place. Unless there is a strategy, a Mission will remain a Dream.

I do not see any strategy in the current crop of politicians nor any bureaucrats. A strategy has to be formulated, action plan discussed and published, then it has to be tracked to ensure it would be achieved. All said and done, I feel it is a wonderful dream and I dont think its possible to realize it, atleast with this trend that we have. I would be the happiest person alive if I am proved wrong though.

Let us not forget how THAT great man who gave us this Mission 2020 was treated by the present lot of politicians. They did not want him to continue for a second term, and for that ruling and opposition parties came together unanimously (a rarity in Indian polity). I would say Mr. Kalam would have been happy that atleast once they were united, though the cause was dubious.

Guess this reply went far and long.

Good luck Kamlakar.

Thank you very much Sir, for the response.

Though it appears a long text, while going through, it generates many thoughts in the mind.

So nicely you have touched the lacking and prospering sides of the nation..!

Regards
Kamlakar