The beauty and intrinsic appeal of the world’s largest democracy lies in the wide range of contrasts it offers. These contrasts are not confined to any particular area, but it spills over into all walks of life. The contrasts in my country are not always issues to be very ‘ proud of. Nonetheless, in certain issues they add to the diverse range, charm and appeal of my country.
The first contrast that strikes my mind is the geographical one. The arid deserts of the western border contrast with the fertile agricultural lands of the east, the Himalayas in the north with the low-lying plains, the absence of rain in certain parts with the perennial showers of the northeast…. Along with the geographical and topographical contrasts, come the wonderful beauty and contrasts of flora and fauna. While these contrasts have enriched the variety of my country, they have also underlined the crucial message that in these days of eco-vandalism, we need to preserve and conserve our precious natural gifts.
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In the social sector, the contrasts in my country are truly remarkable. India today boasts of the richest industrialists of the world, but sadly enough, extreme penury coexists with the profits of the rich.
Along with the conventional rich-poor divide, lies the two contrasting worlds of urban and rural India. The contrast between these two worlds is a formidable one. The Indian village still lags behind the typical Indian city. In no part of the world perhaps is the contrast so clearly evident as it is in my country. In spite of progress and a great deal of improvement since the earlier decades, the rural sector of my country still suffers a great deal.
Lack of amenities, infrastructure, investments, corrupt politicians and dysfunctional Panchayats often contribute in widening the gulf of contrast between the rural and the urban worlds. India would be a truly rich and a formidable power in the world only when its rural sector improves and competes with the urban sector. It is true that the two worlds have their own charm but for true progress and overall development of my country a certain minimum level of uniformity must come about.
The contrasts and diversity surrounding religious and ethnic identity is perhaps the greatest in my country. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Parsi, Christian, Jew, Jain, Buddhist communities all coexist here. There are occasional flare-ups (which is inevitable in a melting pot like India), but such frictions have not only taught grim lessons but also strengthened the communal harmony of the country.
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The list of contrasts is endless in my country. Be it dress, rituals, superstitions, culinary delights or even traditions, all such contrasts re-enforce the vivacity of the nation. In spite of such contrasts we need to ensure a minimum level of social parity especially when it comes to the welfare of the general masses.