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I received a mail from one of my friends which I reproduce in full

"quote"

Sometimes we underestimate ourselves. It takes a foreigner to put into perspective what a great people we really are and our tremendous achievement in the face of what appear to be insurmountable odds. Let us hope we can continue to remain the peaceful and tolerant people we have been through history. When fanaticism and fundamentalism rear their ugly heads in our country we must realise that they are the exception and not the rule. If we stop to compare ourseleves with our neighbours and the rising intolerance and xenophobia in even developed nations we should be truly grateful to be living in India .....

Bala

New York Times reader comment on India going to polls, "The world's biggest exercise in democracy"

April 15 2009 it is truly the gereatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse and democratic ethoes , where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing providing their small part in directing their ancient civilisation into the future. It is no less impressive when done in a neighbourhood which includes de-stabilising and violent Pakistan, China and Burma.

Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else particularly in development and fending off terrirism - but considering these challenges and its neighbours, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth , with hundreds of languages, all religions and cultures, is not only surviving but thriving.

The nation where Hinduism, Budhism, Jainism and Sikhism were born, which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth; where Christianity has existed for 2000 years ; where the oldest Jewish synagogues and Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple; where Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile reside; where the Zorastrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient home land ; where Armenians and Syrians and many otheres have come to live;where the paris based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest only 200 years ago; where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected, where a Sikh is Prime Minister and the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman, where the president is also a woman, succeeding a Muslim President who as rocket scientist was a hero in the nation; where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year and is expected to have the majority of it's population in the middle class, already equal to the entire US population, by 2025; where its optimism and vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth and voting, despite all the incredible challenges and hardships; where all the great powers are vying for influence as it itself finds its place in the world.
Where all of this is happening, is India and as greater than 1/10 of humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to all the world.

"unquote"

Amazing. No other nation can boast of such diversity. Perhaps it is our spiritual enlightment that has given us our exemplary tolerance . No wonder then the world looks to us for spiritual leadership. The readers comment as given above puts us on a high pedestal indeed. Comment on China however is debatable. China now is neither destabilising nor violent. It is now continuing to record the highest economic growth and is also a donor to IMF