What it Means to be an Indian

For some, the thoughts come easily, dripping with patriotism or pure venom. For others, it needs hours of conversation for the words and feelings, usually buried deep or hardly ever considered, to surface. INDIA TODAY presents frank, unguarded thoughts of some of the best known -- and some totally unknown -- people across the nation who make up the fabric of India. After 50 years of Independence, this is the voice of India, a reflection of who we are. It shows how far we have come. And how far we need to go.

Interview by KALLI PURIE
Photograph by BANDEEP SINGH

RAHUL BAJAJ, tycoon, voice of Indian industry
Something went wrong in India. How can some stupid Englishman from some stupid little coal-producing island come thousands of miles in a sailboat and take us over? Why didn't it happen the other way? The fact is, we lost out. We came under foreign domination, and you lose your backbone with that.
Politicians say the multinational companies are on Indian soil, they employ Indians. The most important thing is the customer, so ownership is not important. I say, fine. Most of our politicians are corrupt and incompetent. And all that we want is good government. So why don't we import the best of ministers from the West and let them rule the country?
I have always been for capitalism but I liked the bipolar world. The multipolar world is just a euphemism for unipolar, dominated by America. I am a proud Indian, but I feel like a servant in this world. And I don't like it.

Back

Editorial Office:
F-14/15, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110 001, India
Tel: (+91 11) 331 5801-04/Fax: 331 6180

© Living Media India Ltd