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
VISHWANATHAN ANAND, Chess
wizard, master of lightning attacks and crafty defence
THE GOOD
In spite of our population, we have a pretty good
democracy.
People are incredibly resilient. But this is a
double-edged sword since it's clear a lot of our problems
could be solved if we botherred to do something about
them.
We have a great heritage.
Our food is fantastic.
THE BAD
One billion isn't a great population if 300
million live like they do.
I can appreciate there are a hierarchy of problems, but
cleanliness doesn't have to be at the very end.
We need a stamp of approval from a foreigner before we
appreciate our own heritage.
I can't get our food easily abroad.
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. 
VISHWANATHAN ANAND, Chess
wizard, master of lightning attacks and crafty defence
