such is the irony of my country

India and its development story presents a perplexing picture on the eve of its 60th Independence anniversary. The latest headlines over the last few days indicate the complex challenges India is trying to deal with today. Here are a few news snippets while present the true picture.

• The inability of our government to protect the citizens of this country against terror attacks. Delhi, Calcutta and Mumbai at the highest state of terror alert. The international terror outfit Al-Queda has established a base in India as per latest Indian intelligence reports
• Most states in India reeling under floods specifically the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Damages to industry, agriculture and services estimated at INR 25, 000 Crores
• The Deputy-Chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr. Montek Singh Ahaluwalia says that India is poised to grow at 8.5% in the 11th five year plan
• One report says that there are 5.2 billion cases of HIV in India and the implementation of the anti - HIV program has been a failure
• The India stock market has crossed 11, 000 points and is estimated to hit 16, 000 by the end of FY 2008

The government needs to put in place a wholesome national development agenda that simultaneously addresses all of these concerns.Need I say more...