A Leader's Corner

“The only way to change our perspective is to step away from what we normally see and experience, and view things in a different light.”

As we go through our lives, we often become so accustomed to our surroundings that we start taking things for granted.

India is a land of diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes, where ancient history blends seamlessly with modern technology. I was born and brought up in this vibrant country, yet like many of us, I took so much of it for granted. Growing up, I didn’t fully appreciate the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking scenery, and the spirit of innovation that permeated my homeland. But after spending two years studying in the United States, I had the opportunity to visit India again for my winter break. And this time, I saw my motherland with a fresh pair of eyes.

As I traveled through the Eastern, Western, and Southern regions of India, I was struck by the incredible contrast of colors, the aroma of spices, and the warm hospitality of the people. From the majestic Himalayan mountains in the North to the pristine beaches in the South, I was mesmerized by the sheer beauty and diversity of my country. But what struck me, even more, was the progress that India has made in the last few years. The rise of technology, innovation, and the spirit of entrepreneurship that I witnessed was truly inspiring. It made me proud to be an Indian, and it made me realize how much we take for granted.

I started my journey in Eastern India and was immediately drawn to the lesser-known state of Odisha. I was mesmerized by the intricate architecture and design of the ancient temples, each with its unique story and history to tell. It was incredible to witness how the ancient civilizations had managed to create such wonders, using only their skills and bare hands. It made me realize how much we take for granted in this modern age of technology, where we can accomplish anything with just a click of a button. Yet, here were these temples, standing tall and proud, built centuries ago, still retaining their magnificence and beauty. As I stood there in awe, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude towards my motherland, for preserving and cherishing its rich cultural heritage.

My journey progressed as I traveled to the southern part of India and I was enchanted by the picturesque landscapes, and the rich cultural heritage.

Kerala, popularly known as “God’s Own Country,” was an epitome of modernity and development, yet it managed to retain its age-old traditions and values. I was fascinated by the state’s literacy rate, which is one of the highest in India, and the impeccable cleanliness that adorned every nook and cranny of the state.

The Cochin airport left me spellbound with its innovation and sustainability, as it was one of the very few airports in the world to be completely powered by solar energy. It was truly inspiring to see how the state was taking steps towards sustainable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. I was also able to witness the breathtaking beauty of Munnar, with its rolling hills and sprawling tea plantations. And then, there were the serene backwaters of Alleppey, which left me in awe of nature’s tranquility.

My time in Kerala made me realize that India has so much potential and beauty that often goes unnoticed. I was proud to see the progress that the country had made in terms of technology and development, while still preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Micro-Entrepreneurship

One important aspect of my entire journey was the realization of the sheer number of small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs that I encountered. From street vendors selling food and handicrafts to small shops and businesses providing various services, it was clear that these individuals were an integral part of the economy and society. I marveled at how self-reliant and innovative they were, finding ways to succeed despite the challenges they faced.

For years now, India has been able to create a nurturing ecosystem for micro-entrepreneurship, which is evident from the fact that more than 60% of India’s workforce is engaged in the informal sector. These small businesses not only provide employment opportunities but also contribute to the country’s GDP. They are a true reflection of the self-reliance, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of the Indian people.

Technological Advancement

During my travels through India, I was struck by the remarkable progress the country has made in the realm of technology. From my observations, one example stands out in particular: the ubiquity of UPI or Unified Payments Interface. UPI is a real-time payment system that enables instant money transfers between bank accounts through a mobile device. It has become so pervasive that even small street vendors and shops accept payments through UPI.

This has revolutionized the way we think about banking in India. No longer do we need to rely on carrying cash or withdrawing money from ATMs. Instead, UPI has made banking more convenient and accessible, particularly for those who live in rural areas or do not have easy access to traditional banking services.

Behind the scenes, the success of UPI is due to the robustness of India’s banking system. The system is able to handle millions of transactions per day, which has made UPI a reliable and secure method of payment. Furthermore, the government has been actively promoting the use of UPI as a way to encourage digital transactions and reduce corruption.

India’s growth and progress may not be perfect, but it’s certainly something to be proud of. An outsider’s perspective of the country is varied. Some view it through the lens of poverty and underdeveloped lanes, while some view it through the lens of fascination and awe at how much a developing economy has achieved over the years. But even as citizens, often we tend to focus on the negatives, without really appreciating the positives. My travel through India changed all of that and showed me the greys in the blacks and whites. It was a journey that left me with a fresh perspective on my motherland, and a newfound appreciation for everything that makes it so unique. It was a journey of self-discovery, and of memories and insights that I was finally ready to share with the world.