Report on New York Times on Indian Elections

It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse and
democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing their
small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future. It
is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes
de-stabilizing and violent Pakistan, China, and Burma.

Its challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else,
particularly in development and fending off terrorism -- but considering
these challenges and its neighbors, 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, Buddhism, 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 the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile reside; where
the Zorostrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their
ancient homeland; where Armenians and Syrians and many others have to
come live; where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on
Earth for 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 a rocket scientist is 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 its 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 1/10th of
humanity gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to all the World.

- V Mitchell, New York, NY

Special Thanks to New York Times