An Indian Obama?

As the Obama craze sweeps the nation, a keen look at our own backyard is the call of the day. With a country as large as ours and demographically diverse, there may be countless mini Obamas brimming with inspiration looking to wiggle their tails to the top. However, there needs to be a reality check of the Indian answer to a replay of the American dream in our country.

As America went through hundreds of years of slavery and racist oppression, there were leaders like Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey and others who stood for the minority creating a dream for the future. These leaders kick started a revolution that was to years later create the first Afro-American President.

Now let's zoom down closer to home. After sixty one years of independence, India is considered to be the largest democracy in the world with freedom of speech and movement being the fundamental rights of our Constitution. But a closer look at the newspapers today delves into rise of ME ME and DOWN WITH THE DOWN TRODDEN politics reigning our country.

Instead of being an inspiration to the minority and oppressed communities, as well as millions of little children, through advancement of science and technology and peace process of the Father of Our Nation, we have mass killing of Christians and branding of ALL Muslims as terrorists. Is that what we call democracy? In fact, it is the so called political leaders who are endorsing the view and jumping on the bandwagon of crime to increase their vote bank. That does not mean there is a dearth of strong leaders! But we have those that harness their energy in divisive politics. The latest attacks on North Indians in Maharashtra and vice versa are proof of the regionalism that is corrupting the minds in our country.

I used to be proud of being an Indian.But a few years abroad showed me that I get much more respect in a foreign land while I am treated like garbage in my own homeland. Coming back to my original bone of contention of an Indian Obama, looks like I would probably have to turn in my grave for many more years before I can chance to see that blessed face.