india's greatest challenge

What is the greatest problem facing India today?

Most of you are probably thinking of the following: Population, Healthcare, Education, Poverty, Pollution, Corruption & Infrastructure. Yes, these are all VERY legitimate concerns that need to be addressed.

However, there are two more IMPORTANT areas that are largely overlooked:

1.The Social Divide amongst the various Social ‘Classes’
2.Lack of Social Responsibility and Awareness amongst Everyday Citizens

After many years of research into the various challenges faced by India, I am utterly convinced that the only way India can move forward (and address the above-mentioned issues more efficiently) is by bridging its social divide.

The divide is between those who have opportunities (like everyone reading this) and those that do not. I am NOT talking about a financial divide here - rather the 'understanding divide.'

Most of us can intellectually and superficially comprehend the difficulties faced by ordinary Indians; however we cannot truly empathise and understand their struggle. Most of us simply do not have the interest or opportunity to ‘mix’ with those 'different' to us.

If we can establish some level of empathy, understanding and more importantly a dialogue, then we will be more committed to offering solutions to the various challenges faced by the majority of the population.

But how can this be achieved?

Many of you are probably thinking, "this will never work ... I can't see myself having a meal with a rag-picker, street-worker or drug-addict … we have nothing in common." However, in order for us to truly respond to the problems faced by ordinary Indians – we must develop a relationship with them.

However, this dialogue should not only exist through social workers and NGO’s - but it should exist with EVERYONE and anyone. That includes you and I.

Can YOU Help ..

Everyday I meet people who say to me, "I'd love to be involved in some kind of social work.” However, this is as far their desire goes, because people just don’t know where to start.

I believe real social work doesn’t necessarily involve quiting your job, or giving away all your money, or joining an NGO – it involves taking an ACTIVE interest in the lives of those around you.

It also involves having relationships with people from ALL walks of lives. One of the magical things about India is that such diversity exist all around us – we just have to take the time to appreciate the lives of others.

I believe that this ideology must be instilled in young people, since most of our prejudices are formed at an early age. However, this is also an opportunity for adults to set an example for their children.

The Group

I am in the process of forming a group that deals specifically in bridging this gap in Indian society. It will not be an easy challenge, and it will require a lot of time and commitment - but I have to try.

The goal of this group will be a simple one: to bring out the latent social consciences that exist in us all, and help in bridging the social divide in India.

If you are one of those people who likes sending me ‘pseudo-intellectual’ emails full of precedents outlining why this will never work – then please restrain yourself! Send me an email one you have achieved something of real merit.

However, if you think this is an important enough issue to lend your MIND to and start a new life as a social worker - then I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts!

Please email me at rsvindia @ gmail.com ... TODAY!

toothpaste salesmen.

Where will the highest academic achievers find themselves at the end of their schooling? The supposed crème often find themselves at a prestigious educational institution; in India that may be an IIT or IIM, in the USA it could be a Harvard or Yale - or any other of the 100's of leading institution across the world.

At the conclusion of their college degrees they find themselves being lured by consulting firms, financial brokerages, IT companies, beverage and consumer goods manufacturers. They only hire the brightest and best.

Over the next few years they are worked long hours and their minds are taken full advantage of. They have little reason to complain, as they are adequately reimbursed for the experiments conducted on them!

No, I am not radical socialist, nor am I adverse to ‘the corporation,’ rather I wish to point out a startlingly oversight.

There are another group that need these minds to solve problems that are (dare I say it) more important than increasing toothpaste sales, selling life insurance and adding 'new tastes' to cola drinks. And it's not just the college-leavers I'm talking about - it's everyone with a great mind!

These minds are needed by Government organisations, schools, hospitals, aid and welfare groups and other social service institutions.

There is a brilliant show on TV named HOUSE, about a doctor who treats rare medical conditions. I often joke with my brother (who finished school with a score of 99.25%, and now spends his days making PowerPoint presentations toothpaste factory executives) by saying … “Look at this guy House, he’s solving real life changing problems, what are you management consultants doing!”

His response is always in typical consulting fashion … “I’m a corporate doctor, I make company executive feel better about themselves!"

Now, before I am accused of being a hypocrite – let me say I am not discounting the work corporates do, nor am I judging those who work with them. Rather I am giving credit to these minds - if they can help turn soda and cigarette companies into efficient multi-billion dollar industries - just imagine what they could do for health or education systems across the world.

Unfortunately since social organisations cannot compete with corporate in regards to funding talent, the decision has to be intrinsic. And I believe that if 10% of the best corporate minds, gave a little of their knowledge and expertise to solving social problems, the changes could be enormous.

I will talk further about this issue in future posts. However, if you are reading this and believe you have a brilliant analytical, thinking, decision making minds that isn't being fully utilised to it's fullest, then maybe you need to think about where it should and could be put to best use ...