SPECIAL ISSUE

August 18, 2001: We love our India, we care for its millions

Dear Readers:
August 15 is important for all freedom-loving Indians. It was on this day in 1947, that India unshackled itself from the British rule. It reminds us of the struggle our freedom fighters underwent. India won freedom without waging a war. Its nonviolence philosophy as enunciated and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi is now the legacy we all inherited in our national life. The freedom fight also reminds us of the immense sacrifice of our leaders.
India is still a developing country. It is trying to fight economic backwardness. It is trying to improve the lives of millions of people living under the poverty line. The five-year plans have done immense good to the country. The recent reforms have helped the country improve its economy, and trade with other countries. We are definitely making headway in various fields, including social welfare, healthcare, education, industry, science and technology.
We are the beneficiaries of the fruits of free, secular, democratic and developing India. If we are successful in this country, we owe our success to our motherland. India, like the US, is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural society. Both the countries believe strong in democracy and have chosen it as the way of governance. Whatever we are today, it is because of the education and grooming we received in our country and the opportunities this country has given us. We, Indians in this country, have been recognized as an affluent community.
We have duty towards our motherland, our less fortunate brothers and sisters. We all have risen and sent our mite to help people there in calamities like earthquakes, cyclones and droughts. Some of our professionals and organizations have volunteered their lives. But that is not enough. Much needs to be done.
It is good that fractions in the Federation of Indian Associations in Chicago have closed their differences and joined hands to take out one parade. We should not repeat the two- parade drama next year. Our strength lies in our unity. We need to take active role in the politics of mainstream American life. As the adoptive country, the US is important to us. Let’s work for its progress and prosperity. Let’s work for improved relations between the US and India.
There are several unfortunate children without parental care or without opportunities to go to school. Many of them are ending up like street children without any aim. It is necessary that we come to their rescue. Just a donation of $100 a year would be enough to bring a change in the life of an unfortunate orphan. For many of us $100 is not a big amount. If each one of us can adopt one orphan, that would help thousands of unfortunate kids. We all have our relatives on whom we can lay our trust and channel the aid. Let us take vow to do this on this auspicious occasion. We need to be united. We all love our India. Let’s prove that we do care for its millions.

Sincerely,

Prashant Shah
Editor & Publisher