India was the richest region in the world in the first millennium (AD). India was No.1 upto the 15th. century. In the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, India’s income was around 30% of the global income. India was the most important trading regio in the world for many centuries. India’s exports were around 30% of the global exports in the 10th century. India’s share of global income fell to 22% in the 18th century and with regard to the exports, the proportion was almost the same. China occupied No.1 position for a few centuries upto the 18th century.
Europe shaped the global agenda during the 18th and 19th centuries. Europe occupied the central place in the global economy because of its unrelenting progress in education, unimagined advancement in science and technology, exploitative colonisation, aggressive and cruel imperialism, promotion of inhuman slave trade and the endless list of invention, discoveries and innovations. After the First World War, USA emerged as the most powerful nation. After the Second World War, the United States was on the top of the world in agriculture, industry, trade and transport and science and technology.
Japan, which was shattered during the Second World War, emerged out of the ashes of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in 1960s. During ‘60s, its annual economic growth was about 16%. By 1970s, it started acquiring the American companies apart from capturing the American market. Japan continued its exemplary growth rate with extraordinary vigour. The real estate and the stock market bubbles burst in 1990s put an end to the relentless growth of Japan. The United States with its strong 14 trillion dollar economy has become the biggest debtor in the world in the 21st. century. The United States, the sole super power today (in 2009) is the strongest in terms of its economic power and military strength. No country enjoyed such power in the last 1500 years after the fall of the Roman Empire.
But…….
The US is consuming more than it is producing. Its imports are more than its exports. It’s household savings rate is nil. It is the biggest borrower in the world. Its deficits are huge and mind boggling. The dollar is becoming weaker everyday and the other currencies are gaining strength vis-à-vis dollar.
There is a vacuum. China is climbing up fast. In many respects, China has already overtaken the United States except in per capita income and the consequent standard of living.
Where is India?
India will be reaping the demographic dividends. By 2040, India will be one of the three richest countries in the world.
Will India become numero uno?
India Can!
It is in the hands of our youth-our students. They should try to put India back where it was 1000 years ago.
India should become a super power! It will! There is no doubt about it. But… the land of Mahavir, Buddha, Ramanuja, Vallalar and Mahatma Gandhiji should become a different kind of super power. It should not become a big brother and it should not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. India should promote a nuclear free world. It should work for global peace. The world has witnessed more than 14,400 battles and war in history, killing millions of people and destroying wealth worth billions of dollars!
What for? What is the result? What are the consequences of these wars and battles? Destruction and more destruction!
Deaths and more deaths!
Enough is enough!
India should put an end to this catastrophic menace and limitless lunacy.
All the incomes created down the ages and the wealth generated by various civilizations would have created a better, more prosperous and humane world, had there been no wars! Yes!
Buddha had shown the way 2500 years back!
Hereafter there should be no war among nations in the name of religion or race or geography or language.
Wars should be declared against poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, hunger, malnutrition, exploitation and inequalities. Racism and male chauvinism should be defeated. Wealth should be created and equitably distributed.
Environment should be nurtured and protected. Sustainable development should be the new mantra.
A prosperous, peaceful progressive world should be created in which love and affection and sharing and sacrifice should be the guiding principles.
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