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India with over 4000 + years of legacy and heritage,
is one of the oldest civilisations and sixth largest country in the
world. It has , over the centuries, witnessed the fusion of various
cultures and traditions which has immensely added to its richness.
India is an apt reflection of unity in diversity with diverse geographical
locations, climate , and culture. The cuisine, clothing, language
and lifestyle differ with location . Thus, each location in India
offers a unique experience of its own . However, India is not just
proud of its glorious past and a diverse culture but of an equally
strong position globally, being one of the 6th fastest growing economies
of the world . The country is ranked fourth in terms of Purchasing
Power Parity ( PPP) in 2001.The land where Buddha lived and taught,
the people who tolerated and fought various invaders, the culture
which taught the world non violence, is today the second largest producer
of computer software in the world with its own satellites.
India is probably the only nation with multiple names - India, Hindustan,
and Bharat. The Sanskrit name for India is "Bharat"; that
is how it was known during the earlier centuries. The name "India"
is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the
home of the early settlers . The Persian invaders gave the name Hindustan,
which combines Sindhu and Hindu . It refers to the land of Hindus.
India's gifts to the world :
- One of the oldest scriptures in the world , the four volume
Vedas - Atharva Veda, Rig Veda , Sama Veda, and Yajur Veda. These
four Vedas contain a priceless treasure of knowledge. This Vedic literature
is aimed at not just sacred rituals , but also at attaining higher
levels of understanding about survival, life and death. The word Veda
is derived from the word "Vid" which literally means, "Root". Thus,
Vedas basically contain root knowledge about the essentials of life.
The most precise language Sanskrit, also called the mother of all
higher languages, is suitable for computer software.
- The
number, place value and decimal system were developed in India.
- World's highest cricket ground is in Chail, Himachal Pradesh; 2444 metres
above sea level
- World's first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. The
University of Nalanda built in the 4th century was one of the greatest
achievements in the field of education.
- Ayurveda , the earliest known alternative medicine, was consolidated
2500years ago by Charka , the father of medicine.
- Meditation and Yoga are synonymous with India and Indian spirituality.
Unity in Diversity:
No other country in the world can portray "Unity in Diversity"
as beautifully as India. Stretching from the frozen peaks of the Himalyas
to the tropical greenery of Kerala, and from the sacred Ganges to
the sands of the Thar desert, India's geographical boundaries encompass
incomparable variety . With an area of 3.3 Million Sq Kms., the Indian
peninsula is separated from the mainland Asia by the Himalayas. The
country is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian
sea in the west, and the Indian Ocean to the south.
There are 22 languages and over 500 dialects spoken in India. English
is spoken by over 10 million Indians and is thus the second language
of India.
No other country can boast of such a wide variety of cuisine as India.
Each state has a very different but an equally delicious cuisine.
Indian food is an all time favorite amongst people from different
parts of the globe .
India celebrates its diversity through its festivals. Year long there
is spirit of celebration in some or the other corner of the nation.
All festivals in India are commemorated for religious causes , either
to celebrate the victory of good over evil or to remember a god or
goddess. Further, every state has its own culture thus have their
own festivals. However there are many festivals which are celebrated
through out the country. These include- Diwali- the festival of lights
, celebrated in October / November at the onset of winters; Holi festival
of colors, celebrated in March, to signal spring and end of winter
season; Eid; X'mas; etc. Dance and music are an integral part of all
our cultures and religions. Most celebrations and happy occasions
are bright and colourful.
The range of Indian costumes, jewellery, and handicrafts has always
attracted people from all over. The colors and designs differ from
location to location. India is thus a land of assortment and amalgamation
of cultures.
India has always been famous for its tradition and hospitality. The
warmth in the relations and the euphoria in celebrations make it so
very distinct. The beauty of Indian people lies in their spirit of
tolerance , give and take, and composition of cultures which is comparable
to a garden of flowers which despite preserving their identity , lend
beauty and harmony to the garden.
In India the family is the most important institution that has survived
through the ages. India , like most other less industrialized, traditional,
eastern societies is a collectivist society that emphasizes family
integrity, family loyalty, and family unity.
The Indian family has been a dominant institution in the life of the
individual and in the life of the community. The Indian family is
considered strong, stable , close, resilient, and enduring . The modified
extended family has replaced the traditional joint family, in that
it does not demand geographical proximity or occupational involvement
and does not have a hierarchal authority structure. This new family
form encourages frequent visits; financial assistance; aid and support
in childcare and household chores; and involvement and participation
in life-cycle events such as births, marriages , deaths, and festival
celebrations . Traditionally, Indians have laid high stress on values
like peaceful co- existence, spirituality, deference to elders, recourse
to nature , artistic expression, seeking prosperity , strong family
ties, respecting even the tools of your trade, joyousness and hospitality.
The old have always been taken care of, at home , and it is generally
the eldest who makes important decisions for the family, be it a financial
matter or a relationship. Most Indians are very close to aunts , uncles,
cousins and grandparents ; holidays are usually spent together and
there is little formality in such relationships.
Indian society has always focused more on paying your debt to society
and being responsible for one's family and rather than breaking away
to pursue your own individual desires. With increasing western influences,
the conflict between individualism and fulfilling social obligations
is great , especially for the younger generation.
Prayer is almost a daily ritual. Most businessmen will say a short
prayer before opening their shops or offices; someone in the family
will pray in the morning or evening. Even today , we see people worshipping
the source of their livelihood. A dancer will bow to the stage . A
farmer will bow to his yoke. A vegetable-seller will bow to his hand-cart
. A rickshaw-wala will bow to his rickshaw .
India with its rich cultural heritage and one of the best human resource,
is poised to be an economic giant in the coming years .
Indian Economy experienced a GDP growth of 9 .0 percent during 2005
-06 to 9.4 percent during 2006-07 . By 2025 the India 's economy is
projected to be about 60 per cent the size of the US economy . The
transformation into a tri-polar economy will be complete by 2035 ,
with the Indian economy only a little smaller than the US economy
but larger than that of Western Europe. By 2035, India is likely to
be a larger growth driver than the six largest countries in the EU,
though its impact will be a little over half that of the US.
India , which is now the fourth largest economy in terms of purchasing
power parity, will overtake Japan and become third major economic
power within 10 years.
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