The Lotus Blooms in Bharat

The wait is over. India chose to say "Namo NaMo". Now, what does this massive mandate mean to the BJP, Mr. Modi and every Indian who has voted for Modi? Here are some of my pet issues that I hope Mr. Modi with his government will address and make India take pride of place amongst the League of Nations as an economic power to be reckoned with.

1. Agriculture: An organic revolution unseen in the world before. If any country can do it, it is India with its historically agrarian tradition.
       a. The artisan "know how" is only one generation away from non chemical farming. This knowledge can easily be transfered and improved with modern research inputs.
       b. The Indian cow, a part of the organic cycle of the farm, can easily be made part of this movement- the cow dung and urine have proven to be very effective for manure as well as pesticide use. The milk will also provided much needed protein for the children in the rural as well as urban areas.
       c. The biodiversity of the nation needs to be maintained by ensuring the shift away from water guzzling monocrop models to drought resistant millets and other varieties of heirlooms that will ensure food security in the most remote areas of the country.

Role of the government: Improved infrastructure and an "agri" market to ensure the best prices for the farmer and access to farm products in the cities. State funded research in agriculture and public seeds to ensure viability of the smallest farmer. Cutting out the international price fixing for food by 6 international food companies. From what Mr. Modi has indicated in his interviews, he certainly is all for reaching agricultural produce to its markets asap.

2. Energy: Self sufficiency in the increasing appetite for power for a rapidly growing population. Mr. Modi has shown great interest in this area- be it solar or nuclear (his interest with the Japanese shows an inclination in that direction). Hopefully, his government works on this quickly and brings about an energy surplus in a nation that has historically dealt with power cuts.

3. Education, employment: A competent work force for a very young country is a must. If a "chaiwala" (tea seller) can become India's PM, the youth should be excited about engaging in all kinds of profession and do justice to their work by being exceptionally great at it. While literacy rates are certainly moving up, state-of-the-art educational institutions to serve the growing masses appear to be few and far between. However, the "education" sector of "apprenticeship" and artisanship should make a come back with an interest in providing quality products for the local and global markets.

4. Environment: Protection of land, water and air. Stringent measures taken against pollutors. Solid waste management through a decentralized model that makes use of trash in ingenious ways to generate money as well as employ millions in safer conditions with honor of work. Mr. Modi's promise of a "clean Ganga" should become a reality.

4. Finance: Eliminating coffer-draining social schemes and investing on self-reliance/ self-empowerment amongst the unemployed or unemployable- this would certainly demand a close watch of how funds are spent through social upliftment programs. Strong banks with governmental oversight need to help rebuild languishing areas of the economy. A more decentralized approach to business growth will bring more players across the nation into a vibrant democracy. At the same time, established big biz can provide services and support to the small guys to help move the country forward together. Restructuring tax laws and making them pro business has certainly shown their effect on Dalal Street already as Mr. Modi stands for a market economy.

5. Defense and Foreign Policy: These two areas have a lot of overlap. While a part of defense needs to ensure domestic safety, after seeing the work done by Mr. Modi to eradicate riots from Gujarat, hopefully, that model should rout out politically motivated riots and get rabble rousers employed more prudently in the building of the nation, establishing a calmer, harmonious scene internally.

Coming to foreign policy and India's relationship with Pakistan and China, it is imperative that border incursions are dealt with firmly and the message be heard strong and clearly that India will not negotiate an inch of its land when threatened with violence. Our common cultural histories with both these countries should help build a 21st century model towards better cooperation and improved trade. A strong India and improved relationship with our neighbors would mean a stable region that would rival Europe.

6. Tourism: From what Mr. Modi has showcased in Gujarat by putting it on the tourism map after Rajasthan, if that can be replicated across India with improved transportation facilities and infrastructure like hotels etc., India is certainly awaiting to be rediscovered. Indian food, clothes and a wealth of handmade goods that are unique to every region make for a tourism mecca that has not been tapped yet. Mr. Modi, please create a "Mango tourism" segment where people can come to India and taste a variety of mangoes in season- when foreign tourists rarely dare the Indian summer. I am sure the stronger tourist with a "head" for the sun, would love to explore the "king of all fruits" in its indigenous setting! (Ok that last bit was my own yearning for the fruit in season!)