Inside Gate, India’s Good Life; Outside, the Servants’ Slums Article
I am creating this blog for all the thoughts and views I have but not enough time to share it with everyone. This is for the friends and family members that I send tons of emails each day about the articles I read or about the news each day. I had an India blog but unfortunately I didn't keep up with it as I should have due to lack of internet access and the constant reminder that I needed to
really LIVE in India.
After spending so much time in India less than a year ago, I am still intrigued by the political and social happenings in the country. A recent article (link is above this post) I've read discusses a prevalent issue in India today: the continuing increase in the gap between the poor and the middle-class.
This article is typical of much of India's developing cities. There are areas of India where the middle/upper-class Indians are living in gated communities with pedicured lawns and continuous running water and electricity- and right outside of these walls are slum-like living situations. In the article it provides the example of a woman living with her husband and children in the "Hamilton Court — complete with a private school within its gates, groomed lawns and security guards...", whereas her housekeeper lives right across the street in the slums.
Now yes poverty levels in India have decreased over the last 17 years but as the article states more than 1/4 of all Indians live below the official poverty line and nearly half of all Indian children are clinically malnourished.
Now while this change for those who have worked hard to have these ammenities and conveniences it does change the fact that there is still a growing disparity between the poor and the wealthy. Places like Hamilton Court have everything you can ask for: a great school, private health care, clubhouse, security guards, pedicured lawns, and paths to play cricket and go on walks... With all of this - women and children are moreso encouraged not to go "outside" because "it's a different world outside the gate." You bet it is, people are living in oblivion inside those gates, continuing the "look away" approach to poverty and the pertinent issues throbbing in India.
The woman of Hamilton Court, a doctor, contemplates opening a clinic in the slum next door, but figures there is nothing anyone could do...
These are the things that irritate me. I understand that I may be an idealist in many of my approaches and views but it is better to try to help your country (especially when you have the means to do so) than to simply say there is nothing that I can do... Sure there are tons people can do... if everyone did something I'm sure it would make a greater difference.
But then thats me being an idealist once again...
(pics taken from nytimes article)
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