Croeso i India. This is the last programme in a series of four presented by Beth Angell who has a special interest in the country as her grandfather and grandmother were missionaries here in Bryniau Casia (the Khasi Hills) in the 1930s.
When rising oil prices decimated India’s economy in the 1990s, the government took the brave decision to open the country to outside investment. Restrictions were lifted. The policy worked.
The motor and aviation sectors are now thriving.
Call centres are common – but many are now specialist centres with the latest technology. This centre processes patients’ scans from all over the world.
One example of a modern day entrepreneur is Dr Malia. He is a billionaire. He owns a private jet capable of carrying 130 people and is now entering the world of Formula 1 racing.
However, the poor rural areas have gained little from the economic revolution. Recently 75,000 farmers protested that their lives were not improving.
Some rural areas are beginning to see development. Beautiful regions such as Kerala in the west are now attracting tourists. New hotels are being built.
Alternative medicines and therapies – part of India’s tradition for centuries – are also attracting customers in the cities and in some rural areas.
Women like Biji Rajan are prepared to spend weeks away from their rural families to work in the tourist and therapy industries. Their aim is to ensure that their children have a good education so that they can take advantage of new opportunities.
There are 600 million young adults in India now. Their task is to take the country forward. The economy needs to benefit the whole population of India. New developments are necessary but the values and traditions of India also need to be respected.
