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There is a way out. That would be through a different approach
to development with focus on the needs and values of the people.
It would be a decentralised development with the drive coming
from the people. This would require them to be empowered through
the harmonious application of the best of the native values
and modern tools. The scientists, engineers and other enlightened
citizens have a decisive role to play here through a new action
plan. Through the plan we should accomplish the following:
- Discriminate Imitation from Modernisation.
Modern developments came to India through the western colonisation
and policies in its continuation. Therefore, imitation of
the West is often confused as modernisation. Recently, commercial
interests have quickened the process in the name of globalisation.
For our progress we do not have to go through the same pitfalls
of the Western industrial culture.
- Understand the Needs and Values of India.
Development should be appropriate and fine-tuned to fit
our needs and values. The pressing needs of all the people
of India and the ancient values that sustain her civilisation
are unique. These cater to social progress and personal
attainment, viz. Empowerment (Self-rule) and Liberation
(Self-realisation)
- Recognise the Modern Trends and Tools.
The trend away from centralisation and uniformity towards
diversification and customising is perceptible. The enabling
tools are accessible and affordable today. Modern trends
and tools of science and technology, humanities and management
as well as production and service, should be a basis for
our development.
- Discover the Confluence.
When the needs and values of India are understood and when
the modern trends and tools are recognised, the confluence
of their natural evolutionary courses can be recognised.
The native aspirations of enlightenment and liberation would
be found to be in harmony with the modern trends and tools
of empowerment
- Direct the development through this confluence.
The resulting development alternative would be fine-tuned
to the needs and values of the people of India. It would
also be based on the best of the modern tools and trends
that technology and management can offer.
This 5-point action plan would match the immense potential of
science and technology with the enormity of the task of bringing
prosperity and harmony to India. Once set in motion, it will
encompass every aspect of life in a proactive way to make steady
progress and avoid the presently prevalent pitfalls.
Dr. N. N.Panicker.
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