Why Ustad Pundit?

The above is not impossible if, like the avatars of gods, our celebrities, IT pundits, and business ustads were to descend from their Himalayan perch to uplift their brothers and sisters in the teeming valleys below!

Seriously, the basic idea of this site is to have a dialogue with as many Indians as possible about any topic. It can be individually or in a group set up; it can be personally or online; it can be about personal issues or general issues--every inquisitive and interested Indian can get involved. It can be like a modern version of "Samudra Manthan"! (An Indian mythological story about churning of oceans to find hidden treasures.)

We can safely predict that some of our Indian friends would prefer silent observations to "wasteful" talk, but can they hide from view their expressive faces and scrutinizing eyes? Could this be some kind of cynicism? Hopefully, when they see something concrete, they too will become part of these efforts.

So, whatever the case may be, chalo, aage badho--let us march forward!                              

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By way of example or experiment:

Indian youth

A general survey of issues and challenges faced by the Indian students--and their parents--in this fast-paced, modern information age

Initially, survey questions to be suggested by the students themselves

Gandhi Bhojan

Preliminary survey is underway for this unconventional not-for-profit-only project.

Apart from the working poor, it can be of particular interest to physicians, nutritionists, chefs,  community organizers, business community, economists, public officials etc.

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A Dialogue for India

Compare:

§    India, a rising world power

§    Accomplishments of Indian scientists and businessmen

§    India's ancient culture and heritage

With:

§    India - nearly half a billion people struggle to survive on less than $1.25 a day.

§    Nearly half of children under age 5 in India are underweight as a result of poor nutrition. Poor nutrition in childhood harms the development of a normal, healthy brain.

§    One in three children who start primary school in India do not complete fifth grade.

It is sad, that after 65 years of independence, this is the reality of India.

Could the government have done better? Are you familiar with any ongoing debate about the ways to devise a more efficient, genuine democracy? Do you have any suggestions or comments?

How effective have the non-governmental, community organizations been? Apart from providing immediate help, how many of them are trying to understand and address basic causes of such a malady? Is it akin to a physician treating just the symptoms, say cough and fever, without curing the underlying disease such as pneumonia?

It is with pride and joy we share our business and scientific ideas and excel in education, arts, sports etc; now the moment has come for India and Indians everywhere to rise to the occasion and do something more.

The Indian mind should develop ways to improve existing institutions, while simultaneously--and urgently--introducing creative solutions that synthesize the ancient and the modern. Rather than blindly imitating others, we should set an example by our intelligent, positive, progressive actions. 

To reach out to each and every  Indian, should this be translated in all the Indian languages? "Sarvasahakar" leads to "Sarvodaya"! (Everyone's participation leads to everyone's uplift!)