I am a fourteen-year old from India. All around me, I see poverty? At my level, how can I improve society?

Question

My country, India, is described by the world community as one of the fastest growing nations in the world. But, really, no-one outside knows the troubles and turmoil my country is undergoing. We live in an ultra democratic society. The need to satisfy everyone has made our government collapse. The coalition alliance which formed the Central Government has fallen because of mixed interests over a nuclear deal with the United States. Mine is a society of poverty, caste systems, an unstable economy, unenviable infrastructure, poor industrial growth, weak currency, a widening gap between the rich and the poor, riots, protests, agitations, political drama, wealth, slums, unemployment, rising inflation, crime, cricket, democracy, thousands of cultures, tradition, heritage, a colonial past, more, more and more.

Answer 1

You may not realize it, but you are wealthy. Wealth is something that grows strong in some of the poorest places in the world. If you are greatful for everything you have (not like the person who has everything and stills is not happy), then share that feeling or belief amongst your friends. You will see your country turn into a beautiful place before your eyes.

Answer 2

I think that the caste system does not help because you are not treated individually due to your own individual merits and characteristics. Perhaps, and I apologise if I'm wrong, something needs to be done to improve relations concerning the caste system. Also, those of the highest caste systems, like brahmins, kshatriyas, etc. and also those in the entertainment industry, like Bollywood, should appeal to the people of India and to the rest of the world to change the state of the nation and improve the economy and interpersonal relationships so that all can benefit and not just a few.

This poverty occurs all around the world, even, believe it or not, the UK (where I live), which is suppose to be a wealthy nation. The rich-poor divide is increasing. More than a third of children in the UK live in poverty (i.e. no/dangerous housing, unemployment, no heating, get into gangs - something that has led to more and more teenagers dying in the capital every day). It is mainly due to the government being disproportionately white, male, middle-aged, privately-educated and born with a silver spoon in their mouths, despite the UK being fairly multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, coming from all walks of life.

Unfortunately, despite a lot of countries being democratic, many of the people don't get a say in national matters. The government is sovereign and, thus, the truth is oligarchy needs to be tackled.

By the way, I'm not a person who's into politics. Just say what I observe and think as a result.

Answer 3

I wouldn't worry too much.  By the way you phrase your question, I'd say you are probably more educated than most American adults and that is why you and your country will continue to thrive for years to come.  I suspect that most of your country's problems arise from over population.

Answer 4

From your description you could be talking about America today except for the cricket and the nuclear deal.  If you want to help your country, get the best education you can afford; perhaps consider a career in engineering.

Answer 5

Get educated in a subject you enjoy, but is also useful economically.  Get a job where you can gain some experience and discover your specialty within your career.  Pay attention to what your employer does well and what can be done better.  Then take the knowledge you've gained, start a business and employ your fellow Indians.  Not only will you help your economy directly, but you will also be a role model for the young people in your community.