India's paradox: a superpower or a third world country?

Formally it is not a poor country, but it has huge problems with poverty and inequality. The country's GDP is in the top ten, but per capita it is below average. Is a potential superpower, but faces problems in the economy and social sphere.

It would seem that these are absolutely mutually exclusive statements, but they refer to the same state - India. The paradox of this country is that with the wealth at its disposal, many local residents are below the poverty line. But how did this become possible?



Let's start with the fact that India is the leader in the number of billionaires. In addition, the country holds leading positions in many industries. Thus, this state cannot in any way be called poor.

At the same time, a quarter of Indians live below the poverty line, and many large cities still do not have running water or sewerage systems.

Some experts argue that the country's difficulties are due to its huge population. However, nearby there is the same China, where people live much better.

Others blame British colonialism. But the country became independent 77 years ago.

In fact, the above-mentioned poverty in India is due to other reasons.

Firstly, there is a caste system. There are five of them in total. At the same time, people born into “lower” castes do not have the opportunity to “rise” to another.

Meanwhile, it is in the latter that the majority of the population is located.

Secondly, although India is considered a secular country, religion plays a key role in it. Moreover, the basis of Hindu faith is the concept of karma. Thus, being born into a poor family, a person does not even try to change anything, taking his fate for granted.

Finally, thirdly, India has an extremely small educated population. However, this problem follows from the first two. After all, not all castes can receive education, but the people in them have come to terms with this.

In turn, despite all the above-mentioned obstacles, the Indian economy is growing at a fairly fast pace. Thus, it cannot be ruled out that, against the backdrop of rapid development, the Indian authorities will abandon old prejudices and rebuild their society in a new way.