Diplomatic Clashes Unveiled Through Young Minds: India versus Hong Kong

In the bustling city of Chandigarh, an Army veteran named Brigadier I J Singh found himself faced with a thought-provoking question from his grandson. The young boy, captivated by the impressive infrastructure and orderly streets of Hong Kong during a summer holiday, asked why India could not be like it.

Brigadier Singh, ever the patriot, quickly responded that India is a great nation and should not be compared to Hong Kong on certain accounts. He explained that India is a developing country, on the path of progress, with a wide industrial base and education network.

Yet, the question lingered in the minds of both grandfather and grandson. The grandson's teacher, it seemed, had a different perspective on what constitutes a developed nation. Emphasising the importance of national character, discipline, good education, and a value system, the teacher's view appeared to be more traditional or conservative compared to modern economic or technological perspectives.

Brigadier Singh agreed, stating that the national characteristics required for a fully developed India include discipline and a good education system. India, he pointed out, is self-sufficient in food grains and is working towards clean energy, including nuclear power. The nation has notable achievements in outer space and boasts a vast human resources.

However, the grandson was not satisfied. He observed that public places in India are not clean, traffic rules are not followed, and there are beggars on the streets. The infrastructure, he argued, is not as impressive as Hong Kong's, with potholed roads, nonfunctional street and traffic lights, and poor people sleeping on the roadside.

Brigadier Singh attempted to explain that India's development is not just about infrastructure or economic growth, but also about addressing social issues and improving the quality of life for its citizens. He highlighted that India is one of the fastest growing economies, but acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.

The grandson's teacher, however, seemed to place a strong emphasis on discipline and education in the development of a nation. The teacher's perspective on a developed nation may differ from the individual's perspective on India's development, yet both share a common goal: a better future for India and its people.

In the end, the conversation between grandfather and grandson served as a reminder that development is a complex and multifaceted process, one that requires patience, persistence, and a shared vision for the future. As India continues to grow and evolve, these discussions will undoubtedly continue, shaping the nation's path towards progress.