By Leon D'souza

I have an enduring image of India. A land riddled with many contradictions.

Where affluence and pauperism coexist.
Where there is happiness in sorrow.
Where chaos is enthroned, yet a new concept of order prevails.
Where the word "multitude" takes on literal meaning.
Where abject poverty hasn't wiped the smiles from people's faces.
Where sweat is the price one must pay to survive.
Where simple blessings are appreciated.
Where brotherhood is a synergy of the humility of Jesus, the humbleness of Mohammed, the serenity of Buddha, and the magnanimity of Ram.

Where Eastern thinking and Western enterprise have charted a new course for development.
Where the giant automobile and the antiquated bullock-cart share the same road.
Where a massive technological workforce has yet to have significant impact.
Where ancient wisdom and fresh ideas clash and coalesce.
Where dreams and determination have built great cities, yet millions live in the trappings of rural poverty.
Where compassion has found many angels, yet apathy still fuels destitution.

Where lonesomeness is, for most street dwellers, a way of life.
Where despair and New Hope characterize everyday reality.
Where even in the most modern cities, life is still comparable to bygone years.
Where still, there is rapture.
Where life goes on.
Where in the midst of imperfection, longing hearts find peace.
And troubled minds rest.

MS
MS

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