The 2019 Indian general election was held in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day the results will be declared.
As the Indian General Elections come to a close - we pay tribute to the spirit of India by publishing a letter written to "THE NEW YORK TIMES " by V Mitchell on the 15th of April 2009 about the Indian General Elections and India.
As the Indian General Elections come to a close - we pay tribute to the spirit of India by publishing a letter written to "THE NEW YORK TIMES " by V Mitchell on the 15th of April 2009 about the Indian General Elections and India.
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"It is truly the greatest show on Earth, an ode to a diverse & democratic ethos, where 700 million + of humanity vote, providing their small part in directing their ancient civilization into the future.
It is no less impressive when done in a neighborhood which includes de-stabilizing & violent Pakistan, China, and Burma.
It’s challenges are immense, more so probably than anywhere else, particularly in development & fending off terrorism — but considering these challenges & its neighbors, it is even more astounding that the most diverse nation on Earth, with hundreds of languages, all religions & cultures, is not only surviving but thriving.
The Nation:
- Where Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism & Sikhism were born, which is the second largest Muslim nation on Earth;
- Where Christianity has existed for 2000 years;
- Where the oldest Jewish synagogues & Jewish communities have resided since the Romans burnt their 2nd temple;
- Where the Dalai Lama & the Tibetan government in exile reside;
- Where the Zoroastrians from Persia have thrived since being thrown out of their ancient homeland;
- Where Armenians, Syrians & many others have come to live;
- Where the Paris-based OECD said was the largest economy on Earth for 1500 of the last 2000 years, including the 2nd largest, only 200 years ago;
- Where 3 Muslim Presidents have been elected,
- Where a Sikh was a Prime Minister & the head of the ruling party a Catholic Italian woman,
- Where the past President was also a woman, succeeding a Muslim President who as a rocket scientist is a hero in the nation;
- Where a booming economy is lifting 40 million out of poverty each year & is expected to have the majority of its population in the middle class already, equal to the entire US population, by 2025;
- Where its optimism & vibrancy is manifested in its movies, arts, economic growth & voting, despite all the incredible challenges & hardships;
- Where all the great powers are vying for influence, as it itself finds its place in the world.
- Where all of this is happening, is India and as greater than 1/10th of humanity voting in a phased manner, it is an inspiration to the entire World.
— V Mitchell, New York, NY
Letter to The NEW YORK TIMES, April 15, 2009"
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