ELECTIONS in india - NEW YORK TIMES

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 is 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 gets ready to vote, it is an inspiration to the entire World.