Though India has posted an impressive growth figures in recent times to the envy of many rich nations, but there is no denying the fact that it is yet to go a long way before it assumes a status of a developed nation. The fact is lost on nobody. A casual glance will convince anybody that still sizeable population of the country is smitten with poverty. Basic necessities or for that matter a modest standard of living still eludes many. This is not to say that our political leadership is not seized of these facts. Our Prime Minister in his press conference had very categorically stressed that environment concerns can’t be addressed by perpetuating poverty. In similar vein, Rahul Gandhi too is never tired of talking of two Indias, one rich and the other poor, in his speeches. Though Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi are trying to steer their party ahead in these turbulent times, but still there is always an uncanny lurking feeling at the back of one’s mind that there is something amiss. One of the charges against the UPA leadership under the stewardship of Manmohan Singh was that it was seemingly caught in a drift with no sense of direction. The Prime Minister admitted to differences within the party on various issues but denied any dissension. No doubt challenges are many be it Naxalism, insurgency, rampant corruption and power abuse. The sheer size and magnitude of the problems confronting India are for all to see. It would be too much for anybody to expect these problems to be resolved anytime in near future. But what is amiss is the will to take the bull by the horns.

Though our political class talks of these issues, they are showing no urgency and zest to accept the challenge. It is here where India and China differ. Going by the scale of problems, China is no different from India and their hands are as full as ours or for that matter more full so far challenges are concerned. But when it comes to getting down to resolving the issues, our neighbour is far ahead of us. It is here that Indian leadership lags behind. History tells us that great dreams make great nations. Unless a nation is seized with a passion, a frenzy to attain its dream, it will be difficult for a country to be an achiever. Actually, it is this passion that distinguishes a great nation as much as a great leadership. Out present leadership must strive in this direction and should be able to inspire the entire nation first.