Aug 15 2007

Today is India's 60th Anniversary, Independence Day. It's been a somewhat odd day (as most things tend to be here). Large festivals were planned in New Delhi, especially around the Red Fort. But due to security concerns traffic was an absolutely nightmare and many people suggested that I not venture anywhere near any major tourist destinations. So, I took their advice and spent a lovely afternoon with a former co-worker who know lives in India, he was nice enough to invite a few of us over to his house were we enjoyed a fantastic home cooked South Indian meal prepared by his lovely wife.

The Indian people are very patriotic and proud of their independence and especially with what they've accomplished recently. The Indian people feel their future is very bright and it's hard not to get caught up in how excited everyone is. Though, I must admit some of the newspaper articles read more like a call to arms.

It's going to be interesting to see how India's current economic growth proceeds. While you have some astounding growth, especially around the tech industry, with huge office buildings and apartments sprouting up everywhere...at the same time you still have significant poverty, usually right outside the new office buildings.

This photo is of India Gate, a monument in the heart of New Delhi down the street from Parliament House.

New Delhi, India
August 2007