A Paradox in a Developing Country

The Times of India (Pune) on 29^th March, records two different features which in fact displays a gap within India.

The cover page reports India’s economic boom, and predicts Indian’ economic strength. The paper says that India will be No. 1 economy by 2050. India will outpace China to become the worlds’ largest economy by 2050, boasting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $86 trillion. Going only by the GDP growth, the wealth report says Mumbai and New Delhi will rank among the top 20 global cities in the next decade. 

On the other hand, editorial of the same paper reveals a tragedy and catastrophe in the same land. The paper writes on the heading “Heart of Darkness” that Imarti, a tribal woman was shot dead before her family in Madhya Pradesh by the gang. It is reported that the gang was involved in a prostitution racket. On February 10, Imrati’s daughter- a class eight student – was allegedly kidnapped by local gangster Rajesh Harore and raped. She was apparently specifically targeted as she refused to join in a prostitution racket. In 2006, Imarti’s elder daughter had been kidnapped and sold into prostitution, allegedly by the same gang. Her plea was not heard by local authorities instead she was asked to go to another police station until she was killed by the gang. Why was not gang master Harore and his team apprehended? Why the police teat this case with such a callously laid back attitude?

The editor writes that the answers are appalling. India’s estimated to have a prostitution network of over 10 million women, 20% of them minors, mostly trafficked. Is this a sign of our devilment? Where is the root cause of the problem? THINK!