59 years on...

It has been what, almost 59 years after independence? It rained in my city yesterday, a slight drizzle that lasted for about an hour, and the road from my office was blocked for 3 hours. Just a small 22 kilometer stretch took 3 hours!!
And then when I came home, there was no electric supply!!
To be known as the "Silicon Valley" of India, and to be stuck in traffic and without power...well...

I know...we Indians are much better than those New-Yorkers in putting up with power cuts and in facing floods. But that does not mean that the country has no responsibility in providing us with those things. Power now, has become a basic need. And even if after almost 60 years of standing on our own feet, we cannot manage to hold ourselves over a tiny drizzle, where has all the development gone?
I mean, we have been a monsoon dependent country for a long long time. We know exactly when it is going to rain, or storm or when it is cloudy or sunny. Why havent we been able to build a power grid that can withstand a rain? I agree and am happy that the telecom sector has, to a great extent, progressed on that front with the underground cables. But when will we get reliable power? Reliable, time saving transportation?

I agree that just the government alone cannot be held responsible. But then, in this city, I have seen and been part of a large community that has vouched and acted for progress and change. But then sometimes, when you see the things happening around you, you just tend to get frustrated...

I know. There are countless things in our history and our culture that an Indian can be proud of...We have the IT, Space and booming economy now. But when will we be able to raise our head high and say that we have got all the basics right?

Let's dream such a tomorrow...