India the future of the world

I have been quite irregular in posting here, something i think i cannot help with. But, it's pointless to complain to myself and dish out an answer!

What brought me back here is a line i came across lately: "India is the most important country for the future of the world" by a British historian E P Thompson. I wondered what made the gentleman comment like this about India. Was he enamored with sages, the big fat Indian wedding (December happens to be a garden of weddings in Delhi), cows and bulls on the streets, children half clad or full obliging you with cues to your own childhood and reassurances of you being chosen child. I can go on writing superlative attractions of India that can sweep any foreigner off his feet.

No, there has to be something substantial. something that he saw in India that will come to the world's rescue when auto destroy mode is activated (remember Batman's fancy bike-cum-car). Well, I don't have the privilege to ask Mr. Thompson but i may well try to surmise what must have been in his mind. I can think of a few things which India uniquely has to offer to the world which are vital for world's future considering the mess the world is in:


Spiritual Quotient to citizens of the world:

No, don't confuse it with the myriad religious rituals, philosophers and bewildering number of Gods. I feel India can hold the light illuminating the non-material reality of the world, establishing its importance for man. It's therapeutic value, liberating nature. India can, perhaps, help leave the world mad race towards material affluence without time for looking within. When pedestrians in the USA are killed by some rogue disgruntled killer, in a society with all its material advancement but spiritual indigence it appears as a call for India to lead.

Celebration of diversity: 

World is turning xenophobic, Islamophobic, and the words add on. History is replete with intolerance towards cultural, racial, religious differences. It spawned World Wars in part, genocides, great exodus. This history is certain to repeat itself in present and future. India with her history of tolerance and celebration of diversity right from ancient times of Ashoka is definately important to for a peaceful world. It is important to note here that Mauryan kingdom protected the AJVIKAS (atheists) equally as the Hindus and The Buddhists. Indian example may one day be emulated in Europe and Americas who claim to be modern materially but infantile socially.

Democracy:

Which is arguably new to India. But Indian model of democracy despite legion of cynics has its robustness. It can show that democracy can offer solutions rather than being problem itself. From the time of Raj Narain defeating Indira to J P movement to Anna and AAP, and hundreds of selfless cadres of Third Sector organizations entrenching democratic values in newer ways and making it work, the Indian model of democracy keeps on throwing up self correction mechanisms. More importantly it has shown if democracy can survive  and thrive in sea of illiteracy since 1952 it can surely in the literate and scientific West.

Non-violence

As espoused by Gandhiji has already inspired many across the world. Notable among them being Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King. The leaders of tomorrow, whenever they vow to fight injustice, non-violent lessons of the same will guide them and Rajghat will be a pilgrimage.

These are only a few that come to my mind. My ignorance of my own homeland knows no bounds. As and when I get to know of my motherland, I will surely discover and flag more such things which India has to offer a world fighting to stay afloat.