Beyond Independence: Should India Aspire for Greatness or Happiness?

I write to you today from the rain-soaked streets of Jaipur, Rajasthan. A few months ago, when I decided to return to my motherland, I believed I was coming back to a place that had grown to meet the standards I had experienced in the USA. In some ways, I was right. We have Amazon , Netlifx, and a newfound sense of freedom, with New India often mirroring the West. Yet, our infrastructure still lags—sewer lines are inadequate, roads are in disrepair, and traffic is chaotic. The scale of our cities has grown, but so too have the challenges we face.

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When India gained independence, we were just beginning to find our footing among the developing nations. We aspired to challenge the global powers, yet those same nations continue to dominate. What has truly changed in these 77 years? And, more importantly, what still needs to change?

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I recall my grandparents’ generation with admiration. My grandfather enjoyed better health than my father; my grandmother, despite raising ten children, was healthier than my mother. I never witnessed heated arguments in their marriage, nor did I see my parents engage in conflicts. What has shifted in our family dynamics over the past 77 years?

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Today, over 4 million Indians Voters in the United States, where politicians like Trump and Kamala Harris vie fiercely for their votes. We inhabit a world where personal ambition often undermines our collective happiness. We call ourselves free and independent, but are we truly?

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Yes, our economy has grown to $3 trillion, and over 50% of our population has risen above poverty . Literacy rates have improved, with half of our people now able to read and write. Yet, we still grapple with issues like racial bias—an area where we should have progressed as a developing nation.

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We all know the answers to these challenges, but there remains one enduring belief that fuels our hope: our love for our motherland. If we can instill this deep affection in the next generation, as per my father's last advice to me, I believe India will soon rise to become the "Vishwa Guru"—a leader on the global stage.

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But as we strive for this ambition, let us pause and ask ourselves: Why must we carry this drive to become the "Vishwa Guru" or the tallest leader in the world? True happiness lies in becoming the happiest nation in the world, not just the tallest leader in economy and scale. If we chase only growth and power, we may never be able to compete with nations that prioritize the happiness of their people. Think about what lies ahead for you and future generations. Do you want to leave behind a crumbled legacy of the same ambitions our parents pursued, or do you want to change course toward something better?

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This Independence Day, let us celebrate not just the progress we’ve made but also the potential that lies ahead. Let’s keep the spirit of our beloved nation alive, no matter where in the world we may be.

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Happy Independence Day, India! Congratulations to Indians worldwide.

This is just a Reminder that my Book is out for those interested in My Hindi Poetry. Right now, it's only available to the donors of my foundation, the Son Of India Foundation . Send me a DM, and I will gladly share the link or send you a signed copy.

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Warm regards,?

Yours Kunal