The battle is far from won, let's set the bar high

The Indian internet is abuzz with the news of India overtaking UK in GDP terms. Without a doubt, becoming the 5th largest economy in the world is no mean feat and we must be proud. Given where we started and what we've been able to achieve in last 30 odd years, we deserve a pat on the back.

A large section of the world acknowledges that. Most experts worth their salt believe in India's future potential. Not only the decade, the coming century belongs to India they say.

That being said, praise comes with a burden of lofty expectations and a million hopes going forward. I hope we analyze the achievement objectively for what it is and take this opportunity to be humble and not let the guard down.

Let's look at the facts objectively and set the basic math of absolutes and percentages straight, even at the risk of offending some emotions.

UK, a country of 6.7 Cr people has a GDP base almost equal to India's (A population of 138 Cr, 20 times larger than UK). UK has a nominal per capita income of $40000, India is at $2000. That means an average Indian is 20 times poorer. In human development Index, India ranks 131 against 13th place for UK. We have a long long way to go.

No doubt, the outcome could've been far worse, had it not been for the quashing of license-raj in 1991. Or if we'd taken the path of political upheavals of dictatorships, like our not-so-admirable neighbor to the west.

Only when we rise above the colonial insecurities, be at peace with ourselves and leave jingoism behind, can we avoid declaring victory too soon. Time to reflect on what has worked and do more of it.