Wake Up, Smell The Coffee

Karan Thapar, President, ITV: My hope is that the act ofhoisting the tricolour should cease to be seen as either important or aprivilege and be open to all provided it is what they want to do. Equally, Ihope that those who choose not to hoist it--because such displays of patriotismare not part of their style--should not be looked down upon. I believepatriotism is a sentiment felt in the heart and does not have to be worn on thesleeve or brandished in public as proof of loyalty or desh prem.

Will India ever become a developed nation in your time?

Gurcharan Das, Writer: I can see us becoming prosperous,but I worry about governance. I think large parts of India will turnmiddle-class in my lifetime; we will also lift most of the people above thedollar-a-day poverty line. But I am less confident about getting teachers anddoctors in our government schools and hospitals to show up. I am less optimisticthat the patwari in the village will transfer my land to my children'sname without a bribe. Thus, we will be developed economically, but undevelopedin governance.

Would you like to be reborn as an Indian?

Norma Heine, wife of the ambassador of Chile: I am apracticing Catholic, I don't believe I will ever be reborn since I am goingstraight to heaven. However, if I were ever to live another life, I would loveto do so as an Indian, since I have never lived in a country (I've lived in fivecontinents) where people are as proud of who they are.

Which one Indian would you like to see deported tomorrow for the sake ofthe country?

Prasad Bidapa, Fashion designer and choreographer: Fromthe point of view of fashion, I'd like to say Sachin Tendulkar--so that all thereal models out there may get a chance to do some photo campaigns.

Three things you love about India?

Dipika Padukone, Model: The tall trees of Munnar, the earlymorning mist that surrounds you, the aroma of coffee from the roadside stalls inCoorg or the sound of Rajasthani women's payals, their colorful skirts andjewelry. Wow! This is my country!

What are the three factors that have stalled India's progress?

Suhel Seth, Socialite: Our inability to think beyond theimmediate: We are a Fevicol country, we look for quickfix solutions. Ourattitude: We have a problem for every solution, but we are cynics when it comesto greater good. Our ability to multitask and lose focus: We are so busy doingso many things that we can never do those so many things right!

For all that they do, should Indian politicians be seen wearing khadi?

Gauri and Nainika, Fashion designers: What you wear doesnot always reflect what you believe in or what you do. Some politicians who wearkhadi actually have the deepest pockets. If they're comfortable, fine. It's notwhat you wear but what you do for the country that counts.

Three steps the government should take to unlock entrepreneurial spirit inyoungsters.

Sulajja Firodia-Motwani, Jt. Managing Director, KineticEngineering Ltd:: As they say, people are a product of the environment, so allthe government needs to focus is to create and nurture the "right"environment to further foster entrepreneurship in India, for which the time isripe.The three things that will be most useful are: 1. No disturbance or worseyet, a U-turn from liberalisation and reforms. 2. Invite new global investmentfor which we desperately need infrastructure development, in form of roads,airports, power in at least top 5 cities.3. Further incentivise exports.Youngsters have the energy, attitude and energy for this.

What makes you think of India when you're abroad?

Joshna Chinnappa, Asian Junior Squash Champion: The Indian flagor that song from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam, Suraj Hua.... And, of course,food -- the instant daal and subzi that I always carry with me.Why, I even think of alu chaat.

What is the one character among Indians that is self-defeating?

Captain G.R. Gopinath, MD, Air Deccan: Though on the individual leveland as corporates Indians are doing very well but as a nation, we lackinvolvement in civic issues and as individuals lack civic sense.

In what areas does the common man deserve his due?

Captain G.R. Gopinath: The common man deserves better civic amenitiessuch as drinking water, public transport, sanitations etc. The bureaucracy iscorrupt in dealing with common citizens on day to day issues -- for example, thepolice taking money from street vendors, corporation civil servants from pettyshop keepers or taluk offices who take money for routine matters.

How long should we keep celebrating Independence Day?

Brinda Karat, Rajya Sabha Member, CPI(M): The concept ofIndependence is very relevant today even though we became independent 58 yearsago because new forms of colonialism are eroding our sovereignty.

Three reasons why we should be optimistic about India's future.

Farhan Akhtar, Filmmaker: If there is anything in life aperson should try and be optimistic about, it is the future. I think India's isa potentially bright one. And most of my optimism rests on the shoulders of theyoung blood currently working their way into almost every sphere of life. Be itgovernance, education, sport, entertainment, this generation is making itspresence felt. Their voices are growing stronger and their ideas and beliefsare, as a majority, not archaic. My faith lies in them.

If you had to describe India to the world in 30 words, what would yourline be?

R. Balakrishnan, National Creative Director, Lowe: Forgetthe heritage value. Forget the coffee table rubbish. Get used to the filth. It'swhere you'll probably be working tomorrow.

Will India's problems be solved if NRIs/PIOs returned?

Pavan Varma, Director, The Nehru Centre, London: NRIs/PIOsare an asset but that asset will be diluted if they all come back. If for somereason they did, their impatience for change, and their demand for betterservices could be a positive factor for change.However, their elitist visioncould also hijack policy making away from the 'other' but equally real India andits problems: poverty, illiteracy and lack of basic health care.India benefitstoday from the talents and wealth of its 20 million diaspora.But were it toreturn, our problems would not be automatically resolved, we would instead losean important source of global leverage.

What are the three things you love about India?

Vidya Balan, Actress: Her never say die attitude, whetherin her struggle for freedom or in overcoming calamities. Her unparalleledcultural diversity. Her immense contribution to the Silicon Valley and its ilk.

What does it take for Indian women who don't have good looks or greatbodies to break the glass ceiling?

Payal Rohtagi, Item number girl: It's very difficult forme to say because I'm in a profession where I'm judged by the way I look. Notmany people know that I'm a computer engineer.In a man's world, I think, it'simportant not to let what others think rule you. Self confidence and a strongsupport system is what will take you forward.

What is it about India that you hate?

Isha Sharvani, Actress: We shout from the rooftops aboutour heritage and culture, but how much do we value it? Take the old dilapidatedtemples of Vrindavan or old paintings of Radha and Krishna -- it's been takenover by youth or monkeys. Right near the paintings you'll see "I loveTina" scrawled. As for our our museums -- have you been there lately?

Who is the one person who makes you feel proud to be an Indian?

Pia Trivedi, Model: Jenny Lu Bhiwandiwalla, a lady wholives near my area. She feeds 100-150 stray dogs which I think is amazing. I'veaccompanied her on the rounds, and, believe me, it's no easy job. Off late,there has been talk about killing stray dogs which is not right.

What three things denote Indianness for you?

Priyanka Chopra, Actress: I think Indianness is more than justhaving a flag outside your house. It could just be pride at being a citizen ofthe country; when you go abroad especially. Don't forget your roots and yourcountry and put on the accents of other countries as if that is being cool. Theclothes that you wear, the accent that you have, the language that you speak,the festivals that you celebrate and your pride in that, to me, is whatIndianness is. It does not lie in being part of forums and seminars but beinginherently proud of who you are. I'd say pride in your country, not imitatingother accents and your traditional roots are the three things that denoteIndianness .

As Prime Minister of India what is the first thing you'd do?

Navjot Sidhu, Criticketer-turned-politician: Give condoms topeople. We're multiplying faster than rabbits. This has been the root problem ofour country whether you look at employment or poverty or education or depletingresources like water. The LSE has ridiculed India by saying that only a nuclearbomb or an aids epidemic can check our population. It's better to prevent andprepare than repent and repair. Take away the cause and the effect will cease.Problems are like babies. The more you nurture them, the bigger they grow. Wehave an ostrich mentality for these issues.As soon as the ostrich sees thehunter, he digs a pit and hides, thinking the hunter has not seen it. And thenthe hunter comes from behind and shoots.Sanjay Gandhi at least tried to take onthe issue of population but his method was horrendous.

Will India ever be a sporting super power?

Parimarjan Negi, Chess Master: Yes, we're certainlygetting better in, say, chess, cricket, tennis or shooting.Another 15 years,may be. By then I see myself as a world champion. That would be my contribution.

What is the one thing you wish the British had taken with them when theyleft?

Cyrus Broacha, VJ: The Victorian code of morality. Wewere a very liberal society, way ahead of our time. Chandragupta Maurya actuallyhad naked female body guards. This is the land of the Kamasutra. The Raj didleave us a lot of good things, but this is something I'd ship out immediately.

The three unforgettable frames of India?

Olivia Arthur, Photographer: After a blizzard in Kashmir thisFebruary, it was sparkling white and the atmosphere was amazing. Everyone wasout on the streets enjoying the snow. I even saw kids throwing snowballs at themilitary! Another great moment was on the 'special cricket train' to Lahore forthe India-Pakistan series last year.As we crossed the border, the partyingspirit gave way to silent awe as everyone waited to see what Pakistan would looklike. Waving their Indian flags at the kids running alongside the train everyoneseemed amazed to find that "they look just like us". In Bihar, whiledoing a story on kidnap marriages, we were at the house of the kidnap gang whena policeman came in. We expected trouble but apparently it was just a socialvisit and we all sat and had chai. One of the times you think, "Onlyin India!"