"When I visited the hotel where I was put up, it looked like the continuation of the dream that started once I stepped into the city. All along the way, the wide streets and the futuristic flyovers appeared like a vision of the city of the next century. The streets were jammed with more cars than I have ever seen in other cities. The people looked prosperous and well-fed. To think that a few decades earlier the same city was the scene of destitution and unemployment was unbelievable.
"So far there has been a brilliant and innovative tight-rope act between global corporate capitalism and complete and total dictatorship. Till now, it has worked very well. Many financial analysts are watching the nation’s economic growth with interest and are contrasting its economic miracle with the totalitarian mess of the Soviet Union.
"My guide was named Mickey. He seemed happy enough and he confided that he was collecting money to buy an apartment and get married. I asked him: ‘Do you feel stifled because you have no freedom to express yourself?’
"His face clouded for a moment. But then it cleared and he said: ‘You must appreciate that people are experiencing an economic miracle beyond their wildest dreams! They went through hard times. Now they are well-fed and prosperous. They know they have to make some sacrifices.’
"Industrialists from other nations are lining up to get a piece of the action. But the government is keeping a strict control over policy. It is extra careful not to allow foreigners to subvert national policies.
"There is an air of bustle in the streets and across the city which is being kept spic and span while the nation awaits teams from all over the world for the world Olympics to be staged in the country next year. People are excited. The government is determined to utilise the occasion to make the nation a showcase for the whole world to marvel at...."
As his voice trailed off, I said: "Pretty impressive! China is definitely the wave of the future!"
"China?" he exclaimed. "Who said anything about China? This was written in 1935 before the Berlin Olympics in Nazi Germany!"
(Puri can be reached at rajinderpuri2000@yahoo.com)
