Introduction
The essay looks at the idea of the “new India” and how it was developed and changed over the last 20 years. The author discusses the five ideas that were changed throughout the new India development, including how people view class and the value of individualism over family. Further in the paper, the author describes the rise of native Indian identity over old English identity and the substitution of plastic for gold as the material that Indians most closely associate with money. Finally, the paper concludes a discussion about the modernization model that aims to strike a balance between the traditional and the modern.
The Article’s Purpose
The author’s intention in the text is to show how, over time, the culture of India was shaped. In the era of awareness, Indian people are developing the community and the country towards modern realities, leaving behind old traditions left by British-colonized ancestors. In the “India is an ancient civilization, but in many ways the country can also seem like a 20-year-old” author views the new era of India as a cultural rebirth (Giridharadas). The text claims that the “new India” takes on a more distinct personality and that certain concepts have significantly influenced this change.
The Expressed Attitude to England and the English
England and English history with India in the text are considered ancient, and modern realities and standards should replace them. “The brown-skinned elites that took over wanted nothing more than to resemble the white-skinned elites who had gone” shows a sense of negativity towards the British elite (Giridharadas). Moreover, the author shows that the end of British rule was the starting point for major changes in Indian society and culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “new India” idea has evolved over the previous 20 years. The author has focused on five key areas where significant changes occur. First, they started with the shift in class perception and the rise of individualism over family.
Furthermore, the author continued discussing the emergence of native Indian identity, the replacement of gold as the material associated with money with plastic, and a striking modernization model. The article emphasizes the importance of modernizing and eliminating archaic practices that British colonization left behind. As India continues to change, it will be intriguing to see how these events impact the country’s future.
Work Cited
Giridharadas, Anand. “The Ideas Shaping a New India.” The New York Times, Web.