India: Exotic World or Call Center

   Hello all...I apologize for not blogging after the first class, but I have no good excuse.  Last week, during the first Sunday of our five week series on India, we focused on the historical background of India up to independence from their colonial master, Great Britain.  This involved looking at the larger India of the British Empire...now broken up into Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and India.  Much of this was just a history lesson, but the most important component to me was the discussion of the role of Mohandus Karamchand Gandhi, known to most of us at Mahatma Gandhi.  His name is Mohandus Karamchand, but because of the role he filled within his culture, he was given the informal title of Mahatma which means (Great Soul).  From all I can find about this man, he was truly the soul of his country and would formally be given the title of "Father of the Nation) upon independence from the British.  Gandhi was a great Indian, but his impact has extended far beyond the borders of his homeland.  His brand of non-violent resistance to oppression has influenced many great leaders throughout the world, notably in our country he was a primarly influence on the ideas of one of our greatest leaders...Reverend Martin Luther King Jr..
    Today we focused on the geography and demography of India and looked at what a unique and diverse country it is.  In the end, after our analysis and observations, what makes this country so unique to study is the sheer size of its population and how that affects its people and culture.  While India is the second largest country in the world, with 1.156 Billion people, it is only 1/3 the size of the United States.  Imagine packing that many people into the space East of the Mississippi River.  The overcrowding would be beyond anything we could every imagine.  This problem colors everything that goes on in India, from housing to pollution to the caste system to economics and politics.  In the weeks to come we will focus in on India's economy and politics...finishing up the last week with a look at what was originally East Pakistan but is now known at Bangladesh.  I thought this was fitting, as this is the last large piece of British India that we will not have studied in our trip through this region.  I look forward to talking with everyone again next week and thank you for your attendance.