Fwd: Japanes thoughts for creating Better World-Pass on to your kids and Grandkids

A fantastic sentence written on every Japanese bus stop.
Only buses will stop here – Not your time
So Keep walking towards your goal

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

I NEVER KNEW THIS ABOUT JAPAN ... ??

Some very good and interesting points.. Read it till the end.

 

1 - Did you know that Japanese children clean their schools every day for a quarter of an hour with teachers which has led to the emergence of a Japanese generation who is modest and keen on cleanliness.

2 - Did you know that any Japanese citizen who has a dog must carry a special bags to pick up dog droppings.  Hygiene and their eagerness to address cleanliness is part of Japanese ethics.

3 - Did you know that hygiene worker in Japan is called "health engineer" and can command salary of USD 5000 to 8000 per month, and a cleaner is subjected to written and oral tests!!

4 - Did you know that Japan does not have any natural resources, and they are exposed to hundreds of earthquakes a year, but it did not prevent her from becoming the second largest economy in the world.

5 - Did you know that Hiroshima returned to what it was, economically vibrant before the fall of the atomic bomb in just ten years.

6 - Did you know that Japan prevents the use of mobiles in trains and restaurants.

7 - Did you know that in Japan , students from the first to sixth primary years must learn ethics in dealing with people.

8 - Did you know that the Japanese, even though they are one of the richest people in the world, do not have servants and the parents are responsible for the house and children.

9 - Did you know that there is no examination from the first to the third primary level; because the goal of education is to instill concepts and character building, not just examination and indoctrination. -

10 - Did you know that if you go to a buffet restaurant in Japan you will notice people only eat as much as they need without any waste.  No wasteful food.

11 - Did you know that the rate of delayed trains in Japan is about 7 seconds per year!!
They appreciate the value of time, very punctual to minutes and seconds

12 -. Did you know that children brush their teeth after a meal at school; They maintain their health from an early age.

13 - Did you know that students take half an hour to finish their meals to ensure right digestion. When asked about this concern, they said: These students are the future of Japan

 

VERY SMART PEOPLE! 

The Japanese might have lost the war, but look what they have done for their own Country. My estimation of the Japanese has risen dramatically! All countries should follow suit! 

Lets us work & make our.....

Government...... Proactive,

Media       ..... Reactive,

Political Parties.. Elective,

Voters       ..... Selective,

Crowds      ..... Constructive,

Youth        ..... Creative......

Fwd: Glimpse Into The History of India

                       

An exhibition mounted by FACT - India Online Exhibition                                                                           -

Fwd: Karnataka temple makes further progress in women's rights, appoints widows as priests

 

Marking yet another progressive step in its glorious history, the Kudroli Sri Gokarnatha temple in Karnataka's coastal city of Mangalore is set to induct two widows as archakas (temple priests) on October 6.

The women priests will be accorded traditional 'chende' welcome at the temple on Sunday. They will then be taken to the sanctum sanctorum where the idols of Shiva and Annapoorneshwari are placed. The women will perform the puja inside the sanctum sanctorum. Subsequently, they will consecrate the idol of Dattatreya in the temple premises.

"We are yet to open up as a society providing equal opportunity for all. No holy texts have barred women from performing puja in a temple. I am not sure why widows should stay away from all religious practices. Why this discrimination? No widow should be isolated because of her marital status," former Union minister and senior Congress leader B. Janardhana Poojary said.

Nothing will stop the temple authorities from going ahead with the appointment of the widows as priests, he added. All sections of the society have welcomed the initiative of Poojary, who has been championing the cause of women's rights.

The temple, which was set up by Narayan Guru, an 18th century social reformer from Kerala, will pay monthly salary to both priests.

The temple, which is backed by Poojary, has implemented several revolutionary steps in the past. In 2011, during the Dasara celebrations, the temple allowed widows to perform 'Chandika Yagna' and pull the silver chariot, which is an exclusive domain of men and married women in other temples. Priests also forbid widows from taking part in any religious practice in other temples

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/good-news-widows-turn-priests-in-karnataka/1/313180.html

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Fwd: Mahakaleshwar temple donations to be used for medical aid to needy

Mahakaleshwar temple donations to be used for medical aid to needy

Sandeep Vatsa, TNN Oct 3, 2013, 12.56PM IST

UJJAIN: A major portion of donations made at Mahakaleshwar temple here will from now on be used by temple management to extend financial assistance to people suffering from severe ailments.

One among the 12 jyotirlingas, the temple attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year from all over the country.

Over Rs five crore are received annually in the form of donations besides other articles made of gold and silver.

Till now, the management was spending a sizable amount on developing facilities for pilgrims and put the remaining amount as fixed deposits in banks. But now it is mulling a scheme that will help people who cannot afford expensive treatment and surgeries for serious ailments.

Collector B M Sharma, who is also the president of temple management committee said BPL card holders get financial help under the various government schemes, but there are others who do not fall in this category but need financial assistance to pay huge bills at hospitals.

Temple administrator Jayant Joshi told TOI that the beneficiaries must not be income tax payers and all applications after due verification from civil surgeon and other authorities could be granted help in listed hospitals.

We have yet to decide how much portion or budget would be spent on the scheme but a corpus fund from temple coffers would be earmarked to begin with.

Donations from devotees specifically for the scheme would be sought to help maximum number of needy patients.

The temple committee is already running a mobile health clinic which moves in poor localities on scheduled days.

One doctor and two nurses are deployed with medicines for free distribution, Joshi said and added that the temple committee wishes to actively serve mankind and work for social cause.

Care of Cows

गोपालन  Cow development & Protection

गोसवर्द्धन और सुरक्षा    

1.   मा नस्तोके तनये मा नो आयौ मा नो गोषु मानो अश्वेषु रीरिष: |वीरान्‌ मा नो रुद्र भामितो वधीर्हविष्मन्त: सदमित्वा हवामहे || ऋ1.114.8

गौओं घोड़ों इत्यदि में गर्भ में पूर्ण अवस्था से पूर्व प्रसव काल में  उचित चिकित्सा का प्रबन्ध और अग्निहोत्र द्वारा वातावरण के  स्वच्छता की व्यवस्था करनी चहिए.

Develop expert veterinary care for preterm (premature)  born to domestic cows and horses etc. Agnihotra should also be regularly performed for sanitizing the atmosphere there.   

2.  दुहीयन्‌ मित्रधितये युवाकु राये च नो मिमीतं वाजवत्यै |

इषे च नो मिमीतं धेनुमत्यै ||ऋ1.120.9
दुधारु गौएं आर्थिक लाभ के साथ पौष्टिक आहार द्वारा रोग निरोधक  शक्ति भी बढ़ाती हैं . जो लोग स्वेच्छा से गोभक्ति से प्रेरित हो कर गोसेवा करना चहते हैं,उन्हें उत्तम गोसेवा के साधनों का प्रशिक्षण देना चाहिए.

Milk giving cows provide financial benefits and promote good nutrition for immunity from diseases. Provide cow related knowledge to the persons desiring to engage in maintaining cows to ensure affectionate handling of the cows.

 

3.  अध प्र जज्ञे  तरणिर्मत्तु प्र रोच्यस्या उषसो न सूर: |

इन्दुर्येभिराष्ट  स्वेदुहव्यै स्रुवेण सिञ्चज्जराणाभि  धाम || ऋ1.121.6

जिस प्रकार सूर्य प्रात:काल के अपनी ज्योति से आरम्भ कर के समस्त संसार के  कल्याण , समृद्धि और स्वास्थ्य का हेतु है, उसी  प्रकार गोदोहन और उस के स्वादिष्ट पौष्टिक आहार और अग्निहोत्र में हवि  समाज के कल्याण, समृद्धि  और स्वास्थ्य का साधन होते हैं.

In a manner similar to how an individual obtains bounties by collecting the radiation from the sunrise in the mornings, individuals  that obtain milk etc from  cows and share its products  with community and by providing havi in  Agnihotra fires for ridding the disease causing environments and promote health and prosperity for his home and society. 

                                 

4.  तुभ्यं पयो यत्‌ पितरावनीतां राध: सुरेतस्तुरणे भुरण्यु |

शुचि यत्ते रेक्ण आयजन्त सबुर्दुधाया: पय उस्रियाया: || ऋ1.121.5

हमारे पितरों माता पिता ने आतुरता से  गोदुग्ध पान किया जिस से उत्तम वीर्य और उत्तम सिद्धियां प्राप्त कराने वाला धन प्राप्त होता है. वैसे ही उत्तम सिद्धि कराने वाले धन और संतान को प्राप्त करने के लिए ,दयालु प्रवृत्ति से सदैव स्वच्छ पीने योग्य दूध से सुख देने वाली  गौ  की निरन्तर सेवा करना चहिए  और गौ को प्रसन्न रखने के व्यवहार का सदा पालन करें.

Our forefathers eagerly sought milk of cows that provided them with good fertility and wealth the provider of excellent bounties and comforts. In the same manner, you should also devote yourself to care and love cows to be blessed with clean health invigorating milk to have good progeny and virtuous, prosperous life.   

 

 

5.  अष्टा महो दिव आदो हरि इह द्युमनसाहमभि योधान्‌ उत्सम्‌ |

हरि यत्ते मन्दिनं दुक्षन्‌ वृधे गोरसमद्रिभिर्वाताप्यम्‌ ||ऋ1.121.8

जिस प्रकार सर्वत्र पृथ्वी पर सूर्य की ज्योति द्वारा  सुखों की वृद्धि के लिए मेघादि और खाद्य पदार्थों में रसादि की उत्पत्ति होती है, उसी प्रकार राजा का समाज के प्रति कर्तव्य है कि संसार में शुद्ध जल के साधन और मनोहर शुद्ध वायु  को उपलब्ध कराए जिस से गौ और अश्वादि समाज को पूर्ण उन्नति प्रदान कर के राजा का सम्मान बढ़ावें .

Just like sun that enriches life on earth by rains and solar energy to sanitize the atmosphere and provide plants produce for delicious food .King should earn respect of all by ensuring clean air (environments) and good drinking water made freely available. This enables the cows to fulfill our needs for excellent milk and farm products and horses to provide for our comfort

गोरक्षा

6.  त्वामयसं प्रति वर्त्तयो गोर्दिवो अश्मानमुपनीतमृभ्वा |

कुत्साय यत्र पुरुहूत वन्वञ्छुष्णमनन्तै: परियासि वधै: ||  ऋ 1.121.9

जैसे सूर्य मेघ को बरसा कर और अपने  प्रकाश से सारे विश्व को आनंदित करता है, वैसे ही हे मनुष्यो तुम बुद्धीमान जनों के परामर्श और शस्त्रों द्वारा गौ हिंसा करने वालों  को रोक कर गौ की रक्षा करो.

Just as sun spreads prosperity and joy on earth by rains and light, for the same purpose men should protect cows from those who kill them by use of iron weapons guided by advice of wise men.

 

गो मन्त्रालय

1.  त्वं नो असि भारताsग्ने वशाभिरुक्षभि: |

अष्टापदीभिराहुत: || ऋ2.7.5

राष्ट्र के भरण पोषण के हेतु गौओं और बैलों की सुरक्षा के लिए उत्तम भूमि (गोचरों) , मेघों, नदियों की व्यवस्था के लिए  आट सचिव रूप पदाधिकारी जनों से विचार विमर्श कर के सुनिश्चित नीति निर्धारित करो, जिस का सब पालन करें

Tasks for Cow ministry  गो मंत्रालय के दायित्व.

 

2.  यो मे शता च विंशतिं च गोनां हरी च युक्ता सुधुरा ददाति |

वैश्वानर सुष्टतो वावृधानोsग्ने यच्छ त्र्यरुणाय शर्म || ऋ 5.27.2

गोकृषि द्वारा जो सहस्रों अथवा बीसियों गौओं के पालान और उत्तम बैलो को हल में युक्त करके उत्तमघोड़ों को रथादि में युक्त कर के जीवन यापन करते हैं उन के तीनों आश्रमों (ब्रह्मचारियों को गुरुकुलों में गोकृषि के ज्ञान और विद्या की, गृहस्थ आश्रम में उचित निवास वेतन आदि की और वानप्रस्थ में अपने जीवन के अनुभव को जिज्ञासुओं को शिक्षा देने की ) उचित व्यवस्था करो.

Agenda for Cow Ministry.

1.  ब्रह्मचर्याश्रम Education and training:

Adequate arrangements and facilities should be developed to impart education and training in all aspects of excellent animal husbandry practices. This should cover very large facilities that may have thousands of cows to small scale house holders that may have about a dozen cows.

2.  गृहस्थाश्रम Welfare of people engaged in cow keeping:

Adequate housing and remuneration should be ensured for the people engaged in cow care activities.

 

3.  वानप्रस्थाश्रम People that have taken retirement from active cow care duties should be utilized by imparting the lifelong expertise in cow care to train youth in the finer aspects of cow care.

Forest protection Development & Cows

आरन्यकों पर्यावरण और गो सम्वर्द्धन

3.  स्विध्मा यद्‌ वनदिपरिरपस्यात्‌  सूरो अध्वरे परि रोधना गो: |

यद्ध  प्रभासि  कृत्याँ अनु द्यूननर्विशे पश्विषे तुराय || ऋ 1.121.7

बिना हिंसा किए ( अग्निहोत्रादि से पर्यावरण की सुरक्षा द्वारा )  ,वनों को धारण और उन की सुरक्षा, गोवंश का सम्वर्द्धन और रक्षा ,रथों गाड़ियों के शीघ्र वाहन के योग्य पशुओं की सुरक्षा  जैसे  उत्तम कार्य , सूर्य के समान प्रतिदिन प्रकाशित हो कर करने चाहिएं.

Forests should be protected and developed by performing Agnihotras ( to promote regular rain precipitation from bacteria 'pseudomonas Syringe' in the undergrowth ) to provide regular forage for cows and fast moving horses. This has to be performed with regularity shown by Sun in its every day bringing sunshine for growth and maintenance of the world.

 

गोचर व जल संरक्षण Pasture and water harvesting

4.  उद्वत्स्वस्मा  अकृणोतना तृणं निवस्वप: स्वपस्यया नर: |

अगोह्यस्य यदसस्तना गृहे तदद्येदमृभवो नानु गच्छथ || ऋ 1.161.11

हे जनों ऊंचे स्थानों पर पशुवर्ग (गोआदि ) के हितार्थ उत्तम घास आदि चारे कि  व्यवस्था करो. निचले गहरे स्थानों पर उत्तम कर्मों की इच्छा और परोपकार से प्रेरित हो कर जल एकत्रित करो. जो साधन सुगमता से उपलब्ध हैं उन को नष्ट न करो  और इस प्रकार की परम्परा का पालन करो.

Develop systems for growing excellent fodder grasses on higher grounds. Harness and store rain water on low deep levels for public welfare. Thus do not waste your resources and honor these traditions to be able to enjoy peaceful sleep at night.

 

पशु आवास  Cow Shelters

5.  या ते अष्ट्रा गोओपशाssघृणे  पशुसाधनी |

तस्यास्ते सुम्नमीमहे|| ऋ6.53.9

सब प्रकार से गोपालन में समर्थ वास्तुशास्त्र विद्वान गौओं के निवास  के साधनों को ऋतु अनुसार गौओं के सोने और सुख से रहने की व्यवस्था करें.

Veterinary science experts /Architects should design the stalls in such manner that cows are comfortable and have adequate space to sleep.

गो आहार   Cow Feed & Nutrition

6.  उत नो गोषणिं धियमश्वसां वाजसामुत |

नृवत्कृणुहि वीतये|| ऋ 6.53.10 

पशु पालन के विद्वान गौओं घोड़ों को अलग अलग करके उन के आवश्यकता अनुसार उपयुक्त  अन्नदि आहार की उत्तम व्यवस्था करो

Nutrition feed experts should segregate and arrange to provide cow herd according to its requirements of nutritive feeds.

1.  व्यवस्था के लक्ष्य  Goshalaa management

अ.    आहार जल प्रबंध Freedom from hunger and thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

आ. सुखमय आवास व्यवस्था Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate shelter and a comfortable resting area.

इ.   कष्ट ,चोट , रोग मुक्त स्वास्थ्य Freedom from pain, injury or disease by preventive measures and early diagnostic treatment.

ई.   घूमने फिरने और अन्य गोवंश से मिलने जुलने की स्वतंत्रता Freedom to express most normal behavior, by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of other cows.  Cows are known for making friends with other cows and show it by constantly seeking the company of their friends.  

उ.   भय मुक्त प्रेम युक्त वातावरण Freedom from fear  and distress – by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

2.  व्यवस्था योजना

अ.  उपयुक्त गोशाला स्थान

आ. एक समय में कितना गोवंश होगा

इ.   कुशल गोपालक प्रावधान

ई.   गोपालकों के दायित्व और कार्य प्रबंध

उ.    जैविक गोपालन लक्ष्य

3.गोपालक का महत्व ;

गोपालने में गोपालकों की भूमिका सब से महत्व की होती है.

अ.  वार्षिक योजना:  कुशल विद्वान व्यक्तियों से विचार विमर्श के पश्चात एक वार्षिक योजना  गोआवास , गोपालन, स्वास्थ्य, दुग्ध उत्पादन , पञ्चगव्य उत्पादों  के प्रबंध और विवरण की बनाइ जाएगी. जिस को बारे में अनुभव के आधार पर संशोधन सम्भव होंगे.

आ. गोपालकों के दायित्व और पशिक्षण :

इ.    गौओं के चलने आने जाने के बारे में

ई.   गौओं को चिह्नित करने की व्यवस्था

उ.   कुशल गोपालन व्यवस्था

ऊ.  स्वस्थ गौ के लक्षणों  के बारे में जागरुकता

 

http://subodh-vedainspirations.blogspot.com
http://subodh-cowsinindia.blogspot.com

Science is belief in the ignorance of Experts- Richard Feynmann 

--

Rajendra  Kumar Chadha
National Joint Convener
Prajna Pravah

A-161  Suraj Mal Vihar

Delhi  110092
M +919818603977

rchaddha@gmail.com

कौन थे सत्यनारायण गोयंका ?

कौन थे सत्यनारायण गोयंका ?

 डॉ. वेदप्रताप वैदिक

 क्या आप जानते हैं कि सत्यनारायण गोयंका कौन थे? उनका निधन 29 सितंबर को मुंबई में हो गया। वे लगभग 90 वर्ष के थे। उन्होंने भारत का ही नहीं, संपूर्ण मानव जाति का इतना कल्याण किया है कि कई प्रधानमंत्री मिलकर भी नहीं कर सकते। लेकिन विडंबना है कि हमारे देश में अपूज्यों की पूजा होती है और पूज्यों की अपूजा। गोयंकाजी विपश्यना के महर्षि थे। विपश्यना बौद्ध काल से चली आ रही अदभुत साधना पद्धति है। वह भारत में लगभग लुप्त हो गई थी लेकिन बर्मा में एक बौद्ध संत उबा सिन उसे जीवित रखे हुए थे। खुद गोयंकाजी ने मुझे बताया कि उनके सिर में मरणांतक पीड़ा रहती थी। उन्होंने सारे इलाज करा लिए। जापान और अमेरिका के डाक्टर भी टटोल लिए लेकिन उन्हें कोई लाभ नहीं हुआ। वे रंगून के नामी –गिरामी व्यवसायी थे। कट्टर आर्यसमाजी थे।

एक दिन वे रंगून में अपनी कार से कहीं जा रहे थे कि उनकी नजर उबा सिन के शिविर पर पड़ी। वे उसमें शामिल हो गए। उन्होंने तीन दिन विपश्यना की और क्या देखा कि उनका सिरदर्द गायब हो गया। चित में अपूर्व शांति आ गई। उन्होंने अपने व्यापार आदि को तिलांजलि दी और विपश्यना साधना-पद्धति को पुनर्जीवित करने का संकल्प कर लिया। वे 14 वर्ष तक रंगून में ही विपश्यना का अभ्यास करते रहे और फिर 1969 में भारत आ गए। विपश्यना का सरल पाली नाम विपासना है। उन्होंने लाखों लोगों का विपासना सिखाई। इस समय 90 देशों में उनके 170 केंद्र चल रहे हैं। लगभग 60 भाषाओं में विपासना के शिविर आयोजित होते हैं। यह शिविर 10 दिन का होता है। दसों दिन साधक को मौन रहना होता है। एक समय भोजन करना होता है। लगातार कई घंटों तक शरीर को हिलाए-डुलाए बिना एक ही मुद्रा में बैठे रहना होता है। और जो मुख्य काम करना होता है –वह है-अपनी आती और जाती सांस को निरंतर महसूस करते रहना होता है। यह अत्यंत सहज ध्यान प्रक्रिया है। गोयंकाजी मुझे आग्रहपूर्वक अपने साथ काठमांडो ले गए थे और उन्होंने मुझसे यह साधना करवाई। मैं कह सकता हूं कि बाल्यकाल से अब तक मैंने जितनी भी ध्यान–साधानाएं की हैं, उनमें मुझे यह सबसे सहज और सबसे क्रांतिकारी लगी। इस साधना से चित्त की ,अचेतन मन और अवचेतन की सारी गांठें खुल जाती है। चित्त निर्ग्रन्थ हो जाता है। पूज्य सत्यनारायण गोयंकाजी और उनके बड़े भाई कोलकाता-निवासी बालकिशनजी गोयंका का मुझसे उत्कट प्रेम था। अब दोनों भाई नहीं रहे।

अभी तीन-चार माह पहले मुंबई गया तो मैंने फोन किया। सचिव ने बताया कि पुज्य गुरुजी आजकल किसी से नहीं मिलते लेकिन आधे घंटे बाद ही उन्होंने मुझे बुलवा लिया। वह अंतिम दर्शन अत्यंत दिव्य था। जब उन्होंने तीन चार साल पहले मुंबई में विश्व का सबसे बड़ा पैगोडा बनवाया तो उद्घाटन में इस अकिंचन को भी याद किया। काठमांडो में जब उन्होंने साधना के बीच में मुझे बुलवा कर  लगातार सात घंटे बात की तो उनके पांव सुन्न हो गए, क्योंकि वे एक ही मुद्रा में बैठकर बात करते रहे। मेरी कुख्याति हुई। उनके निजी अनुचर मुझे वही "सुन्न करने वाले पंडित"  के नाम से जानते हैं। जैसे बाबा रामदेव ने करोड़ों लोगों के शरीर को निरोग करने का उपक्रम किया है, वैसे ही  गोयंकाजी ने करोड़ों लोगों के मन को निरोग कर दिया है। भगवान बुद्ध की इस अदभुत देन विपासना के महर्षि पूज्य सत्यनारायण जी गोयंका को मेरी हार्दिक श्रद्धांजलि!

 

www.vpvaidik.com

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Liberalise legal system for transforming India

Liberalise the legal system for transforming India

By Atanu Dey on October 3, 2013
http://www.niticentral.com/2013/10/03/liberalise-the-legal-system-for-transforming-india-141168.html

For modern India, economic prosperity has been an elusive goal. For too long, Indians have suffered deprivation while much of the world has progressed far ahead in material wellbeing. India has the potential to also be materially prosperous but it is not. What stops it and what can be done to remove the barriers are questions that we must understand before India is transformed and reaches its potential. India's transformation depends on the transformation of our thinking about the economy.

Stripped of all details, an economy is essentially a collection of people engaged in three broad activities: production, consumption and exchange. All three activities necessitate voluntary cooperation among people. Production necessarily precedes consumption. Consumption is bounded by production since more cannot be consumed than is produced. Therefore increasing consumption requires increasing production.

Production and exchange of most goods and services in a complex modern economy involves cooperation among many people. However since most people are nearly always motivated by self-interest, opportunistic behaviour by some is inevitable. People sometimes cheat, misrepresent, don't meet their obligations, and generally behave anti-socially. This interferes with production and exchange reaching its full potential.

Most of the time, people are good in the sense that they don't harm others through their actions or their inactions. But when they do cause unmotivated harm to others, there has to be an institutional mechanism to fix the problem. This institution is called the legal system and one of its important tasks is to protect people from other people as they all go around doing their business of producing, consuming and exchanging.

Exchange takes place in the market. In markets, people buy and sell. This requires contracts and well-defined property rights. Enforcement of contracts is an absolutely essential job of the legal system. If contracts cannot be enforced efficiently and quickly, many welfare improving trades do not take place and production suffers.

The importance of dispute resolution and enforcement of contracts cannot be overstated in a modern economy. To a very large extent, India's economic failures can be traced to an inefficient and ineffective legal apparatus in this regard. There are over 30 million cases pending in the Indian courts. The Supreme Court of India has over 66,500 cases pending, according to a recent report. Property quarrels drag on in the courts for decades and in some cases, litigations continue for several generations. Assets that could have been productive lie unused because of such disputes.

One of the reasons for the huge number of cases is that India has too many laws, many of them arcane and meaningless. I believe that one of the primary causes of too many laws is that the government interferes too much in the affairs of people, which is a colonial legacy. The colonial government created laws for its own benefit and those in control of independent India did not find it in their interest to change these. Though the country gained political freedom from a foreign power, Indians continued to be oppressed by the government, albeit a government democratically elected by the people, through those old laws.

Among the most important changes needed for India's transformation relates to fixing the legal system. The many thousands of laws that presently hinder economic activity must be rationalised and reduced so that cases can be resolved efficiently and quickly. This is a hard problem to solve because those who gain from the current dysfunctional system are precisely those who can change the system. It is not in their interest to make the needed change.

An intrusive government which interferes in all aspects of economic activity – production, consumption and exchange – gives those in positions of authority to extract rents from the economy. In a command-control-license-permit-quota system – also known as a socialist economy – politicians and bureaucrats wield enormous power to deny or allow economic activity. The power to prevent voluntary trade affords the opportunity for public corruption.

Although this system is hard to change, it is not impossible. What India needs is leadership that is committed to change this system. The primary requirement is therefore leaders how don't have a vested interest in the continuation of the old system and who have the required vision and the wisdom to understand the importance of changing the legal system. Admittedly this is a tall order but it is an indispensible order. Since India elects its leaders democratically, the wisdom and vision of India's leaders is a function of how much wisdom and vision Indian citizens have. We may be able to import many things from abroad but insight and vision will have to be home grown. That's a scary thought but also a liberating one because we don't have to depend on others for our salvation.