`Identity crisis is the biggest challenge to Indians'
By Our Special Correspondent
CHENNAI OCT. 3. The biggest challenge to Indians today is a crisis of identity. They lack a proper and deeper understanding of the country's glorious past, according to Tarun Vijay, Editor of the weekly Panchajanya.
A resurgent India, striving to become a world power, should understand that it was once the richest, most endowed and educated nation. ``We have inherited a rich legacy of learning and achievement in arts, sciences, mathematics and medicine.
Its ancient people over hundreds of years ago taught the world concepts of zero, of algebra, trigonometry and calculus at a time when people in the western world lived in ignorance,'' he said.
``This glorious legacy of culture and achievement should be your visiting card to make people outside understand what an Indian is capable of and also proud about,'' Mr. Vijay said, addressing students of the IIT in Chennai on Wednesday.
He said that poverty and illiteracy might confront the nation but these could be overcome only if the people had a grand vision of the goal.
[url="http://www.hindu.com/2003/10/04/stories/2003100400921300.htm"]http://www.hindu.com/2003/10/04/stories/20...00400921300.htm[/url]
By Our Special Correspondent
CHENNAI OCT. 3. The biggest challenge to Indians today is a crisis of identity. They lack a proper and deeper understanding of the country's glorious past, according to Tarun Vijay, Editor of the weekly Panchajanya.
A resurgent India, striving to become a world power, should understand that it was once the richest, most endowed and educated nation. ``We have inherited a rich legacy of learning and achievement in arts, sciences, mathematics and medicine.
Its ancient people over hundreds of years ago taught the world concepts of zero, of algebra, trigonometry and calculus at a time when people in the western world lived in ignorance,'' he said.
``This glorious legacy of culture and achievement should be your visiting card to make people outside understand what an Indian is capable of and also proud about,'' Mr. Vijay said, addressing students of the IIT in Chennai on Wednesday.
He said that poverty and illiteracy might confront the nation but these could be overcome only if the people had a grand vision of the goal.
[url="http://www.hindu.com/2003/10/04/stories/2003100400921300.htm"]http://www.hindu.com/2003/10/04/stories/20...00400921300.htm[/url]