Nationalism and Internationalism in The Modern World The question has often been raised whether nationalism and internationalism are compatible with each other or not. There is no inconsistency if a person who loves his own country also loves his neighbours. The love of one’s own country does not demand the hatred of others. So, nationalism can help international peace and understanding. But narrow nationalism, the feeling of “My country, right or...

How to Prevent Excessive Urbanisation? Urbanisation means the gradual concentration of population in towns and cities as a consequence of continuous migration from rural areas. Mahatma Gandhi said about the consequence of urbanisation that half-a-dozen modern cities were an excrescence and served the evil purpose of draining the life-blood of the villages. In the first half of 19th century, India witnessed a reverse migration, that is from urban to rural areas,...

Banking as An Instrument of Social Change Banking is the backbone of modern economy. No business, trade or commerce can be conducted on large-scale without an efficient banking system. Banking in some form or the other has always been there from the ancient times. When Jesus Christ turned the tables of money-changers outside the temple of Jerusalem, he was only protesting against the malpractices of the then existing banking system. When...

The Brain-Drain Problem India   Talent is not the preserve of a single country. There are proficient personnel in every country—scientists, experts in technology, men of literature or liberal arts, the painters, the artistes and so on. These extraordinarily talented men and women contribute to the progress and prosperity of the land of their birth as well as bring excellence to their field of expertise. It is not uncommon that some...

Matrimonial Advertisements Advertising for brides and grooms in newspapers, magazines and through matrimonial agencies is a recent social phenomenon which has grown out of all proportions during the past two-three decades only. In the traditional Indian society, marriage has always been considered a sacrament. As such previously the marriages were arranged and solemnised not just to unite a man and a woman in a life-long relationship but also to build bridges...

Youth and National Integration The strength of a nation lies not in its loud claims and mouth-watering ‘Directive Principles of State Policy’, but in the spirit of service and that of complete dedication of one’s self both, body and soul to the cause of unity and integrity of the nation. The nation which we belong to is geographically and economically an independent entity. It has an inherent cultural unity in the...

Challenges before a Civil Servant Today   In the plethora of problems afflicting the body politic in India, the role of bureaucracy poses a grave challenge to democracy. In the present state of criminalisation of politics; bureaucrats are always at the receiving end. In countries like Mexico, the administrators virtually live in fear; we are fast reaching that stage if the present-day pressures on civil servants are not eased. That sums...

A Useless Life is an Early Death   All great men have left their “footprints on the sands of time” . This has been done because they all led lives that contributed something positive and abiding to society. That is why they are still remembered with awe and affection; they continue to inspire generations to excel themselves in their chosen field of endeavour. Sometimes their personalities and deeds appear much larger...