Why is there so much hostility against an achievement that is still pretty rare? How many countries out of all the countries can boast about their space program?
Why does everything have to be so political. People are ready to take a Jab at Modi's govt at every single opportunity.
They are taking a jab at Indian government. They took a jab even when Modi was not in power because the "west" says "India is a poor country and should focus on food security than space program"
It is pure racism? I'm not sure of the exact term.
P.s. I remember such a cartoon when India had asked for some missile technology few decades ago.
It is not about Modi but about general attitude of the west towards India
Having spent considerable time in India, I might argue that running water and sanitation might be a bigger accomplishment than landing on the moon. Much of India is profoundly poor — some of the worst absolute poverty I have ever seen anywhere on Earth. Sending rockets to space seems to be a mission of vanity and pride more than an actual benefit to the Indian people.
The space program proved to be a boon when there was a severe cyclone in the state of Odisha
Entire state was devastated and yet few people lost their lives because they were able to predict the cyclone and take measures for safety.
Your argument has merit, I live in India! But the thing is, if we were a country that starves its poor folk while running behind space program then you are 100% right
But Indian government has typically worked for lifting people out of dire poverty. Just look at standard of living. This Modi govermnet has taken social steps way beyond ex govt. Modi govt has deposited aid money straight in accounts of people. Thus reducing corruption
So India is doing both, sanitation, road and space.
I don't think it's racism, just media-reinforced ignorance, and a disconnect that's normal with such a big geographic disconnect and a rapidly changing country.
This is par for course in all matters cultural. I've been appreciating how little the occident introspects of late.
I'm currently reading Veena Talwar's book "Dowry Murder", which documents how economical legislature driven by colonial greed was more causal in increasing violence against women, as opposed to the favoured theory that this was intrinsic to the "barbaric" natives. Within these pages, you find old war stratagems of "civilizing the barbaric natives" being perfected over the years, as the East India Company acquires a taste for blood after conquering and ruling Bengal. In fact, some of these techniques are so cliched, that you can see similar propaganda ops being pulled for the wars in the Middle East, Vietnam and now China.
Why does everything have to be so political. People are ready to take a Jab at Modi's govt at every single opportunity.