Discuss the important factors for a new urbanization policy that will direct the sustainable design and management of cities in light of the evident trends in India’s urbanization.
Indian culture, one of the oldest and richest in the world, is characterized by diversity of languages, customs, beliefs, ideas, works of art, architecture, rituals, ceremonies etc. On the other hand, Western culture is considered as one of the most modern cultures in the world. Both cultures are vaRead more
Indian culture, one of the oldest and richest in the world, is characterized by diversity of languages, customs, beliefs, ideas, works of art, architecture, rituals, ceremonies etc. On the other hand, Western culture is considered as one of the most modern cultures in the world. Both cultures are vastly different from each other, however, in the contemporary globalised world, the interaction between the two cultures is increasing. The effect of Western culture manifests itself through major transformation of our lifestyle and interchanging world views and ideas. In the process, it is argued that there is a growing tendency to mimic the West, as can be seen from the following:
- Family: The concept of joint families is increasingly becoming uncommon in Indian cities and the trend of nuclearisation of families is rising.
- Social values: Consumerism has permeated and changed the traditional beliefs and practices of the Indian people. Fast fashion, which is environmentally unsustainable, is increasingly gaining traction. Also, festivals that have no cultural connection with India such as Halloween and Valentine’s day are being celebrated with fervour.
- Marriage: The increased incidence of marital breakdowns, increasing age of marriage, acceptance of same-sex marriages etc. indicate that modern liberal values have seeped through our tradition and culture. Further, live-in relationships are becoming more common, especially in cities.
- Food and clothing: Western cuisines, especially fast food, are growing in popularity, as Western fast food chains such as McDonald’s and KFC are increasing their stronghold on the Indian market. Similarly, Indians are more inclined towards Western attires as compared to traditional Indian wear.
- Language: The ability to speak in English is seen as an advantage and a matter of prestige. Further, ‘Hinglish’ is widely spoken, especially by the youth.
- Popular culture and mass media: Western movies and web serials are gaining popularity and have a huge fan following. Also, sensationalism, marketing and product placement, which are typically signs of Western hedonism, have been adopted in India.
However, India is also witnessing a revival and glorification of its past, traditions and customs. This can be discerned through the following
- Concerted efforts are being made to popularize India’s traditions like yoga and meditation across the world.
- There is an increased interest in the Indian system of traditional medicine as can be seen in the increased expenditure to promote research and development of ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines.
- There has been a resurgence of politics with an alternative view on nationalism, which is not based on Western secularism.
- Disapproval of Western impact on our culture is being expressed through organized protests against literature festivals and monitoring of couples by vigilant groups during Valentine’s day etc.
Indian and Western cultures represent their own tradition and values. Often times, cultures evolve and progress by borrowing certain traits from others. However, such a process needs to be syncretic and carefully balanced. In this context, Indian culture should not lie at either of the two extremes i.e. do mindless mimicry to outdo the West or vehemently retaliate against it and should maintain a balance between the two.
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Urbanisation means a population shift from rural settlement to urban settlement. It can also be linked with the level of development, as more urban areas indicate more development. In India, a major increase in urban population can be seen after 1991, as the period witnessed rapid development. AccorRead more
Urbanisation means a population shift from rural settlement to urban settlement. It can also be linked with the level of development, as more urban areas indicate more development. In India, a major increase in urban population can be seen after 1991, as the period witnessed rapid development. According to the UN projections, Indian cities are estimated to house 870 million people by 2050 from a population of 377 million in 2011. India’s ambition of becoming a five trillion-dollar economy by 2025 and a 10 trillion-dollar economy by 2030 is centered on its cities. Despite their critical role, cities in India face several challenges like inadequate affordable housing, proliferation of slums, problems of water supply and drainage, solid waste management etc. As India urbanises, it must ensure that not only are the above-mentioned challenges addressed, but also greater needs necessitated by the growing population are accommodated. In 2011-12, estimates by a high-powered expert committee indicated the need for investing nearly Rs 39-60 lakh crore in urban infrastructure in the next 30 years, going well beyond the range of public budgetary support. This necessitates a well-thought-out urbanisation policy to guide the planning and management of cities.
In this regard, a new urbanisation policy must address the following:
A sound urbanisation policy should accommodate and enable India’s growth ambitions and also assure its residents of a good quality of life in a sustainable manner. It should also incorporate factors relating to how the growing urban population lives, works, and plays in India’s cities of the future. In the context of rapidly urbanising India, there should be no delay in conceiving and implementing such a policy.
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