What is really WRONG with INDIA?

India has become unlivable as we see all sorts of preposterous things in the news all day long. From rapes to murders to robberies to all sorts of mess. But I am not here to talk about such things.

What is fundamentally wrong with India? I have been asking this question to myself for a very long time now. Why aren't we able to get out of this ridiculous mentality? Why do people from other countries look down on us? Their stereotypes and assumptions about us are ridiculous. But, when we really see what they are talking about, the reality is quite related.

So what really is wrong with this beautiful country with great and welcoming people? I have tried to contemplate this question a lot. Why aren't we able to become a Global Superpower? Why aren't we able to represent ourselves with pride?

The answer, after looking at issues at scale, led me to a number of problems. The common thread in every issue was our Mentality and Mindset in facing these problems. We tend to look at issues like they don’t exist, or worse, dismiss them as “this is how it is.”

The Mentality Problem:

One of the biggest reasons we Indians struggle with progress is the mentality of the Millennial and Generation X population. These generations, the ones running businesses, raising children, and making decisions, have become complacent. They were raised in a time where struggle was normal, where a ‘good life’ meant personal success rather than societal betterment. This mindset has now carried forward into a dangerous form of selfish survivalism.

Rather than acknowledging problems and working toward solutions, they dismiss them. Pollution? "It’s always been like this." Lack of hygiene? "Who cares, my home is clean." Corruption? "Nothing will change, just bribe your way through." This acceptance of mediocrity and chaos is one of the root cause of India’s stagnation.

We are highly individualistic when it comes to personal success but completely ignorant when it comes to collective well-being. Public spaces are treated with neglect, while our homes are kept spotless. There is no sense of ownership when it comes to society.

Instead of teaching the children of our country to fight for change, parents often pass down this fatalistic attitude. "This is how it is, just adjust." This is why we see new generations still struggling with the same basic problems their parents faced—bad roads, broken governance, lack of hygiene, and pollution. The cycle continues because no one is taught to challenge the norm.

There is a deep-rooted belief that things cannot change. This is why any attempt to improve our well-being whether it’s enforcing traffic rules, cleaning our rivers, or fixing the Air Pollution problem is met with extreme resistance. People complain, protest, and eventually return to old ways.

Hardships are seen as badges of honor rather than things to be solved. If someone struggles through a broken system and succeeds, they are celebrated. But if someone tries to fix the system, they are mocked for being too idealistic.

People preach about ethics, culture, and values but break rules when it suits them. A person who complains about government corruption may have no issue bribing an official to get ahead. This hypocrisy is one of the biggest barriers we face towards true progress.

From childhood, Indians are taught to obey rather than question. Parents, teachers, bosses, politicians challenging any authority is considered disrespectful. We just cannot ask any questions that hinder their set ideology. The people in this country have so engraved beliefs that if you try to question them, it's Game Over.

Despite the growing global presence of Indian talent, we still seek validation from foreign countries rather than valuing homegrown success and values. Many people believe foreign things are superior due to colonial history. At the same time, we boast that our nation is better than all others.

People do not think long-term about sustainability, environment, or ethics. They make choices based on immediate comfort and convenience. This is why we see cities drowning in pollution, industries cutting corners, and policies being shaped around short-term election cycles rather than real progress.

I won't speak about how we elect our leaders, because I am not trying to make a political stance though it is a Big One.

But here’s the thing, I truly believe that Gen Z is different. Unlike previous generations, we are not just aware of these issues; we actually care. We talk about personal finance, hygiene, pollution, our social environment and long-term impact. We do not blindly accept things as they are. We question and challenge and demand better. This is why in the next twenty years, when Gen Z starts making major decisions, things will change rapidly. Unlike the generations before us, we are not shackled by the idea that "this is just how things work." We are willing to break the cycle and make actual changes.

We see hygiene not as a luxury but as a necessity. We understand that corruption is not just an inconvenience but a disease that needs to be eradicated. We don’t just dream of India becoming a global superpower; we are actively working toward it (what's wrong with being optimistic?) I think India is set to become one of the greatest countries in the world, reclaiming the greatness we once had. We have the resources, we have the talent. And now, with Gen Z rising, we finally have the mindset to make it happen.

Change begins with acknowledging the problem. It's not just about policies, laws, or development plans, but about shifting our mindset. Until we stop accepting mediocrity and demand better, India will remain held back by complacency. We must rethink how we raise our children and take responsibility not just for ourselves, but for the nation. India’s greatest strength and weakness lies in its people, but I believe the CHANGE is coming. The choice is ours to continue with indifference or take responsibility.

Just something I was writing for a while. Let me know your thoughts. I couldn't post this elsewhere since I don't have enough karma points :(