India (UNICEF 2007 Statistics) Population: 1,169,016 Life Expectancy: 64 Years
Content
India (UNICEF 2007 statistics)
Population: 1,169,016 Life expectancy: 64 years Religion: Hindu (80.5%), Muslim (13.4%), Christian (2.3%), Other (6.1%) (India 2001 census) Government: federal republic
Indian flag -Colors: orange represents disinterest in material gain, white the lighted path of truth, and green connection with the earth -Ashoka Chakra (blue spinning wheel) symbolizes truth/virtue and is in motion suggesting India should move forward in peaceful change
India has come a long way since it was home to the Indus Valley civilization, civilization, one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. Invasion by Northern Northern Aryan tribes created one is now considered Indian culture. India was invaded several times in subsequent years, but the most lasting invader was the British who controlled most of India by 1856. It was not until 1947 that Indian leader Nehru brought independence. The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the Muslim state of Pakistan and after war between the two, resulted in East Pakistan Pakistan becoming the separate country of Bangladesh. India is now the second most populous country in the world. (CIA World Factbook)
Concerns for India Overpopulation/Extensive Poverty India is rapidly growing and thanks to a previous economic boom. This has led to an emerging middle class, but also a further widening of the economic gap between the poverty-stricken poor and the very rich. As population grows, this gap must be addressed or social disintegration is possible. Economy/Widespread corruption India has been transitioning from a socialist economy to a capitalist economy. This changes has lead to a large, emerging middle class and widespread corruption among business leaders. The new middle class has lead to social breakdown as the previous lines between class rankings blur. Symptoms of this include arranged marriage failure and child neglect/abandonment, neglect/abandonment, particularly of girls. Moral Framework Indians do not have an intrinsic view of morals as right or wrong as many other people groups do, but judge right/wrong based on consequences. For example, while many people would argue that you should lie because it’s wrong, Indians would say that you shouldn’t lie because you might get caught caught and lose your job. This has also contributed to the widespread corruption and social breakdown.
Chief of state: President Pratibha Patil First female Chief of state in India where the role is mostly ceremonial. Patil is so far not as popular as her predecessor and faces opposition based on her credibi credibilit lit and actions actions..
Head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Known for smart economic decisions, a moderate approach toward Pakistan, and India’s first nuclear agreement with the U.S. Singh faces challenges with the economic downturn, poverty, and instability in India.
Suggested prayer topics •
•
•
•
•
•
Pray for Indians to help the extremely poor and hold business leaders and government officials accountable for their actions Pray for Prime Minister Singh to make wise decisions regarding India’s economy, relations with Pakistan and other countries, and the future of India regarding technology and energy Pray for President Patil to earn credibility in her role and not waste her opportunity to make a difference in India Pray for India to go through the economic transformation transformation without society breaking apart Pray for those who are dealing with shifting social classes, marriages falling apart, and raising children Pray for the advancement of justice and integrity in India
Population: 1,169,016 Life expectancy: 64 years Religion: Hindu (80.5%), Muslim (13.4%), Christian (2.3%), Other (6.1%) (India 2001 census) Government: federal republic
Indian flag -Colors: orange represents disinterest in material gain, white the lighted path of truth, and green connection with the earth -Ashoka Chakra (blue spinning wheel) symbolizes truth/virtue and is in motion suggesting India should move forward in peaceful change
India has come a long way since it was home to the Indus Valley civilization, civilization, one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. Invasion by Northern Northern Aryan tribes created one is now considered Indian culture. India was invaded several times in subsequent years, but the most lasting invader was the British who controlled most of India by 1856. It was not until 1947 that Indian leader Nehru brought independence. The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the Muslim state of Pakistan and after war between the two, resulted in East Pakistan Pakistan becoming the separate country of Bangladesh. India is now the second most populous country in the world. (CIA World Factbook)
Concerns for India Overpopulation/Extensive Poverty India is rapidly growing and thanks to a previous economic boom. This has led to an emerging middle class, but also a further widening of the economic gap between the poverty-stricken poor and the very rich. As population grows, this gap must be addressed or social disintegration is possible. Economy/Widespread corruption India has been transitioning from a socialist economy to a capitalist economy. This changes has lead to a large, emerging middle class and widespread corruption among business leaders. The new middle class has lead to social breakdown as the previous lines between class rankings blur. Symptoms of this include arranged marriage failure and child neglect/abandonment, neglect/abandonment, particularly of girls. Moral Framework Indians do not have an intrinsic view of morals as right or wrong as many other people groups do, but judge right/wrong based on consequences. For example, while many people would argue that you should lie because it’s wrong, Indians would say that you shouldn’t lie because you might get caught caught and lose your job. This has also contributed to the widespread corruption and social breakdown.
Chief of state: President Pratibha Patil First female Chief of state in India where the role is mostly ceremonial. Patil is so far not as popular as her predecessor and faces opposition based on her credibi credibilit lit and actions actions..
Head of government: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Known for smart economic decisions, a moderate approach toward Pakistan, and India’s first nuclear agreement with the U.S. Singh faces challenges with the economic downturn, poverty, and instability in India.
Suggested prayer topics •
•
•
•
•
•
Pray for Indians to help the extremely poor and hold business leaders and government officials accountable for their actions Pray for Prime Minister Singh to make wise decisions regarding India’s economy, relations with Pakistan and other countries, and the future of India regarding technology and energy Pray for President Patil to earn credibility in her role and not waste her opportunity to make a difference in India Pray for India to go through the economic transformation transformation without society breaking apart Pray for those who are dealing with shifting social classes, marriages falling apart, and raising children Pray for the advancement of justice and integrity in India
