Notwithstanding all regions in India are equally important still they are not equally developed. It gives rise to economic disparity between regions and regions, creating regional economic imbalance inside India. More than 70 percent of people in the country live in rural areas but they have not so far achieved as much socio-economic growth as the urban people. Its basic reason is that most trade and industry, government and private offices and educational and financial institutions are concentrated in urban areas, raising its people’s income and living standard, comfort and luxury as compared to its counterparts in rural areas. It often generates displeasure and anger in rural people’s mind, promoting them to resort to different agitations demanding the investment of government funds in rural areas and thereby its development equivalent to urban areas as they also pay taxes, cesses and subscriptions to government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently talks about Sab ka sath sab ka vikas. So, the government should essentially take some pragmatic measures to develop the infrastructure in rural area as it does in urban area so that it contributes towards vanishing regional economic imbalance gradually in India.
Muhammad Abdus Samad
Dhupdhara, Assam
On Work Hours and Narayanmurty’s Thoughts
Infosys founder Narayanmurty’s latest statement that no one can demand long hours at work, is no doubt likely to be welcomed by all those who toil for long hours to earn a living, whether it is the IT hub of Bengaluru or in the coal mines of Dhanbad. Every profession has its own limitations and while some are rather strenuous, others may not be so burdensome and may allow long hours at work.
It is finally for each individual and business organisation to decide how many hours of work is ideal for each person. A tired and grumbling employee is not an asset for any company or institution but a smiling and energetic worker will always be a big boon.
Rashid Ahmed
Bengaluru, Karnataka
H.H. Prince Aga Khan IV Saheb
H.H. Prince Shah Karim-Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV Saheb (1936-2025) died in Lisbon, Capital City of Portugal at the age of 88 years. He was born on December 13, 1936 in Geneva and spent his early life in Nairobi, Kenya.
He tirelessly worked for the less fortunate members of his followers in particular vis-a-vis others in general. He founded so many NGOs but two are worth-mentioning. (1) Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) set up in 1967. This group employs 80,000 persons and has been doing excellent work in the field of education and health in the poorest area of Asia and Africa continent. (2) Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). AKTC in July-2024 gifted a world-class, underground museum to India on its 75th Independence. In Hyderabad, AKTC has restored the Qutb-Shahi Tomb Complex and Deccan Park.
He was conferred Padma Vibhushan award in 2015 by Indian Government in recognition of his humanitarian services.
Organisations founded by H.H. Aga Khan Saheb has been helping the needy and down-trodden without any discrimination of religion, colour and nationality. This policy of H.H. Aga Khan Saheb has endeared him across the globe, irrespective of the Government at the helm.
May Allah grant eternal peace to his pious soul.
Farooq AbdulgafarBawani
Rajkot, Gujarat, India