India’s Impossible Progress Praised By Bangalorean Who Went To U.S. In 1963 | M. Farook Sait

India’s Progress and Continuing Challenges

M. Farook Sait says India’s progress since independence has been remarkable and exceeded many expectations. In 1947, the country had few support systems, struggled to feed its population, and had an average life expectancy of about 28 years. Given those circumstances, he describes India’s achievements as a “miracle.”

At the same time, Sait is troubled by persistent poverty. He points to people, including children, sleeping on the streets and construction workers living in makeshift shelters. He hopes these conditions will change, but feels progress is too slow.

Memories of Bangalore

Sait recalls growing up in Bangalore before independence. During the Second World War, the city’s military presence shaped daily life. He remembers servicemen, a prisoner-of-war camp, and military customers at his uncle’s shop.

He also remembers watching newsreels showing Indian freedom demonstrators being beaten by Indian police. The images disturbed him, and he draws a comparison with cases in the United States where people protesting mistreatment are policed by members of their own communities.

Presenters and Contributors

• Interviewer: Smita Prakash
• Guest: M. Farook Sait