In the world of social entrepreneurship, you get a front-row seat to the hopes, struggles, and realities of rural India. You work alongside farmers, self-help groups, and local NGOs, witnessing firsthand the complex interplay of progress and stagnation. As a nation, we are often described as “developing,” but from this perspective, I see a more disheartening truth: we are stuck. And while it’s a bold and painful statement to make, the reason is not a lack of resources or talent, but a deeply ingrained mindset.
The Apathy That Holds Us Back
This may seem harsh, but our collective apathy towards our own country and fellow citizens is a terrifying obstacle. We’ve become so accustomed to systemic problems that we almost expect them. The sheer scale of corruption is a prime example. We know, instinctively, that any major project or public event will likely be tainted by it. This isn’t just about a few bad apples; it’s a part of the cultural fabric. The “my father and mother” attitude—the belief that one’s personal responsibilities end at the family doorstep—has eroded our sense of social duty and collective welfare.
The Problem at the Top: The Power Paradox
What’s even more frustrating is the mindset of those in power. There is a profound lack of empathy, a “God sent me to rule over you” approach that is fundamentally disconnected from the needs of the people. Many individuals in positions of authority lack the proper experience or work ethic required to create meaningful change. They often don’t understand the ground reality of the very communities they are meant to serve.
I remember a time when I was seeking funding for a rural project. I was told to put soaps in vending machines—a suggestion so out of touch with the actual needs of the community that it was mind-boggling. When I explained that the soaps were a way to generate further income and employment by locally sourcing ingredients, I was met with a dismissive “just move to Indore or Bangalore,” complete with a subtly racist undertone due to my Anglo-Indian name. This is not an isolated incident. Look around, and you’ll see countless examples. In and around Khandwa, for instance, a staggering 90% of rural enterprises fail. This isn’t because the ideas are bad or the people aren’t hardworking. It’s because of a critical lack of support, improper funding, and inadequate mentoring mechanisms from the very institutions designed to help them succeed.
A New Mindset for a New Future
Rural development isn’t just about building infrastructure or providing loans. It’s about a fundamental shift in perspective—for both the people and the leaders. It’s about empowering individuals to embrace new ideas and approaches. But how can we achieve this when those in power are not thinking for the people, but rather for themselves?
Unless we get serious and prioritize a change in mindset, from the highest levels of government down to the individual citizen, India has no real hope of a better future. We must replace apathy with empathy, and a sense of entitlement with a sense of duty. Only then can we truly begin to progress.