As India’s burgeoning middle class draws economic interest worldwide, a high-profile administrator captivated more than 200 predominantly-Indian
listeners in Decatur June 12 with his analysis of fundamental concerns inhibiting the long-term development of the world’s largest democracy.
T.N. Seshan, India’s chief election commissioner, said that despite solid progress in the biotechnology, computer and hi-tech electronics industries in India, “the balance sheet” still shows tremendous problems related to education, health, population and political corruption.
Mr. SesHan said the Indian government has introduced measures to combat these problems, such as fostering the development of television — to the benefit of Atlanta-based CNN and others — for education. “Without education, I cannot control population and development,” he said.
Furthermore, Mr. SesHan said that he has limited the level of expenses that can be used in political campaigns as a way to deal with corruption. Mr. Sheshan has brought his post to national prominence in India by motivating more than 59% of the population — roughly 550 million people — to vote.
He spoke at the Rasoi restaurant for nearly two hours at a dinner meeting sponsored by the Indian-American Organization for Total Awareness, Indian Professionals Network and the National Federation of Indian-Americans.
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