India’s Myth of Greatness” The Cracks Beneath the Glitter

India’s Myth of Greatness” The Cracks Beneath the Glitter

India sells itself to the world as a rising superpower — a nuclear-armed giant, a tech hub, a democracy of 1.4 billion people. But behind the billboards and Bollywood glamour lies a nation stumbling on diplomatic, moral, and social fronts.

A Superpower in Retreat

India once claimed regional dominance. Today, its grip over South Asia is slipping. Bangladesh no longer dances to New Delhi’s tune. Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, even Iran — all have distanced themselves. The “giant” that once bullied its neighbors is now struggling to maintain influence.

Kashmir remains a bleeding wound. Decades of occupation, mass killings, and broken UN resolutions have eroded India’s credibility. Its control over Junagadh and 80% of Pakistan’s water sources feeds conflict rather than cooperation. Recent military standoffs with Pakistan shattered the illusion of invincibility — the “world’s fourth strongest military” found itself on the defensive.

Internal Rot: The Caste and Creed Divide

Yes, India can reach the Moon. But on Earth, millions are still chained by caste discrimination. In 2025, entire communities are barred from eating with “higher” castes or sharing workplaces. This is not progress — it’s medieval bigotry wearing modern clothes.

Religious minorities suffer under a climate of state-tolerated extremism. Mosques and gurdwaras are demolished. In Kashmir, generations have grown up under military boots. Hindu nationalist mobs roam freely, knowing the state will look the other way.

Poverty Amid Pretension

India spends billions on weapons, propaganda, and foreign meddling. But millions sleep on Mumbai’s sidewalks. Basic sanitation is missing for a staggering percentage of its citizens. Instead of building homes and toilets, New Delhi pours resources into harassing neighbors.

Even its proudest landmarks — the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Victoria Memorial — were built by Muslim rulers or the British. Yet nationalist rhetoric rewrites history, claiming glory without legacy.

The Media Mirage

Indian media is now among the most biased on earth. Genuine journalists are silenced, jailed, or worse. The rest spin a fantasy world — in newsrooms, on TV, and in Bollywood scripts where fiction passes for national history.

The Crumbling Illusion

Separatist movements simmer in several states. If India continues to ignore international law, deny UN resolutions, and suppress its own citizens, the “Great India” brand could collapse from within.

Pakistan, despite having the capability to strike Indian dams and cities within minutes, has chosen restraint — targeting only military assets in recent conflicts. But patience is not infinite. If the Shimla Agreement remains a dead letter, the world may witness consequences India is not prepared for.

A Choice for the Future

India stands at a crossroads. It can continue down the road of arrogance, propaganda, and extremism — or it can honor its international commitments, dismantle caste apartheid, protect minorities, and channel its wealth into human welfare.

Real greatness is not built on intimidation. It is built on justice, equality, and peace. If India refuses this path, it risks becoming a cautionary tale — a nation that had the means to lead, but chose to crumble under the weight of its own greed and hate.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” He advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.