Economy The Big Worry

Lack of jobs and price rise emerge as major concerns, but people still bank on modi to steer the nation out of the economic crisis

- Raj Chengappa

IN these turbulent times, Neeraj Chopra, winner of India’s first-ever athletics gold in the Olympics, is an exemplar of how to overcome adversity and emerge as a champion. Whether it was a debilitating elbow injury or the postponement of the Tokyo Games, the javelin thrower took everything in his stride, training even harder and going on to make history. In doing so, Chopra exhibited outstanding leadership qualities: hard work, self-belief, hunger for excellence, a plan to achieve it, steely determination, and confidence to tackle serious setbacks. With the Covid pandemic, particularly the second wave, devastating both lives and livelihoods, what we collectively need is his kind of belief and resolve to bring us back from the brink. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”

This is the big message that emerges from the findings of the latest India todayKarvy Mood of the Nation (MOTN) survey, conducted at a time when India, like most other nations, finds itself at a critical crossroads. The biannual survey should serve as a stern warning to leadership across the political spectrum to set aside their differences and work hard towards pulling the nation out of the morass it finds itself in. The MOTN findings provide invaluable insight into how people perceive the key issues the country faces, and what they expect will be done to overcome the crisis. There are lessons here for everyone.