Author: Dr. V K Raju

America and India were both British colonies. America got its independence in 1776 and India got its independence 170+  years later.  America is the most powerful democracy, while India is the most populous democracy .

Today, conflicts are on the rise everywhere, and nuclear arsenals are swelling, posing an existential threat to humanity.

Millions are displaced, international law is disregarded with impunity, as criminal and terrorist networks profit from the division and violence. This is the situation the world finds itself in today.

The reasons for these conflicts and violence for numerous man-made reasons, especially due to territorial, religious and ethnic divisions. Added to these are the regional tensions, high level  corruption and dwindling resources due to climate change.

In the midst of all these, the people of these 2 great nations, stand for peace, equality and progress. We salute and honor the United States of America as the nation celebrates her Independence.

Dr Arnold Toynbee ‘s quote is very appropriate for today.

“It is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a western beginning will have to have an Indian ending if it is not to end in the self destruction of the human race… At this supremely dangerous moment in human history, the only way of salvation for mankind is the Indian way. Emperor Ashoka and Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of nonviolence and Shri Ramakrishna’s testimony to the harmony of religions ;  here we have an attitude and spirit that can make it possible for the human race to grow together into a single family —and in atomic Age, this  is the only alternative to destroying ourselves .

What we need is – true friendship (MAITRI) between the most powerful democracy and the most populous democracy!

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected

V.K. Raju, MD, FRCS, FACS

Ophthalmologist, Regional Eye Associates

President and Founder, Eye Foundation of America

President and Founder, Goutami Eye Institute

Clinical Professor, West Virginia University

Director, International Ocular Surface Society

Adjunct Professor, GSL Medical School

Adjunct Professor, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University

Author: Musings on Medicine, Myth, and History-India’s Legacy

Each new year is a gift of learning , growth, and hope .  May your mind and soul be enriched with these things and more, in the days to  come.

I wish only one thing – “unity in India , real unity,” .  I am in Manipur in connection with a childhood vision project of Eye Foundation of America ( world without childhood blindness ) . Today is the last day and  I was watching CNN before I leave to the airport and listened to talking heads discussing how China is trying to influence Africa  ( Xi  jinping announced that China would implement TV satellite programs for 10,000 African villages. ) and  about how US is struggling to compete with China in influencing Africa. (You may remember the PEPFAR ( President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief program by US 20 years go and  Power Africa ten years ago).

I did not want to watch further . I switched off the TV and turned to my notes. While world powers are  struggling for supremacy, all of us are aspiring for world peace.    India, the largest democracy with its incredible accomplishments since 1991, is in a unique position to bring world peace. Look  at what Arnold Toynbee said , decades ago-

“It is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a western beginning will have to have an Indian ending if it is not to end in the self destruction of the human race ….At this supremely dangerous movement in human history, the only way of salvation for mankind is the Indian way —Emperor Ashoka‘s and Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of nonviolence and Shri Ramakrishna’s testimony to the harmony of religions .  Here we have an attitude and spirit that can make it possible for the human race to grow together into a single Family — and in the Atomic age, this is the only alternative to destroying ourselves.”

Finally let me say this —In spite of the great accomplishments of India, there may be new tremors, working their way through the subsoil of our national life. It is only the character and dedication of the young generation that can ensure the survival of freedom. We can never forget the last words of Buddha to his disciples. “Look not for refuge  to anyone besides yourselves“ these words contain timeless wisdom .
Be wise, Don’t  be otherwise. Happy New Year 2923!
– From Dr, VK Raju