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
