India has overtaken Japan in GDP. So what?

Nadyisom May 25

What is this GDP anyway?

GDP is just a number showing how much money a country has saved in a year. Like a wealth counter. India has overtaken Japan in this indicator, and now everyone is happy as if we've become world champions. But let's face the truth—it's just a number on paper.

Are we really cooler than the Japanese now?

Ha! Don't make me laugh. In Japan, trains fly at the speed of sound, while in our villages, cows still roam the roads. Every second household has a robot, while we are still dreaming of normal toilets for all citizens. They have been building their infrastructure for decades, while we have only just started.

Has life become better?

For whom? Maybe for billionaires. The average Japanese can afford a vacation, a car, healthcare, and retirement. And the average Indian? Most of us are still fighting for survival. They have healthcare for all, while we have it for those who can pay. Their cities are clean, ours are choking on smog. GDP is growing, but the air is not getting cleaner.

Are we happier than the Japanese?

Whether you measure it or not, the Japanese live longer on average, get sick less, and feel more secure. Although, of course, we have our own advantages — strong family ties, a rich culture. But when your child is sick and there is no money for medicine — what happiness is there, no matter how much GDP grows?

Are we more respected in the world now?

The world respects power and money, that is a fact. Now we are listened to more — as a market for goods. But are we respected as people? The Japanese are respected for their order, technology, and cleanliness. What about us? For the fact that there are many of us? For the fact that we can overwhelm by numbers? Respect is not earned by GDP.

What does this GDP give to an ordinary person?

In theory — more opportunities. But these opportunities seem to hang in the air. If you live in the countryside, where there are no proper roads — what difference does it make that a new airport is being built somewhere?

The government may spend more, but does it spend it on us? On the poor? On schools and hospitals? Or on the military and palaces for officials?

What are we really better at than Japan?

Our main strength is youth. We have plenty of energetic young people ready to work and develop, while Japan is aging. We have a diversity of cultures and languages - this is a wealth that cannot be measured by money.

And our growth potential is enormous — we are just starting, while the Japanese are already at their peak. But for now, their roads are better than ours, their hospitals are more modern, and their cities are safer. And no GDP changes that.