I spend a big chunk of my life in Trivandrum. I was holed in this paradise thinking this is the only paradise. Only reading showed a window of outside world. Then I moved out of Kerala and settled in Bangalore. Now, I could see Kerala in a different lense. I knew only the rosy part of Kerala, like the:
- High literacy rate
- Low infant mortality rate
- Talented workforce
- Religious harmony ( moderate)
- Political maturity (so called)
All these stats and figures are positive of my state, but there are some shocking grey side to God’s Own Country. What are those points:
- Aggravated socialistic mentality ( Depending and blaming everything on Govt or on America)
- Steep gender divide ( Rigid social norms on man and women interaction)
- High levels of negativity – Saying NO to every project – Any fool can say NO
- Rising divorce rates ( Men not able to accept women’s new role)
- Frequent bandh/hartal & high hand of union
- Resentment towards business – Even small biz are looked as bourgeoisie
- Rampant favoritism and nepotism
- High dowry – Regular social norm
- Fetish for gold ( Connected with hefty dowry)
- Rising number of gold pledge shops ( Residential borrowing shooting up)
So, the list goes on and one. But what I’m optimistic about the future of Kerala. I see two things that’s going to make a sea change in the life, habit and lifestyle of people.
1) News paper media will loose it’s sheen and subscriber base
2) Small business ventures, esp home based, freelancers will increase
3) Power with the bureaucracy or clerks will wane down
4) Digitization of paper work will reduce corruption
5) Traditional universities will die. Watch out!
(Many low quality Engineering and MBA colleges will shut down)
6) Online learning will take a higher role
7) Less importance on traditional schooling or higher studies
8) Social media use by citizens will pose a headache and threat to politicians,and bureaucrats
There are my thoughts. If you have similar thoughts or like to carry a conversation on these line, you’re welcome. BTW, visit my meetup in Bangalore post.
Flossy Ideas, Meetups and Views 