S GURUMURHTY EXPLAINS THE ECOSYSTEM THAT LINKS ECONOMY AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR OF INDIANS

Noted columnist S Gurumurthy on Saturday emphasised the need to preserve the Indian value system, saying it inculcated the habit of saving, which helped the economy maintain a healthy growth rate and stave off crises that singed other global economies.

Speaking at the 15th national conference of Karuna Clubs at the AM Jain College here, he said: “It must be noted that hardly two per cent of the total capital needed for infrastructure development in India, which was pegged at over a trillion dollars by Goldman Sachs, has come by way of foreign investment.”

The US is forced to spend more on the welfare of senior citizens, abandoned by their children, and fragmented families with single parents. “This puts the onus of welfare of senior citizens on the government. However, in India, it is the families, and not politicians or educational institutions, that are responsible for fostering such values,” he added.

He also pointed out that the Indian value system lays stress on treating women, elders and teachers with respect. “Gender equality was not an issue to be worried about as women were always treated with respect,’’ he noted.