Even as Bush’s remarks about the Indian middle class invite scathing comments our by politicians, the debate rages on their interpretation. If so and how much the burgeoning population of the middle income group in India is responsible for the current surge in prices of food items the world over is still being debated over. The fact remains that George Bush is not known for his eloquence and his comments, more often than not, invite controversies.

Despite whatever Condoleeza Rice and George W. Bush may have gotten wrong, their remarks about the growing prosperity of the middle class and sheer bulge (in numbers that is) cannot be too far from the truth. Indian middle class is becoming a force to recon with the world over. Designer products, luxury lifestyles and conspicuous consumption are becoming the norm for middle class in big cities. In smaller towns, too, this class of people is harboring ambitions to acquire a flaunting lifestyle. The aspirations are growing and justifiably so.

It all started with the LPG way back in 1991. The income graph that steadily started to rise for several from thereon is still going strong, leading to increasing prosperity. Today, India’s free-market economy and booming demand is a heaven for several multinationals. From rags to riches, India has steadily risen to become world’s largest market for consumer goods. With a change in income pattern, the food habits are bound to change and if this is what Bush & co. mean then they cannot be too wrong. So if instead of the tone we were to objectively analyze the statement, we might see a hint of truth in it and be proud of what we are actually witnessing.

Economists usually judge the prosperity of a nation by referring to the degree of population falling in the “middle” bracket. The numbers bode well for India in that case. And as far as our contribution in the current world food crisis is concerned, let economists come to a verdict. Even if we have played apart, we are not guilty on any account.

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