Beijing, gripped by one ideology after another, one regime after another is now basking under the shades of the capitalist high rise buildings. The development is amazing. It is almost 10 days now since I landed up in Beijing and every day has not gone without an "ah" or a wow!
The infrastructure development is amazing. Like the petals of the lotus, Beijing expands spirally with its ring roads. The well kept gardens, parks and the tree lined streets give it a zen like peaceful setting.
The high rise apartments dot the skyline of the city along with the corporate offices and the shopping malls. Khaki green uniform coats are things of the past. Designer stores like Burberry, Tiffany, Chanel etc entice the customers. Spending power reflects the Chinese empowerment.
Has poverty been completely eradicated? Of course not but there are more opportunities. The hutongs, migrant workers, working class with low income, homeless are still there. But, it is the optimism, the sense to achieve that vibrates and the city marches to the tunes of capitalist economy with smiles.
China chronicles will continue.....
PEACE ON EARTH
All content copyright © by Sobana Iyengar.
will look forward to the sequels
ReplyDeleteThanks Kum. It is encouraging.
DeleteThanks.
ReplyDeleteAshok
IIT Madras
Yes, it is impressive. India does not want to follow the same pat. But we have to Eradicate poverty as quickly
ReplyDeleteYes it cannot be a cookie cutter approach. I do agree that the first and foremost action item for India is to eradicate poverty. We need to invest in food shelter and education for the poor. May be we need more Gandhji's.
DeleteHappy Independence day!
Beautiful photographs.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sobana
Bea