Modernization aims at achieving a decent standard of living for all people in the society. It also encompassed the idea of ecomic, social, political and cultural maturation. More than this, it requires the very transformation of the nature of man, a transformation which is not a means to an end but the end itself of the development process. But who is a modern man? How to identify him? A modern man is the one who gives up the traditional ways of thinking and feeling, who has an open mind to accept the new ideas, who is rational and secular, and who believes in equality, freedom and justice. Although, man’s exposure to the modern setting may certainly contribute to the transformation of a traditional man, and although that setting may in turn require new values and behaviour patterns from him but the internal characteristics of a modern man -- his ways of thinking, feeling and acting are more important to consider him truly modern. So, can we presume to have the same factors being followed by we Indians in the present times. On this Independence Day we must analyze the internal traits that actually make us modern and let us redefine the concept of modernity in order to predict the growth and development of our society and nation. A modern individual is identified to have certain traits which are as follows: • A modern individual should be ready for new experiences and should be open to innovation and change. • A modern person should have a disposition to form or hold opinions over a large number of the problems and issues that arise not only in his immediate environment but also outside it. The more educated the individual the greater is the readiness to offer opinions in response to this challenge. Contrary to this, a traditional individual takes no interest in issues that surround and touch him. The modern individual shows more awareness of the diversity of opinions and attitudes. • A modern person is oriented more to the present and the future than to the past. That person is also more regular, orderly and systematic in organizing the affairs. • A modern person is more oriented to planning and believes in it as a way of handling life. • That individual believes in the efficacy and is open to learning so that he/she can dominate the environment in order to advance his own purposes and goals. Rather than being dominated entirely by that environment. • Modern person is a great calculative and believes in a reasonably lawful world under human control. • A modern person shows more respect and dignity in his/her dealings with others. Such a person has more faith in science and technology and completely believes in Democracy and distributive justice. Modernity has nothing to do with wearing western clothes, following western ethos and traditions but rather possessing a contemporary and favourable mindset. Now, being an Indian you re-analyse yourself according to the aforesaid points and calculate whether you are truly a modern Indian? So share your views friends.
