India (UNICEF 2007 statistics)
Population: 1,169,016
Indian flag
-Colors: orange represents disinterest in
material gain, white the lighted path of
truth, and green connection with the
earth
-Ashoka Chakra (blue spinning wheel)
symbolizes truth/virtue and is in motion
suggesting India should move forward in
peaceful change
Concerns for India
Overpopulation/Extensive Poverty
India is rapidly growing and thanks to a previous
economic boom. This has led to an emerging middle
class, but also a further widening of the economic gap
between the poverty-stricken poor and the very rich. As
population grows, this gap must be addressed or social
disintegration is possible.
Economy/Widespread corruption
India has been transitioning from a socialist economy to
a capitalist economy. This changes has lead to a large,
emerging middle class and widespread corruption
among business leaders. The new middle class has lead
to social breakdown as the previous lines between class
rankings blur. Symptoms of this include arranged
marriage failure and child neglect/abandonment,
particularly of girls.
Moral Framework
Indians do not have an intrinsic view of morals as right
or wrong as many other people groups do, but judge
right/wrong based on consequences. For example, while
many people would argue that you should lie because
it’s wrong, Indians would say that you shouldn’t lie
because you might get caught and lose your job. This
has also contributed to the widespread corruption and
social breakdown.
Life expectancy: 64 years
Religion: Hindu (80.5%), Muslim (13.4%), Christian (2.3%), Other
(6.1%) (India 2001 census)
Government: federal republic
India has come a long way since it was home to the Indus Valley
civilization, one of the world’s most ancient civilizations. Invasion by
Northern Aryan tribes created one is now considered Indian culture.
India was invaded several times in subsequent years, but the most
lasting invader was the British who controlled most of India by 1856.
It was not until 1947 that Indian leader Nehru brought independence.
The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the
Muslim state of Pakistan and after war between the two, resulted in
East Pakistan becoming the separate country of Bangladesh. India is
now the second most populous country in the world. (CIA World
Factbook)
Head of government: Prime Minister
Chief of state: President Manmohan Singh
Pratibha Patil
Known for smart economic decisions, a
First female Chief of state in moderate approach toward Pakistan, and
India where the role is mostly India’s first nuclear agreement with the
ceremonial. Patil is so far not U.S. Singh faces challenges with the
as popular as her predecessor economic downturn, poverty, and
and faces opposition based on instability in India.
her credibility and actions.
Suggested prayer topics
• Pray for Indians to help the extremely poor
and hold business leaders and government
officials accountable for their actions
• Pray for Prime Minister Singh to make wise
decisions regarding India’s economy,
relations with Pakistan and other countries,
and the future of India regarding technology
and energy
• Pray for President Patil to earn credibility in
her role and not waste her opportunity to
make a difference in India
• Pray for India to go through the economic
transformation without society breaking apart
• Pray for those who are dealing with shifting
social classes, marriages falling apart, and
raising children
• Pray for the advancement of justice and
integrity in India