Some facts about India

[Sri Nivas]

I just wanted to inform my Indian/American friends who think that USA is the only country which is 100% responsible for everything good on this earth like technology, innovations, inventions etc. I think each and every country is full of creative people who have contributed and made this planet worth living.
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We Indians are the wealthiest among all ethnic groups in America,
even faring better than the whites and the natives.
There are 3.22 millions of Indians in USA (1.5% of population). YET,
Q. Who is the co-founder of Sun Microsystems?
A. Vinod Khosla
Q. Who is the creator of Pentium chip (needs no introduction as 90% of the today's computers run on it)?
A. Vinod Dahm
Q. Who are the founder and creator of Hotmail (Hotmail is world's
No.1 web based email program)?
A. Sabeer Bhatia
Q. Who is the president of AT & T-Bell Labs (AT & T-Bell Labs is the creator of program languages such as C, C++, Unix to name a few)?
A. Arun Netravalli
Q. Who is the GM of Hewlett Packard?
A. Rajiv Gupta
Q. Who is the new MTD (Microsoft Testing Director) of Windows 2000, responsible to iron out all initial problems?
A. Sanjay Tejwrika
Q. Who are the Chief Executives of CitiBank, Mckensey & Stanchart?
A. Victor Menezes, Rajat Gupta, and Rana Talwar.
You may know some of the following facts. These facts were recently published in a German magazine, which deals with WORLD HISTORY FACTS ABOUT INDIA.
1.India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of
history.
2.India invented the Number system. Aryabhatta invented `zero.'
3.The world's first University was established in Takshila in
700BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.
4.According to the Forbes magazine, Sanskrit is the most
suitable language for computer software.
5.Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to humans.
6.Although western media portray modern images of India as
poverty striken and underdeveloped through political corruption,
India was once the richest empire on earth.
7.The art of navigation was born in the river Sindh 5000 years
ago. The very word "Navigation" is derived from the Sanskrit word
NAVGATIH.
8.The value of pi was first calculated by Budhayana, and he
explained the concept of what is now known as the Pythagorean
Theorem. British scholars have last year (1999) officially published that Budhayan's works dates to the 6th Century, which is long before the European mathematicians.
9.Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from Inida. Quadratic
equations were by Sridharacharya in the 11th Century; the largest
numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Indians used numbers as big as 1053.
10.According to the Gemological Institute of America, up until
1896, India was the only source of diamonds to the world.
11.USA based IEEE has proved what has been a century-old
suspicion amongst academics that the pioneer of wireless
communication was Professor Jagdeesh Bose and not Marconi.
12.The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was built in
Saurashtra.
13.Sushruta is the father of surgery. 2600 years ago he and
health scientists of his time conducted surgeries like cesareans,
cataract, fractures and urinary stones. Usage of anaesthesia was well known in ancient India.
14.When many cultures in the world were only nomadic forest
dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilisation).
15.The place value system, the decimal system was developed in
India in 100 BC.
Quotes about India.
We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without
which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.
Albert Einstein.
India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human
speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the
great grand mother of tradition.
Mark Twain.
If there is one place on the face of earth where all dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India.
Frech scholar Romain Rolland.
India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries
without ever having to send a single soldier across her border.
Hu Shih.
(Former Chinese ambassador to USA)
ALL OF THE ABOVE IS JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG, THE LIST COULD BE ENDLESS.
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[Jason Menard]

We've seen this already, and don't dispute it. Not saying India isn't a great country because I'm sure it is, but why are you trumpeting your accomplishements by providing a list of Americans? These people you listed are not Indians, they are Americans of Indian descent. I for one am grateful for their many contributions to our society.

[Andy Ceponis]

swoned

[Mapraputa Is]

I'm sure it is, but why are you trumpeting your accomplishements by providing a list of Americans?
There are Germans, Frenchs, Brits, Indians, Chinese... in the World. Bit who are Americans? Do they exist? What we are talking about?

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by Mapraputa Is:
[b]I'm sure it is, but why are you trumpeting your accomplishements by providing a list of Americans?
There are Germans, Frenchs, Brits, Indians, Chinese... in the World. Bit who are Americans? Do they exist? What we are talking about? [/B]

That's the great thing about the US. Anyone can become an American. Anybody who takes the oath of citizenship and who strives to uphold the American way of life is welcome. We are proud of the fact that we are mutts. We belong to no one ethnicity, yet embrace them all. Everybody brings something different to the table and makes us better for it (except when Castro sent all his convicts to Florida, j/k ). Doesn't matter if you were born here or you just arrived yesterday.
Well that's my thought on the subject anyway, but I'm idealistic like that.

[Cindy Glass]

The point is that we like to think that America gives good people an environment where they can become GREAT.
They certainly MIGHT have become great elsewhere - it is just easier in some places than others.

[Krista Connor]

I think that Jason's post about American inventions has been completely misunderstood and I would like to clarify. Americans are mutts and that is what makes us great. People of every nationality on earth make up what is America. We know that Indians have made some very wonderful inventions, as have people from every background across the globe. Even the Afghanis. Jason wasn't trying to make the point that America is great because we invent the most things or that other countries haven't made enormous contributions to modern society.
I suspect that much of the misunderstanding lies in the assumption that we are all reading the same reports regarding the Sept 11 attack. Americans are trying to understand why this group of people hate us so much that it could possibly justify the attack that was mounted. Furthermore, we wonder how even people that are not associated with the "radical" Taliban could cheer on the streets upon hearing the news.
The media is focusing on this hate and trying to find the root of it. We have been inundated with interviews of many different middle eastern groups and the message is always the same. They say that they hate us because they hate what capitalism has made our country. They say we are morally bankrupt and have forgotten what is important in life.
Yet the FBI has researched the lives of the men that are suspected of being the hijackers. They have found that these men drank liquor, wore American clothing, frequented bars and restaurants, even rented pornography. They worked out in gyms and went out to movies. They were by all accounts, living the American way of life.
So Jason wasn't pointing out our innovations boastfully. It was because it is ironic that 19 men that hated the American way of life so much that they would kill nearly 7000 innocent people would embrace so much of what they supposedly hated. It is ironic that we saw scenes of people cheering on the streets of Pakistan when they heard the news of the deaths and that they cheered while wearing Nikes and Adidas and Football jerseys and things traditionally associated with the American way of life. It is ironic that they say that our way of life is the downfall of society when they have embraced so much of it themselves.

[Anonymous]

I think couscous is from India.

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by oei eoi:
I think couscous is from India.

Couscous? What?

[Neil Andrews]

Zero was invented by Babylonians (present day Iraq). They used a sexagesimal system and would use a place holder '' for zero. For example in 400 BC the Babylonians would use 5''7 for 507.
Neil

[Anonymous]

Everything Fine but why India is still one of the Poorest country in world

Originally posted by Srini Madgula:
I just wanted to inform my Indian/American friends who think that USA is the only country which is 100% responsible for everything good on this earth like technology, innovations, inventions etc. I think each and every country is full of creative people who have contributed and made this planet worth living.

[srinath prasad]

<quote>Everything Fine but why India is still one of the Poorest country in world <quote>
Everything Fine ,India is still one of the happiest country in the world.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/americas/newsid_713000/713750.stm

[Anonymous]

Everything Fine but why India is still one of the Poorest country in world

Partly due to the plundering of our Nation by the British for about 3 centuries.(India was one of the wealthiest nations before that and that inspired many Europeans to find a shipping route to India to engage in trade relations) and partly because of the corruption in our country Don't mistake me to be Anti-British now...I have nothing agains the Britishers...In fact Britain and India have good relations.
But buddy....things are fast improving (in case you don't know) and India will soon become a force to reckon with. It is a very different scene here from what it was 5-6 years back...that is a clear indication.
Let us not turn this "anti-terrorism" drive into an Indo-US feud...remember that we are allies against terrorism. And my message to all Americans here is that "Don't get peeved if a bunch of guys seem to be anti-American...India is a country of more that a billion and I can assure you that more than a lion's share of that number support America."

Take care fellas...

[Anonymous]

To add to my previous post...
The United States , too, was a British colony...and they won their Independence from the British...But that was approximately 3 centuries back. Those people have had the opportunity to work hard ... AS AN INDEPENDENT NATION for approximately 225 years..which they did. Look where that country is now...They are an example to India...It's just been 54 years since we won our Independence...It'll take some time before we rise ... like the U.S did. So, the lines "Why is India STILL a poor country" AND the one that provoked that question/statement are equally stupid.

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by oei eoi:
I think couscous is from India.

Um .. isn't couscous Chinese ?

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by <I am ...... AMerican .>:

Um .. isn't couscous Chinese ?

No .

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by <I am ...... AMerican .>:

Um .. isn't couscous Chinese ?

Actually, you are Canadian. And why are you trying to start trouble by saying something you know is not correct (based on your reply to yourself), calling yourself an American when you aren't, and then rebutting your own post? And on a thread that's two years old even. :roll:
[ June 01, 2003: Message edited by: Jason Menard ]

[Praveen Pranum]

Originally posted by Jason Menard:
Not saying India isn't a great country because I'm sure it is, but why are you trumpeting your accomplishements by providing a list of Americans?

I totally agree. In that list, Most of people are americans from an indian decent. If you pick the best people in america, that will outlast the list you provided.Best people in america are from all over the world that chose to become an american. Most of the major inventions in the last century happened in america. The last century is very critical to our future and mankind. There were genome discovery to micro computer inventions to plastic surgery to artificial heart to limb reattachments. America is the greatest country that brings good people together.
I am an american from an indian decent. And I won't bragg about my birth country. Everybody knows india is a good country. I guess the originator of this post is not used to the american culture yet if he is in america or may be he posted this post from india, Knowing american culture is that where ever you are from, once you are in america you should think like an american as america as provided an opportunity for you to immigrate to this country to have a better life.
Today, 67% of india's software exports are to North america.
So if america did not give an oportunity for those H-1 B guys who returned to india after getting work opportunities and technology from america, India would be no where.
Today, If america cuts down imports from india. India would have tough economy to deal with.
Not that I dont love my birth country. My sincere suggestion to my fellow indian that not to bragg about India. If india is a great country the world will automatically get to know about it. You should not bragg about it. May be you should serious think about being an american instead of blowing your band wagon here in america.

[ June 01, 2003: Message edited by: Praveen Pranum ]

[Pakka Desi]

Originally posted by Jason Menard:
We've seen this already, and don't dispute it. Not saying India isn't a great country because I'm sure it is, but why are you trumpeting your accomplishements by providing a list of Americans?

There is no point in trumpting past acomplishements but I think lack of credit/appreciation to Indians and a bit of hurt makes many of us do this.
200 yrs of british rule and 50 yrs of corrupt politicians really screwed the country. The only good thing that happened was democracy. It has yet to mature though. But I am glad that India didn't go the China way.
Anyway, I am sure in due course of time, India will definitely take it leading position in the world because it has the right ingradients.

[John Lee]

Originally posted by Pakka Desi:
The only good thing that happened was democracy.

then make sure it is a good thing.

[Rahul Roy]

Originally posted by Srini Madgula:
1.India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of
history..

Who invaded on Pakistan in 1971???
[ June 01, 2003: Message edited by: Rahul Roy ]

[John Lee]

Originally posted by Srini Madgula:
1.India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of
history..

what about 1,000 years ago?

[San Su]

Originally posted by Rahul Roy:

Who invaded on Pakistan in 1971???
[ June 01, 2003: Message edited by: Rahul Roy ]

Read what happend in 1971... then you would know..

[R K Singh]

Originally posted by Praveen Pranum:

If india is a great country the world will automatically get to know about it.

Nice quote.

[Mohanlal Karamchand]

Actually, you are Canadian. And why are you trying to start trouble by saying something you know is not correct (based on your reply to yourself), calling yourself an American when you aren't

How does he find out these things ? IP address ?
Hmmm....... That makes me an ayrab now.
If I post a message from home I may turn into a German.
Aha! That's why my shrink says I am schizophrenic

[Manav Mitra]

Originally posted by Praveen Pranum:

Not that I dont love my birth country. My sincere suggestion to my fellow indian that not to bragg about India. If india is a great country the world will automatically get to know about it. You should not bragg about it. May be you should serious think about being an american instead of blowing your band wagon here in america.

[ June 01, 2003: Message edited by: Praveen Pranum ]

I agree about not bragging!!
But just a reminder, *this* is not america; this *is* internet. And no reason for others to think about becoming american , they might be happy with their own nationality.
The more I read your posts, more I doubt your age and experience, you're just a teenager (may be an ABCD*), aren't you?
- Manav
*ABCD - American Born Confused Desi

[Balaji Loganathan]

Originally posted by Jason Menard:

Actually, you are Canadian. And why are you trying to start trouble by saying something you know is not correct (based on your reply to yourself), calling yourself an American when you aren't, and then rebutting your own post? And on a thread that's two years old even. :roll:
[ June 01, 2003: Message edited by: Jason Menard ]

I know the moderators have permission to see the IP address of the poster for security reasons(?), but DO THEY ALSO have permission to use it for their personal postings and that too in a meaningless drivel ? If not then how jason know the country of origin of the annonymous poster "I am ...... AMerican"

[Mohanlal Karamchand]

Actually anybody can see these ip addresses if they know how

[Jason Menard]

Originally posted by Balaji Loganathan:

I know the moderators have permission to see the IP address of the poster for security reasons(?), but DO THEY ALSO have permission to use it for their personal postings and that too in a meaningless drivel ? If not then how jason know the country of origin of the annonymous poster "I am ...... AMerican"

I read his posts as trying to be inflammatory and start trouble, so my interest is in keeping the peace. I have not revealed any registered identity he may use here, nor have I revealed specifically where he lives (Canada is a big country, and previous moderators have already set the precedent for this being acceptable), nor have I revealed his ip.

[Rufus BugleWeed]

Who invaded Goa in 1961 ending 450 years of Portugese rule? Must be like Saddam Hussein or the Chinese and renegade provinces?

[San Su]

Originally posted by Rufus BugleWeed:
Who invaded Goa in 1961 ending 450 years of Portugese rule? Must be like Saddam Hussein or the Chinese and renegade provinces?

Wow.. It is like asking who invaded Souther part of union (USA) when the civil war broke out.. Would you call it as invation by the northen people? What were Portugese doing in Indian land anyway? Do you have any idea about what were going on at that time?? :roll:

[R K Singh]

Originally posted by Sankar Subbiah:

Wow..

Did you reply...
I ignored him. He even does not know the spelling of Goa

[San Su]

Originally posted by Ravish Kumar:

Did you reply...
I ignored him. He even does not know the spelling of Goa

I would do the same in the future

[Paul McKenna]

Ravish.. wrong attitude. You must reply and ensure a debate is engaged. Ignorance is bliss! So let everyone think that India invaded Goa without a reason.. I feel is a wrong approach.
We will disagree and agree over various viewpoints, the important factor is that we shouldnt stop our discussions because of disagreements.
Shankar, I thought you'd know better.

[Thomas Paul]

One guy said that England ruled India for 300 years. Another said 200 years. I am trying to remember from my Indian history but I believe India was conquered by Britian around 1803 and the British left in 1949. That would be less that 150 years.
But Britian wasn't all bad. The Brits did get rid of the Thugs. The Brits did bring British education to India which has given India a huge advantage in international economics. The Brits did bring down all the petty little rulers. Not to say that it was a bed of roses.

[Paul McKenna]

British rule started much before 1809. It started with the East India Company.. ok! it wasnt directly under Her Majesty's control.. but for all practical purposes it was British rule.
I agree with you, Thomas, that the British did a lot of good for India. To begin with, there was no India before the British united all the kingdoms of the subcontinent under one umbrella called India. But sadly.. they also made a mess by splitting it into 4 pieces when they left. (India, East Pakistan(now called Bangladesh), West Pakistan, Kashmir(now part of India))
Many Indians feel this way too.. my gandpop served in Her Majesty's government right upto 1947 and continued to serve British interests even after independence. While he didnt like some of the British policies he strongly feels (and so do I) that British were the best colonialists (look at most of their colonies, they are much better off when compared to other European colonies). They did give us a very good education, democracy, infrastructure (for the period of 1940s) and a solid system of parliment.
With the above said, it would be wrong to portray a rosy picture of British India. Freedom fighters were made to eat human faeces as punishment. Any mention of the Indian Freedom movement within British compounds would mean instant execution and one must merely watch the movie Gandhi to understand the horror of "Jallianwalla Bagh" incident, where an English general opens fire on an unarmed gathering and is then declared innocent by English law.
[ June 03, 2003: Message edited by: Sriraj Rajaram ]

[Rufus BugleWeed]

What were Portugese doing in Indian land anyway?

The same thing Indians with Portugese passports are doing in the EU today, trying to earn a living.

[Paul McKenna]

Would you say the the Indians are calling Portuguese as "India"?? I dont think so.. On the other hand, the Portuguese recognised Goa as their land. The problem would not have occurred if the Portuguese in India considered themselves as Indians and then tried to earn a living.

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by Rufus BugleWeed:

The same thing Indians with Portugese passports are doing in the EU today, trying to earn a living.

Crap... How old are you?

[Manav Mitra]

Originally posted by Sriraj Rajaram:
Ravish.. wrong attitude. You must reply and ensure a debate is engaged. Ignorance is bliss! So let everyone think that India invaded Goa without a reason.. I feel is a wrong approach.

I agree wholeheartedly with you Sriraj on this one. there are far too many misconceptions about India in general. And many India posters here simply keep mum.
As for the British, they screwed India very badly and systematically. And when a different society stays in a foreign land for long, culural exchange is bound to happen, so education, railways were the by-products of their long stay. They needed people who could work for them, so came the education. It's indeed unfortunate that India is still following the education system that they developed to produce "clerks". But things are changing, and we are slowly realizing that we could do much better. The only good thing about this is that we learnt english and became polyglots, and probably now India has largest population of english speaking people besides native english nations.
It amuses me to no end to see that we still have nice relations with UK, but we somehow can't get along with Pakistan, when in realitty they are actually part of our own blood. We have same culture, we speak simlar languages, we eat same food... and generally have so much in common. I realy hope I live to see the day when these two countries will unite like east germany and west germany.
As for the grief that Indians (and pakistani etc) suffered from Brits, you've got to watch movies like -
1. Garm Hawa (old)
2. Train to pakistan (a book by Khuswant singh by same name)
3. 1947, Earth (based on book, called the Ice Candy Man)
4. gadar (maybe not this one, this is too loud and melodramatic, besides this one is in Hindi)
5. And countless material in regional languages...