[thewhitetulip]

They are taking a jab at Indian government. They took a jab even when Modi was not in power because the "west" says "India is a poor country and should focus on food security than space program"

It is pure racism? I'm not sure of the exact term.

P.s. I remember such a cartoon when India had asked for some missile technology few decades ago.

It is not about Modi but about general attitude of the west towards India

[briandear]

Having spent considerable time in India, I might argue that running water and sanitation might be a bigger accomplishment than landing on the moon. Much of India is profoundly poor — some of the worst absolute poverty I have ever seen anywhere on Earth. Sending rockets to space seems to be a mission of vanity and pride more than an actual benefit to the Indian people.

[thewhitetulip]

The space program proved to be a boon when there was a severe cyclone in the state of Odisha

Entire state was devastated and yet few people lost their lives because they were able to predict the cyclone and take measures for safety.

Your argument has merit, I live in India! But the thing is, if we were a country that starves its poor folk while running behind space program then you are 100% right

But Indian government has typically worked for lifting people out of dire poverty. Just look at standard of living. This Modi govermnet has taken social steps way beyond ex govt. Modi govt has deposited aid money straight in accounts of people. Thus reducing corruption

So India is doing both, sanitation, road and space.

[worldexplorer]

Why can't we do everything together? India has enough budget. Just needs to make execution right and corruption free.

have a look at how India cleanest city manages its waste - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyTzv3L2WVc

[astatine]

tehlike's response earlier in the thread is particularly appropriate here: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=20171915

[thewhitetulip]

Exactly! We just see the price but not the inventions or background technology created as a by product of space research

[hobofan]

I don't think it's racism, just media-reinforced ignorance, and a disconnect that's normal with such a big geographic disconnect and a rapidly changing country.

[thewhitetulip]

Yes, even I was not sure if it is racism these days. But it was racism back then.

These days it is just the mentality stuck in the 70s!

[thrwo3213]

This is par for course in all matters cultural. I've been appreciating how little the occident introspects of late.

I'm currently reading Veena Talwar's book "Dowry Murder", which documents how economical legislature driven by colonial greed was more causal in increasing violence against women, as opposed to the favoured theory that this was intrinsic to the "barbaric" natives. Within these pages, you find old war stratagems of "civilizing the barbaric natives" being perfected over the years, as the East India Company acquires a taste for blood after conquering and ruling Bengal. In fact, some of these techniques are so cliched, that you can see similar propaganda ops being pulled for the wars in the Middle East, Vietnam and now China.

[thewhitetulip]

I encourage you to read "an era of darkness"

[coldtea]

>I'm not sure of the exact term.

Prioritization.