Environmental, social and economic issues: sustainable development is definitely a wide world! While travelling, we witness local life of countries we are crossing. Impossible not getting interested in, and why not giving our european traveller point of view! Our "special issues" complement our traditionnal article about initiatives for the planet.

In New-Delhi, in Ramlila Maiden, we were the only European people surrounded by thousands of Indian people united against corruption. We talked to young demonstrators, listened to the stories of many persons and interviewed Indian journalists. Our article which was published by 20minutes.fr on September 19th is dealing with Indian society evolutions and the role of this country for our the future of our planet.

Their names are Abhishek, Brijesh and Ashish. They have only recently started working or are still students, but they can already give us tons of examples of corruption. "During my enrollment at the university", "at the hospital", "when getting my driver's license"! Even foreigners will see this; one need simply cross the border from Nepal or enter into a somewhat posh New Delhi bar to find that this problem is deeply rooted in Indian society.

The weight of castes, poverty, housing: there are many reasons to revolt

The problem is not new. As far back as Thomas, 72 years old, can remember, this phenomenon has always existed. "Since the country's independence in 1947, no doubt, perhaps even before, when the English were still here." So how come things seem to be accelerating now? According to Sakshi Khanna, a Network 18 reporter, "the population trusts Anna Hazare, more so than any other man or political party. He embodies the fight against corruption and has managed to convince people that things can change." There is no doubt that the peaceful nature of the movement has also helped to appeal to the crowds. Ever since Gandhi led the country on the path to freedom, non-violence seems to be part of India's DNA.

The weight of castes, poverty, housing: there are many reasons to revolt in India. So, in the greater scheme of things, why tackle corruption? What do these thousands of Indians – who gathered during 12 days at Ramlila Maidan, in New Delhi, or in many other places – expect? The answer is provided by young people who sing and proudly wear orange, white and green paint on their cheeks: "we too want our country to grow!" In fact, corruption is often accused of being a serious obstacle to preventing growth... It therefore comes as no surprise that the middle class – which drives both consumption and growth – is spearheading this movement.

The victims of growth

It's hard not to rejoice in the Indian people's revolt to claim their rights. However, some complain that the conditions of the poor – which still represent hundreds of millions of people in India – don't stir up the masses. Medha Patkar, an activist and member of "Team Anna", says: "The middle class did not bat an eyelid when 20,000 people were evicted to allow for the organisation of the Commonwealth Games. Yet, they get in a rage when they hear about the money that was diverted from these Games". India is far from being the only emerging market in which there are "victims of growth". In South America, for example, you will often see signs posted along huge roads that are under construction. They praise the merits of these major works, referring to them as symbols of progress, while the international press, on the other hand, highlights the drastic socio-environmental consequences that are especially harmful to the native populations.

Although it would be inappropriate to dispense lessons upon others – every passing day increasingly shows the social, economic and environmental limits of western-style growth – it is legitimate to seek to discover which paths emerging superpowers are taking. Will they take advantage of our experience and tend towards greener pastures, or will they instead follow us into the dead ends we continue to advance into, blinded by uncontrolled growth? As for his country, Pankai, a 21-year-old student, has no doubt about the answer. "After your next trip to India, you'll be able to tell your friends that this is one of the most beautiful and most wonderful countries in the world." Let's hope that he speaks the truth: no matter its origin, humanity is in great need of new sustainable development models for both mankind as well as our planet!

Romain Bauer was with us! He presents wonderful pictures of the demonstrations, all with orange, white and green!