Violence cost Indian Economy $341.7 billion in 2014

We Need To Wait And Introspect. Is This Violence Good For Our Nation?

It is often said, that violence is against the integrity of a Nation. Yet there are such cases of violence streaming in few parts of our country time and again. A report recently given by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) reveals a data of how much these disturbances cost India and the world. According to the data, the impact that violence had on the global economy in the year 2014 accounted up to be over $14.4 trillion. This is equivalent to 13.4% of total global GDP. The divide between the most peaceful and the least peaceful nations was deepening, the annual report added. Iceland is the world’s most peaceful nation, whilst Syria is the least.

Whereas in the Indian context the IEP report says that violence cost India’s economy a whopping $341.7 billion in the year 2014. This is equivalent to 4.7% of India’s total GDP. This is shocking enough in itself. Isn’t it? Along with this, India ranks 143 out of 162 Nations in the Global Peace Index (GPI), standing 5th amongst the seven South Asian Countries when it comes to violence.

These numbers put us in great wonder when we think about the rising violence in our country. The increasing civil strife, now be it the unrest because of religious differences, or issues taking a political turn. These affect our Nation strongly, raising a question at our unity. In India, few people form groups to fight against the police forces, or simply lead non-cooperation slogans against the law abiding authorities. This is sometimes so massive, that it leads to bloodshed and disharmony amongst different communities and armed forces which are meant to settle the upheavals.

There is regional violence between different communities or for that matter the violence that happens on different religious topics. This should not continue because it is not good for the wellness of our country. Just to let one’s ego sail high, one should not start bloodsheds and wars. One should never let small issues become so boiling in one’s head, as to cause harm to the other person or community. India’s goodness remains with the unity of its citizens and not with disparity. Spread kindness and love people, we shouldn’t be a violent India.

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