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Vikas Thakur: Proud to be a Norwegian (15.10.04, 12:35)

First of all I must apologize for an “English” article. But I am sure, by this time you have very well recognized that I am not Norwegian. Anyway! My motivation to come with this article is not due habit to write but due to bring up some world recognized fact which is yet to know well by Norwegian young generation.

Do you know what HDI (Human Development Index) is? What does it do? And where Norway stands among the world within the HDI?

To my surprise, there was hardly a single man who could answer me these questions in last 10 month of my stay in Norway; bit embarrassing to me. Do one think, this is a really tough question? Probably not, I must admit that being a Norwegian, one must feel proud to give the reply of such question.

The Human Development Report (HDR) was first launched in 1990 with the single goal of putting people back at the center of the development process in terms of economic debate, policy and advocacy. The goal was both massive and simple, with far-ranging implications — going beyond income to assess the level of people’s long-term well-being. Bringing about development of the people, by the people, and for the people, and emphasizing that the goals of development are choices and freedom.

The Human Development Report is an independent report. It is commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and is the product of a selected team of leading scholars, development practitioners and members of the Human Development Report Office of UNDP.

The human development index is a unit scale measured by life expectancy, education rate, per capita income and economic and social structure of any country. Of course there are enormous minute factors involved and the human development index is calculated. I must tell that Norway stands with index of 0.956 and ranked first among the 177 reviewed countries in the world. What does its physical meaning of being a first among all? It means a superb sophistication in personal, social and economical sense.

Have you ever wondered why some individuals, organizations, or countries are more successful than others?

It is not a secret. These people simply think and act more effectively. They have learned how to do so by investing in the most valuable asset people. I believe that the success of an individual, organization or country, depends on the quality of their people.

In short, one must be proud of being a Norwegian and must be proud of his country. And myself, wish to be born in Norway in next life.

I must acknowledge that some part of this article has been taken from the human development official website.

Vikas Thakur
vikas.thakur@ntnu.no