The word 'Smart' is being used by Modi and Naidu ad nauseam. Whatever fancies these two may have, they are just adding the word 'smart' in front of it thereby giving it a sophisticated veneer.
If it's a village, the concept is of a ‘smart village’, if it’s a city, the concept is that of a ‘smart city’, etc.
By propounding the ‘smart’ mantra, are both these leaders saying that whatever development has taken so far is 'foolish'?
Did we have foolish or stupid villages and cities until now? One thing is pretty much clear though. Both Naidu and Modi believe that development is reflected only in skyscrapers and high-rise buildings.
This is a completely materialistic approach and believes in urbanization of rural landscapes without considering our ethos, values and approach towards life in general.
Agriculture is pretty much going to get a short shrift in the scheme of things. In fact, these leaders have coined a new meaning for the word ‘SMART’ which according to them is ‘Systematic Acquisition of Rural Territory’.
