In Mogadishu, India is a cue to break into songs and maybe a jig. Though the African nation's Indian population has long left the country, driven out by a gory civil war and warring clans, they have left behind a string of old Bollywood melodies and a cache of Hindi words which have now mingled with the local Somali dialect to become a native tongue that is common in far-flung areas of the dry country.
And today, when India goes to poll, Somalians are keeping a keen eye on it, may be wondering how the democratic process which hasn't been a success in Africa, can lead India to such prosperity.
"Somalians may not be aware of the intricacies of Indian politics but they want to know how such a vast country with several castes, communities and religions can coexist and maintain their democratic process," said Yusuf-Garaad Omar, Editor of BBC's Somali Service.
A part of the delegation traveling on the special BBC train that will go around India on a three-week trip to offer a team of Indian correspondents and foreign journalists a closer and real view of the Indian elections, Yusuf is already working out the formula to simplify the poll.
"I will have to report the larger perspective of the democratic process. I want to show my people how sustained democracy can lead to stability and economic prosperity. Somalians relate to India. We have many Hindi words in our dialect like langda (lame), rasta (road) and count in a numerical system that is very similar to yours. So I am hoping that the success of the democratic process here will drive home the point that this system of administration is not restricted to the US alone," said Yusuf.
"I want to focus that the elected people's representative should be respected and his power shouldn't be challenged by the uniformed forces at every minor disagreement. The civil war has destroyed our economy and the social fabric of our country. A democracy, like the one in India, can help us."
It's not only Somalia that is looking for answers to problems in the Indian polls. Even Europe is seeking a few answers. "In this economic slowdown, the wealth-churning machinery has stopped functioning in the US and Europe. While in India, it's still working. So the world is wondering if India can help reboot the world economy," said Mark Perrow, Commissioning Editor, BBC News Channels.
Agreed Firdevs Robinson, Editor, BBC's Central Asia and Causasus service. "The Indian economy is growing while world-over, economies have slumped. We are hoping that when the new government comes to power, it will push the economy further. This may pump up the world money circle. However, if the countries that are buying Indian services and products face a deeper crunch, India too may feel the pinch. That's why the role of the new Indian government is very important," she said.
On a poll trip
The BBC train, which was flagged off on Saturday from Safdarjung railway station, will travel from Delhi to Ahmedabad on the first leg of the trip, before moving on to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Patna and Allahabad, before returning to Delhi
Source: MidDay
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