Today is the era of inflation. We hear our finance minister each day thinking up a new formula to calm down the opposing opposition.

What does inflation actually mean? Does it really affect our lifestyle?

Inflation, just like we are taught, is the raise in the prices of goods and services when measured against a standard purchasing power. So now, we do understand that the prices will be much higher than that of a normal time. There were times when we Indians struggled to live at the time of inflation. But now, when our financial analysts, our finance minister and RBI repeatedly say inflation is in its peak in India at 11.89%, do our people seriously suffer without being able to own their share in food. If you say yes, then you are still considering our country decades behind.

I am not saying that people or governments have successfully eradicated poverty from our country. It really exists. But who cares about the poor and their distress except at the time of elections. Perhaps the odd one is out.

The data we get surely shows that we are competing with giants like the US. It’s more a vivid picture if we could go through the actual data. Even during this financial crisis, our people are still investing high amounts in shares and stock, using mobiles and internet much more, importing cars and electricals. Even the middle class man goes for brands be it his clothing or accessories.

It shows that mobile internet is growing to 11.90 million users, consuming 33 million MB of data. It shows 88 per cent growth in the last three months itself. Also, India can be proud for her growing mobile users, which is 561 million now and will become 1.7 billion by 2012. Also, we have all-time good imports with 18% growth. This is just for the first four months of current fiscal year. Another astonishing fact is that gold and silver which were not in the import scenario has made a huge comeback. Also, we imported electronic goods 40% more than last year. Why go for foreign stuff, when even Indian cars are high performers.

These are just a few things which you can conclude. When our common man is talking about inviting his girlfriend for dining at a 7-star hotel and importing a BMW to gift her on her birthday, and you say its inflation now, then what if there is no inflation!!