Just like everyone during the first week of January, I chanced upon an article on the newspaper and on the internet, and even news broadcasts declaring that the Tata Nano is officially released to the public. I took my usual curiosity to gather all information I can with regards to how the car looks and its specifications. 

The Tata Nano is amazing value for money. The car is quite good for its price. It is a practical car, it is slightly smaller, with a smaller engine, and has been kept bare of anything that would make the trip more comfortable. But like previously stated, is good enough for the price. 

The most important search and queries I have stumbled upon are the responses people have about the Nano. The Indians (I included) are very proud of Tata's achievements and its milestone in getting more Indians to be able to afford cars. Many others want to have the car for its price and practicality, especially the fuel savings. But the most important issue was set on how will this affect the Indian environment, if not even the world for that matter.

Everyone has witnessed the effects of automobiles in the USA, which is now bringing the same effects to China. The bigger debate still remains, is it right to let everyone buy a car? I believe that while economics and business dictate what sells and what doesn't, the environmental factor has to be addressed as well. These vehicles will definitely emit smoke, but if it will reduce motorcycles on the road, will it make things better?

People everywhere will sooner have to realize that while it is a good idea to own a car (I own one as well, it would not be fair for me to insist that others don't have a right to own one), public transportation, if the infrastructure is properly set, might become a better choice. We cannot blame corporations for trying to tap the demand for more affordable cars as the bottomline point is people need to get to wherever they have to go more conveniently. I have witnessed the public transportation in Hong Kong and I have to give them my commendation for making it so easy to travel around.

India still needs time to develop its public transportation infrastructure, but they should not ignore the prevalent problem. This is a major sign that people need a better way to travel, that while people are content with what is available, it is, in reality, just waiting for a better option, and the Nano is the better option.

We cannot ignore another important factor as well, which is moving people up from motorcycles to cars is a big improvement to safety. If anyone has ever seen how Indians ride motorcycles, you will definitely wish they had a car. You will have a family of four riding one motorcycle, whose lives are bare and constantly at risk from anything anytime. Everyone would admit that cars have been perceived as a safer means of transportation.

The Nano has a right to stay and propagate, it is a need, and it will make lives easier. But nature and humans always have a certain tendency to try to make things better and try to correct mistakes. If the public transportation infrastructure improves presents more convenience, those cars might merely end up in garages, the very dream of every environmentalist.

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