Rama Godishala is one of the reasons that America works so well. The cream of the crop from every nation of the world immigrates to this country to hone their skills under a system free from social and political restraints. America is more than a melting pot, it is a winnowing process where only the best of the world's talent succeed. And their success becomes this country's success.

Doctor Godishala, Auburn's leading heart specialist, grew up in the tiny village of Thipparthy, India. Born to an upper class Hindhu family, he followed the family tradition of higher education choosing the medical profession. His undergraduate work was completed in Hyderabad, a teaming high tech city that now rivals hot spots like Bangalore for education, commerce and computer software services. Cyberabad, a new commercial complex under construction in Hyderabad, hopes to compete with Silicone Valley in California as a world center for computer services.

Godishala immigrated to America in 1979 completing his post graduate medical studies at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. Doctor Godishala, who resides at Martin Point with his wife Geetha and their daughter, Anuradha, has been practicing medicine here for 20 years and has become the leading physician in this area for cardiovascular diseases.

The world is buzzing about India's amazing transformation from a sleepy third world country to a candidate for inclusion in that exclusive country club of first world nations. Thomas Friedman, one of America's leading journalists, paints an optimistic scenario in his book, “The World is Flat,” regarding third world countries, such as India and China, competing with America on a level playing field for technology and research.

Godishala sees a much different picture. He sees a thin crust of wealth and power undermined by an overcrowded country, dysfunctional government and a nonexistent infrastructure. More than 70 percent of the population lives in rural areas and lacks basic needs such as drinking water and sanitation.

The state of Anthra Pradesh (about the size of New Jersey) in which Hyderabad lies, has only 30 miles of four lane highway. Traveling and transportation within this vast country is treacherous and time consuming.

India, with a very diverse population and many different languages, faces enormous challenges ahead. The challenges encompass a very corrupt political system, destructive and divisive forces within the society and a high unemployment rate.

Indians have always looked to America as a role model. When Nehru was prime minister, he visited President John F. Kennedy at the White House. A photo was taken as they strolled through the Rose Garden, and this picture hangs in many of India's homes to this day. English is their national language, and their future business plans revolve around emulating America's success.

In spite of an explosion of higher education in India (when Godishala attended school in Hyderabad there were two medical colleges and one engineering college #- today there are 10 medical schools and hundreds of engineering and computer institutes), Rama sees a brain drain as India's educated youth leave the country and don't return #-similar to his situation.

“There is nothing to return to but dirty cities, pollution and a lack of the elements of gracious living,” he said.

The great equalizer that prevents countries such as India, China and Russia from competing with America on an equal basis is a lack of true freedom and a lack of imagination.

Doctor Rama Godishala and his family are Americans - more so than many who inherited their citizenship by birth. He is amazed that so many take it for granted.

“The only way that any other country can overtake us is if we let them,” he said, commenting on the media hype regarding India's threat to American's economy.

Harold Miller is a businessman and Auburn native. He may be reached at hmillermod@aol.com