"Confronting" India

We are finding India very much an "in your face" experience. By this I mean that it really confronts you and causes you to question some of your assumptions and ways of life. I'm not "having a go" here, rather, to understand the experience of visiting India, I believe you must recognise these common themes:
Poverty - This is an omnipresent element, being visible most any place you turn. From roadside shanties, to beggars (e.g., women with little babies) who tap on the window of your car asking for money. It can be very, very distressing.
Dust & Dirt - It is the dry season here and everything seems to be covered in a patina of dust. This also tends to accumulate besides the roads, in front of shops, etc. into piles of dust/dirt that makes for a drab and run-down appearance. This also affects the trees - we'd love to see this place after some rain. Added to this factor is that at various crossroads, corners, etc. there are seemingly "small rubbish dumps" with household waste and debris lying about in the open, or in the open drains.
Traffic Snarl - The traffic here simply must be experienced to be believed. I'm going to write on this separately as it is such a fascinating phenomenon - the absolute chaos as vehicles and pedestrians of all types seemingly follow their own plans, directions, and rules, yet all safely (?) achieve their goals. I consider myself quite a decent driver, but I would not consider driving here at all unless it was an emergency.