i would consider india a real super power only when: * the basic issues pertaining to food, shelter, clothing, education, population and poverty are solved. * corruption is non-existent and there is complete transparency in all forms of governance.
am i expecting a bit too much without contributing anything? maybe yes. however not all is lost so i will keep my fingers crossed. jai hind !!
There is a lot of hype about India becoming a knowledge economy, global workshop, economic superpower, third largest economy by 2030 etc.,. My observations are : 1) Whatever international attention we got (rightly or wrongly) was mainly due to success in IT sector. 2) Our politicians (who hv done little or nothing towards this success) started capitalising on this international attention and play upon it for votes 3) We forget that IT sector success cannot be sustained unless : a) we improve infrastructure like roads, bridges,ports etc., (just see the pathetic condition of roads especially during rainy season in almost all cities including big cities like Mumbai , Bangalore or Chennai) b)train the people to have the right skills on massive scale for meeting the ambitious targets for BPO/KPO c) keep away from TRADE UNIONS (remember the bid from COMMUNISTS to pump in TRADE UNIONS) d) keep jealous politicians like DEVE GOWDA from criticising the succesful IT greats like Narayanamurthy. 4)There is no concentration on Key sector : Agriculture. & Village economy.This could result in discord between Rural & urban population and can even result in civil war
RE:Why India can't be a knowledge economy
by Ravikant on Nov 13, 2006 09:55 AM Permalink
India can't be a knowledge economy when it is content with doing BPO/ KPO work for other countries. So long as we Indians don't use the knowledge ourselves, for our own betterment, we would merely be Knowledge Coolies ( carrying the "Knowledge Headload" for others).The real power to use the knowledge will continue to remain with the developed countries with India being none the wiser. What we need is relevent and useful research that will stamp our own originality and will be useful for the betterment of our millions of people who are out of the economic system due to poor purchasing power. We cannot avoid politicians and the govt to provide legitimacy to peoples initiatives for the betterment of the society.The less said in this area the better. All this talk of transforming India into a " superpower", "economic powerhouse", etc is all baloney and hot air. The really prosperous countries continue to do their business and prosper while we talk and daydream.
Everything what Mr. Kalam said, and you have depicted can happen with these three important things. 1. There should be a corrupt free and a strong political will based government and Bureaucracy. 2. Education with English as a prime learning language should be given to more no. of people. 3. Our Infrastructure and population control measures for a shortterm basis has to be implemented on a war footing.
Lot of hype is written and conveyed thru articles. The reality is lot different. Let us first concentrate on how to improve the quality of man power in India, to handle KPO. The indians may fare well in IQ but not in written or oral communication. We always believe that we will succeed in anything that we do, without the right infrstructure. Let us improve ourselves, instead of creating hype about India.
RE:Why India can be global leader
by B. Karthik on Nov 12, 2006 02:23 AM Permalink
Yes I too agree with Srinivasan comment. Instead of dreaming about India becoming a global leader we should start finding way to improve basic infrastructure, standard of living.
Why India can be a global leader?
by labrea on Nov 12, 2006 12:34 AM Permalink
This rag is good at 'feel-good' articles, but a little reality check is in order - Indians, while talented, suffer from one major defect - their lackadaisical, chalta hai attitude, for fineness, of doing one's best at all times rather than doing just enough to get it done - maybe that's why over 90% of 'doctors' are quacks, why India's achievements in olympic sports is a joke - the lst goes on. A great nation is made up of great people who do and expect the best - chalta hai is not an option. So if current situation on the ground is any indication, India wil never be a leader, far less a global leader.
RE:Why India can be global leader
by Sandeep Salunke on Nov 11, 2006 03:27 PM Permalink
I agree with Srinivasan. We always beat out drums aloud even before we sight the tiger. In contrast, the Chinese have mastered the art of strategic acheivement in silence. But it's good to dream and set a vision... and I suppose Dr Jacob's article exactly does that.
