IMAGINING INDIA
Every country desires continued progress for improving the condition of its people. For this purpose, studies should be carried out to ascertain the present position, the reasons for non achievements and the actions to be taken now for a better future. Analysis and identification of the factors and help from all citizens are necessary, for realization of the various ideas. Besides Contents, Introduction and Conclusion, this book has four parts, which contain, eight, six, five and seven Chapters respectively. Part one discusses those points on which, views have changed, and today’s position of India is due to them. The large population of India is now considered an asset, and not a hindrance to growth. The Indian entrepreneur is now being accepted with respect, and globalization is being accepted as beneficial. Entry of multinationals in India is being accepted (as against fierce opposition earlier). Part two examines points having inadequate results in real terms. Full literacy is desired, but there are inadequate strategies, efforts and poor state of infrastructure in many of the schools. Earlier, efforts were made to curb the tendency of people in large numbers, migrating from villages to the cities, for earning livelihood. Now this trend has been accepted, and cities and towns are considered necessary for overall growth. Efforts are being made to create infrastructure facilities. Fewer rules are desired for interstate trade, which should not be restricted. Part three discusses those points, where there are no common view points, thus creating obstacles in the path of progress. Examples are control on higher education, and the role of the Government therein, and review of Indian labour laws etc. We should crystallize our views about matters like higher education, English, role of I T, globalization etc. through consensus; create jobs through innovative measures in various fields; arrange economic growth of all areas of the country; manage education properly through suitable policies; and adopt balanced approach in various matters. Part four discusses the challenging points necessary for better future, but which have not come in limelight prominently. Modern technology and Innovative ideas are needed for progress in fields like health, energy and environment. There should be a proper social security system and reasonable health system. There should be unity in thoughts for finding solutions to the problems, with no divisions based on language, region, caste, class and religion etc. We should frame innovative solutions for our problems, as per our conditions; enlarge scope of computerization; provide national ID number for all purposes for all Indians; arrange preventive health care and provide requirements of health; provide social insurance especially for the elders; arrange reforms in the field of pensions; manage environmental challenges properly; provide solutions for energy problems especially considering alternative sources; and adopt decentralized approaches. Conclusion states that, India has progressed confidently and substantially, in spite of problems, with opportunities in several fields, and hope and optimism in the air.
Innovation has been done by small and large Indian companies, and consumer requirements are being met. The sense of change now, is both urban and rural based. The middle class level is increasing. Education, entrepreneurship, globalization and urbanization are all leading to a better life. Entrepreneurship is getting a big boost. But several things of both extremes are associated e.g. existence of several institutes of world standards in technology and management, along with a very large number of school drop outs, constructing excellent roads for private use, along with inferior roads having shorter life for the general public, and the largest democracy in the world having very little improvement in the condition of the poor. Towards the end of the book, it has Notes (containing a list of 301 references), A time line of key events, Acknowledgements, Index and the comments of the famous writer Thomas L. Friedman. The contents of this book are based on rationale, but there could be differences of opinion. More important is the fresh analysis and diagnosis of the past. The author having interviewed about 120 persons, the book contains the thoughts of different thinkers, all for making India better. It does not blame any person for things not completed, poorly done or not taken up at all, but it focuses on various ideas, necessary for better future, and advises changes for success. It also provides facts and figures about the dangers. It cautions about some real harmful conditions, e.g. likely effects of global warming have been quantified, along with the actions and corrections required urgently. It mentions the difficulties, the country and the common man face in real terms. The bureaucracy is said to be opinionated. Some leaders are involved in double speak e.g. with their children studying in USA in the field of computers, they oppose computerization in India. India has been a predominantly agricultural economy. But the alarming finding regarding the ambitions of the children of the villages of India is that, none of the children surveyed wanted to become a farmer, but adopt any other profession. The author has brought out adequately, the points of the past and future, along with the suggestions, so that the dreams of the country can be realized. This book is considered relevant, worth reading and very useful for making the people wake up from their slumber, especially in the fields like business, media, public and the Gove