Modernizing the World's Largest Democracy
India's Poor Performance Compared to China
Let’s face it; I will never be Indian! Nonetheless, over the past 15 years I have come to love the country and its people. In the process, I have created an industry, and served as a catalyst for many innovations sorely needed.
It is in the spirit of my role as catalyst, that I decided to create the “Developing India” social network. I had thought about proposing to write a column for Indian newspapers, and might still do that, but I decided that I first need to demonstrate the quality of my thought. I plan to develop this blog as a series of columns, which might reasonably appear in the Indian press. I intend to say things, which may be tough for Indians to hear, with the objective of causing Indians to talk among themselves about solutions, which I and others might offer. I am sure I will be criticized, in the fullness of time, but nothing worthwhile comes for free, so bring it on!
Recently, I have been critical about the slow progress of the Indian economy compared to China’s. The excuse I hear from some in high office is that China is totalitarian, and therefore can make changes more easily than “The World’s Largest Democracy.” To me, this is bologna! China is a communist state, which believes in Capitalism; while, in my view, India is a Democracy, where large parts of the bureaucracy and many politicians believe in Socialism. That is the fundamental difference, in my view. The result is that India’s economy is only 40% of China’s. While India is growing fast, at upwards of 9%, based on looking at its own past performances, it would have to grow at 23% to even keep up with China. Many of my Indian friends have talked of “The Indian Century.” Regretfully, that will not start until India can at least keep up with its competitors to the north.
Check back here often for updates. I’ll provide a column at least once per week.
It is in the spirit of my role as catalyst, that I decided to create the “Developing India” social network. I had thought about proposing to write a column for Indian newspapers, and might still do that, but I decided that I first need to demonstrate the quality of my thought. I plan to develop this blog as a series of columns, which might reasonably appear in the Indian press. I intend to say things, which may be tough for Indians to hear, with the objective of causing Indians to talk among themselves about solutions, which I and others might offer. I am sure I will be criticized, in the fullness of time, but nothing worthwhile comes for free, so bring it on!
Recently, I have been critical about the slow progress of the Indian economy compared to China’s. The excuse I hear from some in high office is that China is totalitarian, and therefore can make changes more easily than “The World’s Largest Democracy.” To me, this is bologna! China is a communist state, which believes in Capitalism; while, in my view, India is a Democracy, where large parts of the bureaucracy and many politicians believe in Socialism. That is the fundamental difference, in my view. The result is that India’s economy is only 40% of China’s. While India is growing fast, at upwards of 9%, based on looking at its own past performances, it would have to grow at 23% to even keep up with China. Many of my Indian friends have talked of “The Indian Century.” Regretfully, that will not start until India can at least keep up with its competitors to the north.
Check back here often for updates. I’ll provide a column at least once per week.
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2 Comments
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Comment by Donald ("Skip") Conover on July 2, 2008 at 6:17pm - Rahul, you have every reason to be proud of being Indian, and this site is not about that. I have found over 15 years of working with India that I can be a catalyst for change by causing Indians to talk among themselves about the problems India faces. My only purpose is to see modernization take place faster. If I can facilitate that, I feel my effort here has been worthwhile.
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Comment by Rahul Sharma on June 30, 2008 at 12:23pm -
Hi Donald,
You are absolutely right,but inspite of all this i am proud to be a indian.
Thanks&Regards
Rahul Sharma
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