Wanted: Leader for a country
I was on a personal trip to India. It got extended to business.I wonder what has happened to me. A slave to time and money? Am I forgetting my roots? This thought hit me quite hard when one of my very close friend said that I sounded like a successful "CORPORATE" guy who has lost touch with the realities of life in India. I did not react to his statement as I have learnt that if someone as close as my friend is speaking his heart out, I should respect his opinion. After all, opinion is an opinion. It's his point of view. There could be truth in what he is saying, I thought. Also, it was a great opportunity for me to introspect and make some mid course correction to my career, if required. I did introspect and found some truth in his words.
Some numbers that I am yet to verify but has triggered some real thinking about the situation in India are as listed below.
- Over 53% of Indian live below 20Rs a day. Worst than animals in some countries.
- 70% of India's population depends on agriculture. Only 17% contribute to it directly.
- Less than 4% Indians are abroad but when they travel to India they generally pass comments on how bad the political system is and how things SHOULD be.
India's problems cannot be solved by technology. These are socioeconomic problems and technology can act as a catalyst. India needs strong leadership. It needs leaders who can understand these problems and bring about this positive change. These are real problems which are not going to vanish with a wave of the wand. There is a need for all of us to work towards this cause. There is an invisible divide between people based on religion, caste, region and income. These fault lines need to evaporate soon. The focus should now turn to
- Infrastructure
- Health care
- Education
- Job Creation (Extreme automation is detrimental to India's growth)
On my way back to the airport I asked my driver how he would want to serve the nation. He replied, " Sir, I earn 5,000 Rs. per month. I can contribute 200 Rs. every month from my income." That's 4% of his income. So, why can't I?
My friend was right. I am indeed a "CORPORATE", left brain guy.
posted by Mahendra @ 8:40 AM
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