Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
IMAGINING INDIA
A cofounder of Infosys, India’s largest global IT such as an education system that leaves 40%
player, Nandan Nilekani has actively partici- of the population illiterate, unreliable water,
pated in the country’s rise over the last fifteen electric power, or transportation systems, and
years. That rise required dramatic transitions in a labyrinth of disconnected states that hold on
a country that used to be strongly socialist, to different taxes, rules and regulations.
highly bureaucratic and stubbornly averse to
change. Nevertheless, The most controversial part of Imagining India
today’s India still pre- is Nilekani’s discussion of ideas that he be-
sents high hurdles to lieves India still needs to embrace. For in-
those trying to set up a stance, he calls for the political class to be-
business, register pro- come less ideological and more business-
perty, or enforce a con- friendly, to reform education and improve la-
tract. Its infrastructure, bor, healthcare and pension systems. For
in spite of some im- each, the author outlines large-scale reforms.
provements, is still in- The reward for these transformations, Nilekani
ept and most levels of argues, is to fulfill the promise his young, impa-
the Indian government tient, vital and awake country holds.
remain averse to re-
form and innovation. Some critics view Nilekani’s vision as too IT-
centric and business-biased. Others argue that
Imagining India is primarily about ideas: the his views of the ‘demographic dividend’, and of
ideas that held India back, the ideas that al- information technology as a remedy for the
lowed it to forge ahead, and the ideas the country’s dismal infrastructure, are out of touch
country has yet to embrace. Nilekani argues with the realities of today’s India, which contin-
that at the heart of the new India is a transfor- ues to struggle with the pressures on educa-
mation of its self-image: the country’s tremen- tion systems, urban expansion, environmental
dous population growth, once seen as a bur- pollution, and many other areas that result
den, is now recognized as a boon, a 'demo- from the country’s rapid population growth.
graphic dividend’ that results from having one While there may be some truth to all of these
of the youngest populations in a graying world. concerns, the author’s observations and sug-
Among other such shifts are the country’s em- gestions, as a concerned Indian and as an out-
brace of the English language, once rejected sider to the country’s political system, provide
as a colonial relict, or the openness to technol- a fresh perspective and are undeniably worth a
ogy that shapes India’s new identity. Neverthe- closer look. If you care about the future of In-
less, the author assesses India’s contemporary dia, you should read this book.
problems with great candor. He flags issues
TM
Leadership Crossroads 6122 Bryan Parkway, Dallas, TX 75206 This book review solely represents the opinions and conclusions of its author.
469-233-3538 fax 214-764-6655 It does not claim to be accurate, complete, or objective.