One would be appalled by the number of articles being written in op-eds, editorials on how to revive America and its growth story. People debating on contradictory stands, some forecasting doomsday and others shoving off any pessimism in its capabilities. It is also not surprising to call "Policy Paralysis" of India, the latest fashion in newspaper reports being used everywhere for everything. The parallels of both countries have to end here i.e growth story, revival of economies and growth rate. The content is widely different and poles apart.
While world intellectuals point out to the Chinese dragon and limits of Capitalism as reasons to doom, the American intelligentia defends showing its infrastructure, mature and stable markets and competitive environment. They go on suggest that if US was to fall in line and reclaim its lost torch it should harness its 'innovation' potential and financial markets to further the growth. All their suggestions can be broadly boiled down to work better, ask people to innovate and invest in profitable and novel ideas. Our Indian counterparts are very modest and 'populist'. They never blame or even call for action from people, they always and inevitably blame the government for all wrongs in this country. It is but irony that these very intellectuals champion that the development that happened is outside the government but still want everything to be done by government.
Though I might have made overly simple in showing the differences in American and Indian imagination, the difference is stark and truth. We were and are always comfortable in blaming others for mistakes but taking credit ourselves for success. Why don't they ask people to start new business? Why don't they fight to harness the innovations? Why don't they debate on business environment for Micro,Small and Medium enterprises? All the newspaper discussion is centred around people and business with deep pockets and lengthy balance sheets, who could any way get things done. We complain there are no Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs here. They started small and grew big, they innovated and succeeded. But these small start-ups, innovations are never part of main-stream discussion. All we seem to care about is FDI from US, Korea, Europe, Japan etc. I feel its high time that we start caring about ourselves, start introspecting where we lack and what are our plus points. I feel INNOVATION is the key.
I wouldn't restrict innovation to its general application in technology and business. I seek to see innovation in thinking, in ideas, in applications, in models, in processess. There is a huge scope for innovation in industries, in universities, in businesses. There is a need for innovative thinking for public policy and its working at various levels, in our approach for inclusive development and economic growth. Innovation should also be in how we look at ourselves and this country. People shouldn't be restricted to the existing paradigms but explore new avenues. Innovation is the solution to the pressing challenges of this country, which is on its journey to greatness. I would prefer to build base and utilise peoples power than worry of Gods at the top.
' "Disturb the Pattern, Introduce Anarchy" in innovation'
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