India's Promising Future

"If India keeps growing as fast as it is now, it will change the world. Optimists predict that it will be the next China, only friendlier and more democratic."


After reading both articles "India's surprising economic miracle" and "A bumpier road but freer road"on The Economist website, I noticed the comparison between China and India and the roles of these Asian countries play in the Globalization era. Both articles point out similarities and differences between both countries. "India's surprising economic miracle" is brief but informational and optimistic for the potential growth of India. While "A bumpier road but freer road" is broader and extensively detailed about the potential of India compared to other countries.

There are two main points that the author from "India's surprising economic miracle" highlights in the article. The first one is the demography. The demography in India is much younger compared to China whose one-child policy might decelerate their progress as a world power. This is also mentioned in the article "A bumpier road but freer road" which displays the following graph about their demographics:

The second factor that the author from "India's surprising economic miracle" mentions is the structure and differences between the governments of China and India. India's capitalist economy is run by millions of entrepreneurs while China's central government monitors and controls the country. Most companies are pressured by stockholders to do business with China because of their magnitude and power as leaders in the business world. While other optimists see the potential of India and find it easier to deal with their government.

"Ideas flow easily around India, since it lacks China’s culture of secrecy and censorship. That, plus China’s rampant piracy, is why knowledge-based industries such as software love India but shun the Middle Kingdom."

Discovering India

After watching Discovery Channels' "The other side of outsourcing" for the second time, my curiosity is to see how India has grown since Tom Friedman's visit in 2005. Outsourcing has effected the middle class in the United States as much as it has affected India's middle class. It has empowered the million of Indian citizens boosting the Indian economy. In addition, the opportunity provided by these multi-national companies has given young India an optimistic view to become a superpower.

One of the most interesting topics that Friedman spoke about was families whose traditions may be affected due to globalization. Friedman mentions the clash between new world economy and old world societies. In the new world economy former third world countries are now becoming essential parts of the global economy creating new job markets in these countries that never existed before. While the old world society is full of traditions and rituals that may change due to influence from other cultures. The youth in India who work at companies like Infosys earn a consistent salary and gain financial independence affecting family life and traditional rituals. This financial independence has empowered the youth to live a different life .The difference between traditional and contemporary life in India will continue be an issue between the older and younger generations in India.

India's substantial population creates a competitive advantage. The multi-national companies who have invested in this nation have seen great turn out. It has not only cut down their labor cost but it has also provided a great advantage for these companies because only the best talent is chosen out of millions of applicants. Friedman interviewed a supervisor and she explains that these young workers have disposable income which empowers them in their purchasing habits. For instance, an example given by an RSS board member who mentions Valentine's Day as an example of changes due to Globalization. Marketers look to gain consumers by advertising, and this is what is happening in India. Young Indians are being influenced by the media changing their outlook on the world.

As much as India has developed and grown in the new century, there are still many rural areas who have not seen the impact of globalization. There is a clash between the traditional and contemporary way of life. This shows the great potential that this nation has. The impact that this country may possibly have in the world remains to be seen.

Embarking on a New Adventure!

Subconsciously, I have been anxiously counting down the days until my journey to India. In approximately 48 hours, we will be boarding Air India via Bombay and I now feel ready to embark on this adventure. Even though I am sure I will not enjoy the 15 hour plane ride, I do look forward to furthering my understanding of globalization. I believe the experience that I will gain during these two weeks will be much greater than listening in any seminar. I am ecstatic to start the year of 2011 in southern India with my Bridgewater State University professors and classmates.