A few days back I read a nice article in Mckinsey Quarterly by Prof Tarun Khanna on Nurturing Entrepreneurship in Indian villages.
Here is the link (registration required):
http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/Strategy/Globalization/Nurturing_entrepreneurship_in_Indias_villages_2237
I posted my comments on the article. Here is what I wrote -
The lack of homogeneity in wealth distribution in India is shocking. The world relates India with the glass towers in Gurgaon and Bangalore. What it does not see is the real India that lives in Indian villages.
In 2000 during my stint as the Sales Manager of a Large Indian CPG company I had an opportunity to visit the most remote villages in Orissa (one of India's poorest states). During a visit to the Kalahandi(Koraput) region (area rich in coal)an unusual site greeted me. I always knew that this was one of the poorest places in the world where laborers slaved in sub-human conditions for less than $1 per month income. The shocking part was, the number of Mercedes Cars I saw there on that day in 1999 was far greater than what one might expect to see even in the most affluent parts of New Delhi.
This article by Professor Khanna touches a pertinent issue and suggests a relevant potential solution. However, the magnitude of task on hand is unfathomably large. It calls for a combined effort from not only from large corporations but also small businesses. Just think,how powerful India would become if each business with an annual revenue in excess of Rupees one crore (~$200,000) were to support one entrepreneurial initiative in a small town or village.
I am suggesting a "mass entrepreneurial movement" at a level that has never ever happened in India. However, there would be numerous road blocks that would have to be surmounted. It also does not help that we as Indians are not the best team workers. There has to be a force or forces that keeps the movement united and focused. Media's role would be critical.I already see and know of localized examples of inspired work. It just needs to be amplified a million times.
There is hope. The Indian youth today is developing an increasing level of social consciousness. There is this willingness to "go beyond".
- Udayan Bose
I posted my comments on the article. Here is what I wrote -
The lack of homogeneity in wealth distribution in India is shocking. The world relates India with the glass towers in Gurgaon and Bangalore. What it does not see is the real India that lives in Indian villages.
In 2000 during my stint as the Sales Manager of a Large Indian CPG company I had an opportunity to visit the most remote villages in Orissa (one of India's poorest states). During a visit to the Kalahandi(Koraput) region (area rich in coal)an unusual site greeted me. I always knew that this was one of the poorest places in the world where laborers slaved in sub-human conditions for less than $1 per month income. The shocking part was, the number of Mercedes Cars I saw there on that day in 1999 was far greater than what one might expect to see even in the most affluent parts of New Delhi.
This article by Professor Khanna touches a pertinent issue and suggests a relevant potential solution. However, the magnitude of task on hand is unfathomably large. It calls for a combined effort from not only from large corporations but also small businesses. Just think,how powerful India would become if each business with an annual revenue in excess of Rupees one crore (~$200,000) were to support one entrepreneurial initiative in a small town or village.
I am suggesting a "mass entrepreneurial movement" at a level that has never ever happened in India. However, there would be numerous road blocks that would have to be surmounted. It also does not help that we as Indians are not the best team workers. There has to be a force or forces that keeps the movement united and focused. Media's role would be critical.I already see and know of localized examples of inspired work. It just needs to be amplified a million times.
There is hope. The Indian youth today is developing an increasing level of social consciousness. There is this willingness to "go beyond".
- Udayan Bose
I completely agree with you but my only concern is when you say - The Indian youth today is developing an increasing level of --------to "go beyond.
In Villages the pressure on a Youth is to earn faster.Their pressures are different from the metro guys.
Mass Entreprenurial Movement- What according to you can be the design?
Posted by: Tulika | April 28, 2009 at 04:13 AM