India's Tech Paradox: Education System, Industrial Shifts, and Humiliation
India is often humiliated by the popularity of foreign brands and technologies. Why is this the case, and how can we change this paradigm?
1. The Education System's Paradox
The education system in India is often criticized for fostering a system where memorization reigns supreme. From elementary school to university, the curriculum is designed to test and reward rote learning over innovative thinking. This can be seen in how students who attempt to answer questions innovatively often fail or are disapproved of by teachers.
This leads to a lack of critical thinking and creativity among students. Over time, this results in graduates who are not only unprepared for the workforce but also lack the innovative spirit needed to drive technological advancements. It is paramount for the education system to shift towards rewarding and developing unique thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
2. Mindset Shift Against Making Money
India's cultural paradigm often frowns upon the idea of making money. This attitude can be seen as a barrier to entrepreneurial endeavors and technological innovation. Despite this sentiment, there are still many successful industrialists who contribute significantly to the nation's progress.
These industrialists are able to thrive and build international brands, proving that despite the negative attitudes, success and wealth creation can still be achieved. It is important to encourage a more positive attitude towards money-making and entrepreneurship to drive further technological advancements.
3. Humiliation and Middle Class Tax Contributions
The middle class in India often feels humiliated by the dominance of foreign brands and technologies, especially when taxes paid contribute to building these foreign products. The taxation burden is heavy, but many question how effectively the funds are used.
It is crucial for policymakers to ensure that the monies collected are not wasted or misused by corrupt officials but are instead invested in building indigenous technology and innovation. This shift in priorities is necessary for a truly self-sustaining and technologically advanced nation.
4. Historical Context and Priorities
To understand why we lag in technology, we must look at the historical context. Post-independence, India faced significant challenges in infrastructure development, especially in medical and technological sectors. For instance, the first AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) was established in 1956, well after independence, due to a generous grant from New Zealand under the Colombo Plan.
Moreover, it took until 2013 to establish a second AIIMS, a mere 57 years post-independence. Similarly, the growth in IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology) seats from 1961 to 1995 was non-existent, whereas today, we have 17,500 IIT seats, almost double the number. These delays were not due to a lack of initiative but a misplaced focus on other priorities.
5. Scientific Hardship and Entrepreneurial Growth
The journey to technological innovation has been marked by significant hardships. Indian scientists had to work with meager resources, leading to iconic moments such as launching rockets on bicycles and using bullock carts for transport. These stories highlight the resilience of our scientists, but also underscore the lack of support from successive governments.
In stark contrast, some leaders have opined excesses in personal life, such as the use of private planes for transporting cigarettes and taking vacations on aircraft carriers. This stark difference in priorities reflects the resource allocation and focus of our nation.
However, there has been a recent paradigm shift. With a robust logistics sector, a world-class network of roads, and the implementation of schemes like PLI (Production Linked Incentives), India is well-positioned to build everything domestically. This decade belongs to India, and the current leadership is committed to ensuring top-class products and innovation.
Conclusion
The humilation felt in India is multifaceted and rooted in several systemic issues. By improving the education system, fostering a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, and ensuring effective use of public funds, India can overcome this tech paradox. The future is promising as long as we focus on our true priorities: building a technologically advanced and prosperous nation.
References:
New Zealand under the Colombo Plan World-class logistics and road infrastructure PLI (Production Linked Incentives) scheme