I do agree with Mr.P.V.Hariharan that there are many problems with the politicians and the bureaucrats. In spite of these problems, industry has flourished in India especially after the liberalisation of Indian economy in 1991. What I was suggesting was that the government should take initiative to harness this resource, Indian professionals abroad, like the Chinese government.
Since India is a democracy, Indians and NRIs have the opportunity to take up initiatives in education - primary, secondary, college and university - at all levels. This will empower India, especially the younger generation. Let us remember that in China, only the government take initiative.
Corruption and poor governance are the reasons for most of India's problems. This could be tackled only by people themselves. NRIs can join the efforts.Transparency is the key and computer/internet/software have the potential to curb them, if not abolish them.
Many NRIs are helping education and health in many ways. It would be better if they form an association to become more effective and also bring it to the notice of the people.
I remember that the idea of connecting rivers was mooted during the time Dr.K.L.Rao was the water resources minister. If efforts were initiated at the time, our water problems would have been solved by this time. Floods and droughts are the recurring themes of Indian economy. If enough water is made available to our farmers, India could be the food basket of the world. If a programme of connecting rivers in a small way was undertaken, it would have given us the confidence to do it all over India. It would have created employment to a large number of people and given boost to agriculture. It is not too late even now.
India and Indians have to be bold and ambitious. We have the physical resources and skilled man-power. But we do not have a bold leadership.
( A response to Mr.P.V.Hariharan's sad and bad experience of Indian professionals who returned India who were not able to contribute because of political and bureaucratic indifference in karmayog.com).
August 23,2009.
