Jairam's Jokes

"If a country of one billion people cannot become the third-largest economy, then we need to have our heads examined. What counts is per capita income," he said, reiterating that the new wealth has not spread to the vast majority. "Let's not go overboard about this idea of the 21st century being India's century. On a macro level it may be, but not in terms of lifestyle or earnings." " - Jairam Ramesh, Indian Commerce Minister,

While I disagree with his "giving up the race with China" comment, I feel this latest utterance brilliantly captures the fallacy of India's "preponed" superpower status. India needs to figure out the day to day mechanisms to feed, educate and heal its underpriviledged millions before it can start talking about affecting world politics. Yes, India's global billionaires and brilliant intellectuals are more than capable of changing the current world order, but these same talented individuals have no proven themselves patriots. Indian companies are not known for corporate social responsibility, Indian politicians are not known for their honesty and Indian intellectuals and media are often too high-and-might to deal with real-world-issues. Indians even export their social negligence abroad, with Indian companies being the most likely to bribe officials overseas.

India's economy is like its cricket team. Chock full of talented individuals with a great future and impressive global footprint. However, not one of them has the determination and guts to drag the entire team out of the mud when the chips are down. India needs pragmatic leaders to press the advantage and finish the game. Politicians like Ramesh are only a start, they need to be kept honest and effective by a vigorous and civic-minded private sector.

India will be super-power one day. Its inevitable. I just hope that its story will read more like the U.S's and less like the USSR's.