There's this book I'm reading these days; 'We are like that only'.. Rama Bijapurkar. I came across some interesting trivia in one of the chapters where Rama is discussing the schizophrenic nature of consumer India, one of the key drivers being the different states;
"There is a story, hopefully apocryphal, about how a large prestigious business school, promoted by prominent members of India's diaspora and Indian industry in partnership with two Ivy League American schools, eventually found its home. They first decided to set up in Mumbai, since it is India's business capital. The government of Maharashtra, known for its parochial ideology, immediately demanded reservation. The delegation then went to Bangalore. The government invited the delegation to meet the CM who did everything Indian politicians are known to do - he was late for the meeting, distracted, said yes, yes, yes of course, but did not offer free land or any other benefit that should normally accompany such an initiative. They then moved on to Chennai and met the regional party in power in the state. They were met at the airport by people with garlands and then told that these garlands were for them to garland the CM of the state whom they were to meet for breakfast. The delegation then moved to Hyderabad. They were met at the airport with garlands - meant for them - and, hold your breath, recieved by the CM himself, who came with offers of free land and an agreement which would insulate them from all forms of bureaucratic interference from the department of education."
As soon as I finished telling this to my dad, he said, "and that's why the CM was overthrown..." :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Yeah i am familiar with this story.
I guess CM was overthrown coz there are always two points of view. India also lives in the villages where suicides by farmers had become a common thing. People like us always think that the country is progressing well and the reforms are having their desired effects. No doubt the country is progressing and reforms have helped, but the rich-poor divide has increased like anything. The CM was overthrown coz the ground realities are starkly different. If people were so sensible then Nuclear deal would have long been signed. But it is very depressing to see that realpolitik, as a concept, is missing from our political arena.
I just hope and wish that the politicians see some sense and not prevent us from achieving something that we are destined for.
Indeed, if you really want to see India, move from one state to other. In one of my journeys, i moved from a vilage from karnataka to tamil nadu. Tamil Nadu is better looked into as compared to other southern states. States like Karnataka and Andhra failed to cover complete picture. However, that is not a reson good enough to replace someone doing 50% gud with someone doing 0% gud. :)
prashant.. i totally appreciate your stand.. i actually knew the whole story.. just posted my dad's light comment on my 'discourse' to him.. :) but yeah.. i didn't know the ISB side of the story.. thought it would be an interesting read..
Post a Comment