Funny, I spent two years in India, setting up the India division of Global Village Unlimited, but had no time to blog! Why you would think, considering all the wonderful stories you may have missed out on! Simple! We were slogging! We have now set up a successful operation in india. Our next stop - United Kingdom. We have relocated to London to set up our Europe presence.
So, lot's of juicy India stories ....
I grew up in India (well I am still growing up), in the city of Mumbai. Much has changed in the time that I have been away. I have lived overseas most of my adult life now. The biggest change I see is in the materialism. More people have disposable income compared to when I was growing up. The middle class, which is about 40 percent of India's population has excess of income that most had not heard of. Even the younger generation have better access to opportunities through BPO set ups, for instance.
This has given rise to glossy shopping malls (you could be in any part of the world once you enter these malls), global brands, global cuisines, multiplexes, cars, luxury items...international schooling, etc. all, creating a new India. An idea that is not going to look back.
No wonder on a flight from anywhere in the world into india, makes one wonder if one has boarded the wrong flight. International companies are all making their way to a india. fTA with India is the next big mantra. Prime Ministers with their entourage with senior delegation of the largest corporate companies are all making a diplomatic visit to India.
But, do they really understand the real India? Do they really want to understand India?
I have the pleasure of being on both sides if the table. I have seen the Indian companies getting all excited about "imported" opportunities. I have also heard the same biggies from overseas passing very immature, silly comments about India. Funnily enough, New Zealand still thinks that the biggest USP between india and New Zealand and India is Sir Edmund Hilary, Cricket and English! A what!! Can someone get the government better advisers pls? Oh, yes not to forget one other interest. Bollywood!
Seriously, this kind of BS gets me going. There is so much more to India than that....and the slums p,ease, if you would care to "see"!
