WHY INDIA?

 

The world's largest (most populous) democracy has emerged as a major global power since the end of foreign rule in 1947 and subsequent decades which were marked by economic closure.  Independent India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, dreamed of an egalitarian, socialist, society and created a vast public infrastructure.  From the late 1980s the picture started to change as India started to encourage economic reforms and foreign investment, to great success.  It is now courted by the world's leading economic and political powers, including China and Brazil and its large pool of skilled workers makes India a very popular choice for international companies, especially those seeking to outsource work. 

 

India has made particularly important progress in the field of information and communication technology, satellite technology and has a multi-billion dollar cinema industry whose films are among the most widely watched in the world.  Although its well recognised and increasing middle class is a testament to India’s economic success, widespread poverty and illiteracy still exist, especially in rural areas and are exacerbated by long held religious and cultural practices.  India’s biggest challenge in the 21st century will be to find a way to give all its citizens a chance to profit from its gains. 

 

 

click here to see and hear the fellows' own impressions of 'why India...?'

Indian man at Laptop

 

Talent & Enterprise Task Force                 The Department for Children, Schools and Families                  The British Council