AUTHOR: DR AK AGARWAL
PUBLISHED: 2016
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
NO OF PAGES: 256
INDIAN INDUSTRIALISATION TRAJECTORY REDEFINED
In a changing world, it is imperative today to develop deep-rooted strategic engagement of nations for mutual benefit, pence and prosperity. This is exactly the policy that Modi government is pursuing. In the contest of how India should engage with the world, Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, said, “the culture of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet”.
India is equipped with big bunk (if factors in its favour – intellectual power, research bent of mind, age-old entrepreneur, ship, vibrant and deep-rooted democracy, rich culture and heritage, high degree of religious tolerance, peace loving citizens, internationally recognised legal/ accounting systems, rich natural resources, self-reliant agriculture and many more. From this, it is quite evident that India just cannot be ignored in the world scenario, not only in terms of its area and population, but also in terms of its economic prowess. On the state of the global economy, Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, IMF, has this to say, “Among emerging economies, if there is any growth that is in India. India is among the few bright spots in the global economy.”
It is a well proven fact that lace-to-face interaction is by far the most result-oriented option than exchanging official mail via electronic and other media. American writer, Felicia Hay, was not off the mark when she said, “Social media is an amazing tool, but it’s really the face-to-face interaction that makes a long-term impact”. The storm created by Prime Minister Modi by forging long-term strategic relationship with the world leaders, during his visits to diverse part of the globe, is bound to have positive consequences and this redefined trajectory is set to enter a new orbit.
Narendra Modi government has provided the right vision, ensuring stability in policies and robust direction. Now it is a challenge and responsibility of all the citizens of India to develop the flexibility to achieve optimal results. The ups and downs arc bound to come, hut these would need to be overcome. A classic example of this is a flock of birds flying in exact formation. The birds dynamically change their course here and there, but they still manage to maintain the trajectory by error-free teamwork to reach their destination.
Technology has made the world smaller and hence the right engagement is perhaps single most characteristic which defines the country in a winner’s seat. Eduardo Paes, the Brazilian author, states, “Globalisation has produced a new level of interdependence among us. Economic integration is the first strong evidence of a new era.”
Dr AK Agarwal is a technocrat with over 30 years of experience in augmenting the growth in hi-tech companies and in spearheading successful global business alliances. He has developed deep insights in innovating resilient leadership. He has travelled to diverse parts of the globe, extensively interacted with the international business community and intelligently carved out a niche in technology management and innovation, within the conceptual framework of flexibility. Dr Agarwal is a perfect blend of philanthropist, industrialist and academician. He has a representation in various professional bodies – at national and international levels.
“Sound strategy starts with having the right goal.”
Michael Porter, Professor, Harvard Business School
Today, globalisation is opening many doors for countries, irrespective of whether these are emerging countries or developed ones. According to Eduardo Paes, a Brazilian author, “Globalisation has produced a new level of interdependence among us. Economic integration is the first strong evidence of a new era.”
India is equipped with big bank of factors in its favour — intellectual power, research bent of mind, vibrant and deep-rooted democracy, rich culture and heritage, high degree of religious tolerance, peace loving and patriotic population, internationally recognised legal/ accounting systems, rich natural resources, self-reliant agriculture and many more. From this, it is quite evident that India just cannot be ignored in the world scenario, not only in terms of its area and population, but also in terms of its economic prowess. On the state of the global economy, Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, IMF, has this to say, “Among emerging economies, if there is any growth that is in India. India is among the few bright spots in the global economy.”
Add to this the intellectual resource ‘drained’ out of India that fuels the industries and technologies of the developed world today and there is no doubt that India remains the promised fertile land of opportunities that are yet to be encashed. India is now notching up to assert itself on the world stage and the storm created by Prime Minister Modi by forging long-term strategic relationship with the leaders of the world, during his foreign visits, is bound to have positive consequences.
It is a well proven fact that face-to-face interaction is by far the most result-oriented option, than exchanging official mail via electronic and other media. American writer, Felicia Day was not off the mark when she said, “Social media is an amazing tool, but it’s really the face-to-face interaction that makes a long-term impact.”
India has been a key contributor to Paris agreement on climate change because of healthy relationships created with most of the countries in the world, as a reflection of strategic visits by PM Modi. The outcome was visible in Paris Summit for Climate Change Agreement. India’s voice was not only heard and welcomed, but was also included to a large extent. Climate change convention in Paris throws up a different challenge as well as opportunities to the industries in India, as well as to climate change scientists.
The international wave generated by Modi has not only brought India into the world’s notice, but has also given a new roadmap to the country’s industrialisation. The world’s attention is getting focussed on India and is goading the country to build its infrastructure to meet the new demands. This initiative has certainly woken up India from its sloth.
Programmes that have far-reaching effects are already making waves, such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’, ‘Start up India’, ‘Digital India’, and others. This has all the makings of giving India self-reliance.
From time immemorial, India and Korea enjoyed a deep-rooted relationship in the fields of culture, history, trade, industry and diplomacy. While India is bigger in size, population and, more importantly, cultural diversity, Korea is much advanced in industrial development. The model of industrialisation followed by Korea can be a good benchmark to implement, particularly in India where, like in Korea, spiritualism is more valued than materialism. In addition, combination of large conglomerates called Chaebols and strong bank of SMEs have been the backbone of growth in the Korean economy. There are thus huge opportunities for cooperation between the two countries if India effectively utilises Korean firms as partners in its process of industrialisation. Strong and competitive SMEs would promise economic prosperity in the largest democracy on the planet. This is important for true globalisation and world peace.
The book authored by Dr. AK Agarwal, who has also written a previous bestseller Management by Walking, is a brilliant take on the trajectory being redefined in the industrial sector in the wake of Modi’s foreign initiatives. Written in simple language, the book makes for stimulating reading for all. The book presents deep insights of the future shaping of industrialisation in India, which makes it a remarkable tool for business leaders across the globe to sharpen their strategies, while doing business in this great country – India.
In the concluding chapter, On the Home Turf – The Road Ahead, the author presents the improvements that are needed in India to make Modi’s initiatives a success. More so, since these initiatives have made India a global magnet that is attracting a host of developed and developing countries. It is time that collectively all citizens of India understand the new ground realities without losing any more time.
It is pertinent to put forth here the arguments of Henry Ford, Founder of the Ford Motor Company, who says, “If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s angle as well as from your own.”
Prof. Choelsoon Park
Professor, Seoul National University, Korea, Former Chairman, Board of Directors, Sinhan Bank, Korea,
Member, Editorial Board, Long Range Planning (Elsevier) & Faculty, London Business School, UK
“The book should be read by all business leaders all over the world. This unfolds relevant roadmap regarding industrialisation in India.”
Prof K Ramamurthy Naidu, Chancellor, Vignan University
“This book covers the remarkable foreign policy agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and how he puts India in its right place as a leading political and economic world power.”
Bernhard Steinruecke, Director General, Inch-German Chamber of Commerce, India
“The book is a robust gift for anyone who loves India and keen to do industrial activity in this beautiful country.”
Zbigniew Magdziarz, Counsellor & Head of Trade and Investment Promotion Section, Embassy of the Republic of Poland, New Delhi, India
“The book is ideal reading for global business leaders having interest in the world’s largest democracy i.e. India.”
Anna Bengelsdorff-Lindstedt, Chairman, Suomen Vaimennin Oy, Finland
“The book is written at right time….surely useful for industry leaders.”
Sunil Kanoria, President ASSOCHAM
“Rarity and originality is amply visible. Content is rich. Interesting!”
Seungyung Roh, CEO, Korea Express Air, Korea
“I have come across first time this kind of book on Indian Industrialisation and I found very useful to understand the complex evolving Indian reality which is vibrant and resilient.”
Silvano Brandi, Former CEO, GE- Signaling (Europe)
“The book is well written and is being released at the relevant time.”
Nalin Jain, President & CEO, GE Transportation and Aviation, South Asia
“The book strongly unveils present Indian leadership’s emphasis that sustainable growth of Indian economy requires rapid industrialisation through FDI and internal funding. It will encourage all investors.”
Dong Seok Choi, Regional Chief Director General for South Asia, KOTRA (Embassy of the Republic of Korea), New Delhi
“Rich and remarkably written book.”
Prof Sushil, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi