Stay in India

After momentum is picking up on “Make in India”, this was to come. These two or three worded statements spoken by people with a large following, at the right moment in history, for their campaigns, have been the motivation and turning points of communities and nations. Remember Tilak’s famous words, still so true, still so sturdy. Mahatma’s “Quit India”, King Jr’s “We shall overcome”. I distinctly remember a scene from Attenborough’s “Gandhi”. A senior Tilak, meeting an already world -famous bar-et-law, M K Gandhi, saying, “Mohan Das, I am so happy to see your wearing your Kathiawar dress”. A man of Tilak’s intellect could read, that he has seen the man who shall shake the Imperial Empire.

“Stay in India”, the way I understand, has more to do with the spirit of Indian culture, the educated elite, the ambition for innovation, than an actual physical presence. It is not a dictate or hindrance to those seeking opportunities abroad. It is a declaration of the trends and trade, manufacturing units you shall own and run with your innovation. In a way, the first salute goes to those who fought odds, competed at global standards, and added prosperity to the countries they reside in, and are a source to fallback even for small FDIs.

India has the largest diaspora abroad, mostly in the US. Indians constitute 1.3 % of total US population. Furthermore, 8%of high-tech companies are founded by Indians. Total remittances by Indians abroad, NRIs, was a whopping $ 800bn in 2019. The definition includes them in “Stay in India”!

It seems the essence of the instinct partly got a spark from an un-explained aggressive stance by China. No doubt they have a disciplined work force (something to learn), their technology is not to be under-rated, cut-throat prices. But they tightened the “Belt” too early, and revealed no guarantees or compensation if one skids on the “Road”. We appreciate the way they built their economy. The difference is that in a democratic India, the PM cannot pass a Bill for a lifetime post. With the Covid pandemic, the tight purse strings, the need to generate employment with minimal profit margins, might even work-out attractive concessions.

Imagine, even if less than 1/3 rd of production coming to India, “Stay in India”, physically, financially, spirit wise, is an option people may start switching their bright minds too.

Better to capitalize on a “bet”, than to be mowed down under “debt”!

The opportunities that may open up right now, that may later be invested to technical and industrial ventures are industrialization of farming. Better tools, better knowledge through satellites of ground water levels. Low energy tractors and harvesters. Warehousing for storing crop 15% of which invariably is destroyed by rains. Basic treatment plants for extracting juice from orchards fruits, giving the farmer some segment of remuneration of a semi- finished rather than the flat prices of a raw product.

The glittering example of Amul, almost on the brink of scraping and later consolidating in the world market, already has millions of users overseas, Indians most certainly.

The persisting argument that Amul ice cream being a milk product, and therefore be exempt from excise, vs Kwality-Walmart, made out of vegetable oil remains. Nevertheless, in this country, marketing can be done on non-fattening effects of cow-buffalo milk! We just read about “Kisan Express”, dedicated to carry crops. A smart move to distribute crop in lucrative markets, and FCI to distribute in drought affected areas. Minister of Aviation, Mr Puri can organize “Kisan Air Cargoes” carrying Indian dairy and packed fruit products. That’s when the cow shall somewat jump over the moon! Spare passenger capacity can be compensated by cargo tariffs!

Indian Pharma, may go for tie-ups, and I sincerely hope we or our joint ventures cross the flag first in the vaccine race. Much of US depends on Indian generics, forcing Big Man Trump to make some equivocal remarks in an election year.

IT, is where Indians have a natural talent. Satya Nadella, Sunder Pichai are the right examples of “Stay in India”. Bound by the rules of their countries, they see their corporate interests first, but keep away from inter- nation, or lobby politics. Covid has forced distancing in IT working, with better connectivity.

Many with experience already inducted, may buy another farmhouse and work in similarly designed units as elsewhere. New recruits can have built-in cabins, and work with the main office. It saves money on real estate, and may be eligible to charge rent.

Medical instruments are in need. A ventilator is a complex gadget that needs to be highly reliable. But it is not rocket science. One or two major brands by the Indian biggies, and the market is immense. Both domestic and international. Jumbo oxygen cylinders are not always necessary. I have often used filter oxygenators, the size of a flat desktop home server. By series of charcoal layers, it sucks out 80% of the nitrogen, giving the patient close to 70-80% pure oxygen. No sounds, just plug to the normal switch board, and send a chronic respiratory patient home.

It is just a semblance as to how the world, professions, education, FMCG and manufacturing, most importantly, human priorities shall change.

Those who were bright enough to migrate, and are doing well, may look for investments in their country. I am not talking of patriotism or sacrifice. “Stay in India”, physically is an option for freshers who may enlist here, knowing the government protocols better, and work a fortune. However, no Indian policy prevents them from trying their luck elsewhere.

Every Indian is proud of the prosperous diaspora. They spread the nation’s identity.

Time for sowing the saplings of a fresh vibrant India

“Dil dey to is mizaj ka parvedigar de,

Jo ranj ki ghaDhi bhi Khushi se guzaar de”                            Daag  Dehelvi

(If God gives one a heart, let him also give such a temperament

That the tenure of pain too passes as a moment of elation)