The Economist recently ran a series of articles with the theme “Contest of the Century”. The cover page depicts two arm-wrestlers, a dragon and a tiger prominently tattooed on their biceps.
A billion each. In a couple of years, Economies #1 and #2, when measured in a certain way. Nervous neighbours, with only the mighty Himalayas in the way.
I’ll admit though, that I am clearly pessimistic. About India’s chances. My latest trip to Delhi left me feeling no better. As our bullocks steadily amble on the road to progress, they have switched to high-speed rail. Every time we bring a spoon to a pot, they bring ladles. And, so on…
Yet, the optimists have a few points. The younger billion. English. A mean entrepreneurial spirit (vocalised by the troupe of hooligans who picked up our bags at Delhi airport, uninvited, and charged us a handy sum after having largely loitered about in the carpark). Being on the right-ish side of the line with the incumbent superpowers.
As always, I sense we are leaving it to the last day on a crumbling pitch. For hope, we have a messy democracy as our Tendulkar.
No comments:
Post a Comment