A Task Done!

Finally after a lot of persevering and dedication I managed to finish Friedman’s book The World is Flat in approx 2 months. I don’t remember me ever reading a 600+ page book completely or even for that matter a heavy course book. But let me admit that reading this was one of the best learning I got in terms of globalization, the present world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it – I wouldn’t have derived such enjoyment even from a Harry Potter novel.

Friedman emphasized very well the affects of how computer/new technology was affecting our lives, the job opportunities and how its going to change the social landscape in coming years. The best part was I could relate it to my field and visualize what all challenges this is going to throw up.

A lot of his arguments simply blew my mind; few of which I put up here.

• Good to Read     
• Hippies, Yuppies and now... Zippies
• Some more Lessons

Someone interested in the out-sourcing debate or why/how India has evolved into an IT power will also find it worth to read.

Some more Lessons

Here are another set of interesting conclusions that I could draw through my course of reading Friedman’s The World is Flat. Amazingly, these theories which he presented are spot on in the Indian context.

• Society’s ability and willingness to pull together and sacrifice for the sake of economic development

Well no need to list the protests against SEZs, highways and the tussle over land acquisition. India is still trying to find a middle path which would balance development and interests of those lying on fringes of this process.

• Presence in society of leaders with vision to see what needs to be done in terms of development

India has had a fair share of such visionary leaders but at present there seems to be a void. Amidst all the babas and fasts we are still searching for the leadership that has the willingness to use power to push for change rather than to enrich themselves and preserve status quo.