Neat set of discussions on India Shining in an HBS Working Knowledge special report :

India: A Matter of Self-Confidence
Indiaís ongoing transformation from developing nation to economic powerhouse was the topic for discussion at the first India Business Conference, sponsored by Harvard Business Schoolís South Asian Business Association on April 4. The daylong event featured speakers and panel discussions on a range of issues. Our report looks at panel discussions on the future of India, capital markets, the retail industry, and VC and private equity funding.

India 2020: Emerging or Surging?
April 19, 2004
India has high hopes of raising annual GDP and lowering poverty. But it must overcome potential political instability, debt, & infrastructure shortages, for starters.

Ground-Floor Opportunities for Retail in India
April 19, 2004
India is overcoming tradition and poverty to create opportunities for retailers ready to take a chance on a new playing field.

What's New in India's VC and Private Equity Markets?
April 19, 2004
Last year, venture capital investment in India rose 31 percent to $774 million and is set to top $1 billion in 2004. What are the ins and outs of this fast-growing market?

The Indian Stock Market Rally: No Bubble Here
April 19, 2004
The spirit of India should be judged through its capital markets, said Naina Lal Kidwai, an investment banker and native of India who was a keynote speaker at the first HBS India Business Conference.

Nice contrast to a day spent at a financial institution, serving the lower 86% of India.  It was a real eye opener into state and district level politics and corruption that accompanies it.  The chairman of the institute was this illiterate lady, who had only just evolved from a 'thumbprint' (she was called 'angootha chaap' by the staff, which means an illiterate person who cannot even sign - so a thumb impression is taken as verification and on official documents) to learning   how to sign her signature.  Ensconsed in this opulent office, not a scrap of paper or document on her humongous   desk, in a bright shiny baby pink sari, head covered by the sari, she just stared and smiling blankly at us in response to any question - until we started talking about her children and other such pleasantries.  I handed her my card which she, without looking, handed over to her husband, who studied it carefully.

In the room were many of her family members - her kids on vacation from fancy boarding schools, her husband - an active politician, and a whole set of brothers in law - sisters - brothers. The husband was really answering all our questions, and seemed to be the seat of power, taking most decisions, and she, the 'elected' chairperson'.   Employees of the organisation told us in hushed tones that she's a mere 'puppet'. Also interesting to learn from them was, that of the 12 members of the Board - about 8 Directors too were 'angootha chaaps'.

This is a totally different side of India.  We have reservations for women, women's quotas and such people 'filling' these posts only reiterates why most men here feel women should stay at home.

This infuriates me.   Because women can be much more than 'puppets'.

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