This refers to T N Ninan’s column “Son of Brics” (August 27). The prediction about the Bric economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China) is not surprising. We are already seeing these countries attract big companies and transnational corporations from the developed world. Thus, the steady but sure transfer of economic power to the Bric countries is a foregone conclusion. However, everything is not going to be rosy. There are some major concerns, particularly for India.
First, economic growth would involve massive urbanisation and migration of millions from rural areas to towns and cities. Can we meet the challenges of such migration? The fact is that our cities are simply not geared to do so. Second, economic growth may be uneven across regions. We have still not addressed the discontent among people on account of poverty and deprivation. The political leadership in our country has to rise to meet the challenges of a growing population, poor infrastructure, low agricultural productivity, poor job growth in rural areas and chaotic growth patterns.
China has so far firmly dealt with rural discontent arising out of fast growth. But we cannot emulate the Chinese for obvious reasons. However, there is a lesson we can learn: pragmatism, hard work and dedication are the only keys to success.
Narendra M Apte, Pune
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