Reflections

Orientalism by Edward Said Book Summary Orientalism is a scholarly examination of European {and American} writing on Asia, examining the overall approach of western chroniclers and writers with regard to Asia, or as they prefer to call it, The Orient. It is a detailed exhaustive look at the tendency of the Western writers to look upon Asia with condescension, or rather, adopt a patronizing attitude towards Asian cultures and people in general. It examines the deep link between Western writing on Asia and Imperialism / Colonialism, and traces how it had an imprint right into the Modern world. The book traces through a range of writing on Asia and Asian Peoples, a rising tendency of condescension, and western superiority – which percolated into various aspects and topics of chronicling; indeed it also traces the origin of Eastern Orientalists, as the oppressed were co-opted. It establishes the persistent and now-endemic western penchant for prejudice deep into history...

This is   a book that I purchased for all of Rs. 30/- in a roadside second-hand book vendor in Camp Pune; a book that was discarded. After reading it, I am frankly surprised at the fact that this got discarded! Well, I certainly benefited big time from this largesse from my benefactor, whoever he or she was. Thanks a lot friend; I can only hope you procured a later edition. After reading it, despite its observed weaknesses, I can honestly state this is a must-read for everyone in Business. ABOUT THE BOOK The book is titled Managing in Turbulent Times; a venture in which is fails magnificently. But, as the movie dialogue of LOC Kargil stated – some goals are so worthy it is glorious even to fail . The book has failed – totally failed – in answering the problem it starts out asking; nonetheless, this deeply engaging, rewarding and informative book does give truckloads of value addition to the practicing Business Manager, even now – 30+ years after it was first penned...

The Big Day is here again, at least if we are to believe some segments of our population. This day is one shining example of Marketing & of Western Culture and its pull in our society. There are some who may hold that this Big Day is only a marketing tool; then there are those who may hold that this is the perfect example of the pull of the West… maybe, just maybe, both sides are right! What is this Big Day I am talking, or rather, to read the minds of those who avidly follow it – as they will say to this post of mine, jabbering about?  Well, it so happens that I am Jabbering On About VALENTINE’S DAY … THE HISTORY Just what is this day? What does it signify? And on earth do I have to set aside this day as an expression of love? What makes it so special? Let us look at it, and try and understand. As per website History.com, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day in the 5 th Century!  To quote infoplease website, The holiday's roots are in the anc...

ENTER PROTECTIONISM! Worldwide, the rise of so-called nascent protectionist tendencies has seen increasing focus in pink as well as white media; this is almost the flavor of the season. I don’t blame the media – the hyperbole emanating from society, social media as well as the political sphere justifies the focus on this theme. And so long as this focus causes an informed dialogue around this theme, it is a welcome development. We need a serious, informed debate in all Media around this tendency, or perceived tendency. I say perceived tendency; this may sound counter-factual. But stop a minute, and think through – is it really counter-factual? I am not denying the trendlines increasingly visible the world over; all I am asking is to abandon hyperbole, and focus on the facts. Isnt it a fact, for us developing nations in general – and India in particular {given I am an Indian} – that protectionism emanating from the Western economies has always been the exception rather than th...

There is an urgent need for history to be re-written, at least in India, and the real story to be told of India and its past – glorious as well as otherwise, one that so-called educated Indians call Fiction, which is in reality pure fact. The deleterious impact of the bullshit being absorbed by our citizens is there for all to see, and needs an entirely independent discussion. But the need for a retelling is now more acute than ever, given the half-informed trends in evidence regarding partition as well as our Vedic Past. Furthermore, the completely jaundiced and ridiculously one-sided view of India from the West { as well as our religious and political internalities} which tends to propagate  stereotypes and incorrect views and fears needs to be met head; firstly these have manifest real world problems that arise from them. Secondly, this one sided view going unchallenged in Academia as well as popular discourse gives an incorrect impression of us as a people, as well as p...

Make In India is, and has been for a while now, the buzzword and the favourite of the Media and the educated public alike; little space has been shared for the realities, or what precisely MII entails. It almost sounds like a new dawn of manufacturing, with   the excitement and the euphoria this slogan has generated. That by itself is most welcome; if people in India are gung-ho about manufacturing, that is indeed welcome, and helps to seed entrepreneurial spirit. The problem is the word Euphoria; excitement is needed, and a catalyst, and perhaps what the Government desires. The difficulty is the needless Euphoria around this term, which is almost a halo now. It almost sounds as if we have no manufacturing at all! We are ALREADY making in India, thank you very much. The challenge isnt Make In India : it is Create The Proper Conditions For Make Much More In India! Take the Auto Compenents Sector, for example. It is dominated by the Small and Medium Companies, some...