The title is not a metaphor or an allegory that caters to some perceptions of a morally corrupted country rolling on a cart wheel of mediocrity. No, it’s not that dramatic. It actually is more literal, suggesting India is a place attracting multinationals from various sectors, e.g IT, Pharma, Biotech. These companies outsource their job, which saves them money and helps maintain a healthy revenue /profit margin. For us Indians, not only this creates a lot of jobs, but also presents with an opportunity of cross training, at least for those who are willing to learn. Both sides happy, and it’s a win-win !!
Nothing wrong in that. In this era of open market and globalization accentuated by fierce competition, this is the new normal where political and cultural borders are crossed for economic benefit of all. The question I intend to raise today is a bit different and more relevant for us as Indians.
Be it in Melbourne, Helsinki, Cape Town, Vancouver or Tokyo, irrespective of the topography one will find Indian entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers and scientists, who have had the courage to take risks, innovate and achieve their dreams. If they can do it abroad, then why can’t we do it here? Or, is it as simple as those who were good had left India and thus are successful, the ones left behind are mediocre and therefore should not complain? Or is it because we would like to hide our failure behind the much abused excuse of not having the right environment in our country? Have we done anything to create a new environment or at least challenge the status quo? If not, then we don’t have the right to complain! Personally, I don’t think that either of those arguments are true and we should be able to achieve similar heights in Science and Technology in India, and all we need is some recognition and support.
Yes, we are cheap, but we are more! We have the INTENT, We have the SELF-BELIEF and We also have the CAPABILITIES! All we need is the awareness, amongst ourselves and our peers, that as Indians if we are ready to sacrifice, ready to rise above all mediocrity in our pursuit of excellence, then we can surely innovate. As and when that cognizance comes, the support should follow. Scientists will quit their high paying jobs for a start-up, investors will choose to risk money in funding the same rather than investing in the tried and tested real estate, and proud Indians will slowly and surely join the bandwagon of “Innovation in India” by Indians.
We don’t need the rest of the world to realize that India is more than just being cheap, we need us Indians to believe in ourselves and realize our true potential. We have people who quit being a CSO, sold their land and started a start-up, not knowing how to pay his employees the next month, but then out licensing his first drug candidate for millions of US$. We have people who have walked away from all the glory and money, started pursuing natural products, just because he believed in Indian heritage and himself. We need our Pharma and Biotech to believe that India is not just for generics and biosimilars, but the next lifesaving cancer drug can be discovered and developed in India. Our past failures should not dictate our future, we should actually learn from those mistakes and make the right choice.
In 2009, when I returned to India, I had this dream of discovering new drugs in India. Almost down a decade in that road, with multiple failures and limited success, I have neither given up on my dream, nor my hope. If nothing, I will ensure, that twenty years down the line, the post doc who returns from abroad with similar dreams will face a smoother road than I did, will get the recognition of his capabilities, intent and the required support. If a single person, reading this article pledges himself towards the same, I will assume this post have served its purpose.
Thank you for reading.
