Subir Roy: Make high value in India

What former President A P J Abdul Kalam, a prolific writer, had to say on choosing the right path for India’s development has turned more relevant with glimpses into the contents of his last book Advantage India being published posthumously.

Most relevant are his views on how the signature policy initiative of the Narendra Modi-led government, “Make in India”, should be pursued. While seeking to turn India into a global manufacturing base is quite “ambitious” and there is need for “high aspirations”, one pitfall in particular has to be avoided, says Kalam. India must not become a “low-cost low-value assembly line” for the world as that would impose “a great price and pain to the people”.

The correct path, according to him, lies in going for original research to design, develop and manufacture in India by using its energy (youth), unique store of knowledge (wisdom of the ages) and institutional strength (democracy). Read More…