The Indian entrepreneur’s idea of deshbhakti needs to change.
I’ve had the fortune of visiting China a few times in the last couple years. And while my comment might not sit well with most, China changed my perspective.
I moved back to India (and always wanted to) for one reason – apne desh ke liye kuch karengay.
For all the talent Indians have, and all that they bring to the table for companies across the world, I do think we would be better off re-evaluating our relationship with India.
Our relationship isn’t limited to Jana Gana Mana, a parade, religion, and politics. As an entrepreneur:
1. I must wake up with a sense of responsibility towards the lives I touch. My team, customers, vendors, and the local community.
2. I must convince myself that I am India. I am making it. Everyday. With each job I create, which each happy customer I serve, and with each rupees of tax I pay.
3. Yes, I want growth and wealth. But I must measure success in terms of my contribution to the lives of fellow-Indians. Entrepreneurship is painful but still a privilege. For not everyone gets to uplift and add real value.
4. I need to ask myself what this country needs most, and connect with its long-term vision. My day to day struggle must align with the solution my country needs in the long-run. I cannot be detached in a way that doesn’t weave my efforts into the success of my country. I must ask, mere yeh karne se desh aage badhega kya?
Why did I mention China?
When I spoke to the hundreds of people (mostly women) who were working long shifts at factories, they all shared one thing in common – their perspective on China. We have been uplifted, our work matters, and we will do whatever it takes to overcome the challenges that face our nation. Not in so many words, but in how they spoke about their growth and their work.
The entrepreneurs there are not just part of a small city that manufactures at scale. They are connected to the idea of China 10 years down the line. And they are keen on contributing to it. So much so that at expos, I could see them running after customers just to give them a glimpse of their booth. The level of desperation and dedication isn’t only due to a slowdown, it is, IMO, also due to a very mature form of patriotism.
Again, not looking for controversies, but just thought I’ll share this with those who are building every day – bring India into your conversations – it’s a relevant KPI.