I just came across this interesting news article on MSNBC that blames textbooks for America’s downtrend in technological and scientific leadership at the global level. The article goes on to say that textbooks in American schools are too thick, archaic, and politically motivated. All sounds good until the article mentions that one of the reasons why India is doing so great in the knowledge and service economy is because of the good textbooks and school systems.
I have studied at Government schools for the most crucial years of my pre-college …

I was reading the news today, when I came across news that the results of the IBM ACM-ICPC World Finals had been announced. This is a very prestigious programming contest that begins at the regional level and then goes onto the international level, with exciting prizes and recognition for the winners and runners-ups.
I had the opportunity to participate in the 2000 ACM ICPC Asia regional contest at IIT Kanpur. Although, my team did not score an entry into the prestigious finals, I am proud to have represented Kanpur University at …

I enjoy meeting people and sharing views, and what’s more interesting than listening to an Indian born American citizen lament the phenomenon of open poverty in India! I had one such experience yesterday while sitting at a dinner table. We were talking about the emerging economies of globally delegated business visions when the focus changed to India’s fight against poverty. Now, I am not one to argue that there is no poverty back home. Sure, more than 25% of India’s population lives below the official poverty line. What I do …

Democracy in India reduces its overall rate of economic growth by about 1%. Startling as it might sound, it is a good price to pay. International investors as well as companies love to put their money in a non-authoritative regime. This is evident by the fact that although everyone has money in China, they have faith in India. Can we overtake China? Definitely. Is it a distant dream? Not at all. We’re only like 15 years behind China when it comes to the pace of economic reforms. The primary difference …

The year 2006 has arrived. It is time to make new resolutions for the new year, and reminisce about the good and the bad of the previous year. 2005 was a very eventful year from every aspect. It was marked by natural disasters, economic growth, groundbreaking breakthroughs in science and technology, and various other events.
On the personal front, the previous year was quite eventful as well, with lots of everlasting memories and lessons in the game of life. I just hope that 2006 is a much better year for everyone, …