What do you think?
Rate this book
MADE IN INDIA: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise
Seventy-five years after India attained freedom at the stroke of the midnight hour, the Indian economy has emerged as one of the largest in the world, with a vibrant start-up ecosystem. It has certainly come a long way since the time economic performance, shackled by socialist policies and the License-Permit-Quota Raj, was christened the ‘Hindu rate of growth’. In an attempt to understand this remarkably robust and resilient growth story of Indian business and enterprise, Amitabh Kant offers a multi-faceted survey of the nation’s business heritage and culture in Made in India.
This is a groundbreaking account of the development of Indian business and enterprise from the colonial period to the present. It not only introduces readers to formative business leaders (including Jamsetji Tata, Ghanshyam Das Birla and Walchand Hirachand Doshi) and leading firms (Wadia Group, Kirloskar Brothers Limited and Shapoorji Pallonji) but also analyse their presence in the country’s economy, their growth over time and their true impact on society.
Made in India comes to life with inspiring stories of entrepreneurs like Sunil Bharti Mittal and Rahul Bhatia, who have navigated many ups and downs on the road to building successful enterprises.
This is a groundbreaking account of the development of Indian business and enterprise from the colonial period to the present. It not only introduces readers to formative business leaders (including Jamsetji Tata, Ghanshyam Das Birla and Walchand Hirachand Doshi) and leading firms (Wadia Group, Kirloskar Brothers Limited and Shapoorji Pallonji) but also analyse their presence in the country’s economy, their growth over time and their true impact on society.
Made in India comes to life with inspiring stories of entrepreneurs like Sunil Bharti Mittal and Rahul Bhatia, who have navigated many ups and downs on the road to building successful enterprises.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2023
33 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 15, 2023
MADE IN INDIA: 75 Years of Business and Enterprise by Amitabh Kant- G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant has tracked the sweeping changes made in India across various sectors. The book is a fast -paced account of India’s economic rise to become the fifth largest economy of the world.
“Once a leader in the global economy, centuries of colonization saw India being deindustrialized and falling behind. Indian entrepreneurs reignited Indians industrialization efforts in the late colonial era, but India moved from British Raj to License Raj,” author writes. “Strangling private enterprise was achieved not just through controls but by various laws including labour laws.” The Industrial Policy resolution of 1956 created three categories of industries which marginalized the role of private sector. It would take nearly 40 years before private sector was allowed to play a dominant role in industrial activities.
Kant gives insightful details of the impact of regressive laws on entrepreneurship and innovation. His analysis of various laws that stifled private enterprise is an important study for policymakers in central and state governments. The reforms of the 1990s abolished the licence raj and allowed private enterprises to enter sectors reserved for government owned companies. The second strong wave of reforms occurred under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Several important changes took place in government’s approach towards private sector. Private companies were incited to bid for airport construction and management for new terminals in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore. This was epochal since the sector had been reserved for government owned Airport Authority. While private airlines had been launched, the airports were still run by the government. The Vajpayee government decided to involve private and government owned companies. Strategic investors were asked to bid for companies in sectors like telecom, hospitality and minerals. The removal of quantitative restrictions allowed imports of several categories of consumer products. Until 2003, the government would decide how many items of a specific product could be imported. These restrictions were removed as part of commitment to follow the rules of the World Trade Organisation. Over time the import duties on most products were reduced. As the demand and markets increased, many global companies set up local manufacturing in India to cater to domestic consumers. Author had a ringside view and was an active participant of the fresh wave of economic reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the Secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and later as CEO of NITI Aayog, which was earlier called the Planning Commission, Kant helped create and implement several path-breaking policy initiatives. The change of name, profile and objective of Planning Commission to NITI Aayog was itself a sign of things to come under the Modi government. For decades Planning Commission had symbolized the government’s economic planning under a socialist framework. This wave of reforms since 2014 has included deep fundamental shifts that have changed the dynamics of the Indian economy and industry. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code brought accountability to business owners. Until then, it was nearly impossible to remove business owners who had taken credit and defaulted. Many had become serial defaulters. Under IBC they were forced out of their companies while lenders took charge of the future. Similarly, the introduction of Goods and Services Tax ensured that the entire country became a single unified tax regime. Author provides insider details about many policy changes and the thinking that drove the decisions. The policy efforts taken by government to improve India’s ranking on the Ease of Doing Business Ranking of the World Bank; and the push for higher foreign direct investment make for fascinating reading. The latest set of policy has been focused on reducing India’s dependence on imports. The production linked incentive scheme has been extended to several sectors to ensure that India could become a maker and not just a user of various products. From toys to electronics to pharmaceuticals, the PLI scheme is already showing impressive results.
Made in India spans across several decades and maps India’s transition from being deindustrialized to becoming a socialist economy. Then it chronicles the steady transformation into an industrial innovator and a digital economy. The chapters are structures into section which profile different phases of India’s economic history. Lastly, it also makes a bold case for India for the next 25 years.
Kant’s account includes anecdotes of various turning points in the economic policy making of which he was an active contributor. He has focused on the straight telling of facts, allowing the reader to appreciate the impact of decisions through the decades. Government has transformed itself at various levels. From micro managing the production of two-wheelers to incentivizing Indian industry to invest in high tech sectors. Made in India is an important book for understanding the various challenges that the Indian economy has overcome. The book ends with an exciting glimpse into how the current achievements will propel India as a global leader in enterprise and innovation. This is a classic informative book. This book should be distributed in all G-20 meetings to national and international delegates. This should be provided to administrative training institutes in India.
“Once a leader in the global economy, centuries of colonization saw India being deindustrialized and falling behind. Indian entrepreneurs reignited Indians industrialization efforts in the late colonial era, but India moved from British Raj to License Raj,” author writes. “Strangling private enterprise was achieved not just through controls but by various laws including labour laws.” The Industrial Policy resolution of 1956 created three categories of industries which marginalized the role of private sector. It would take nearly 40 years before private sector was allowed to play a dominant role in industrial activities.
Kant gives insightful details of the impact of regressive laws on entrepreneurship and innovation. His analysis of various laws that stifled private enterprise is an important study for policymakers in central and state governments. The reforms of the 1990s abolished the licence raj and allowed private enterprises to enter sectors reserved for government owned companies. The second strong wave of reforms occurred under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Several important changes took place in government’s approach towards private sector. Private companies were incited to bid for airport construction and management for new terminals in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore. This was epochal since the sector had been reserved for government owned Airport Authority. While private airlines had been launched, the airports were still run by the government. The Vajpayee government decided to involve private and government owned companies. Strategic investors were asked to bid for companies in sectors like telecom, hospitality and minerals. The removal of quantitative restrictions allowed imports of several categories of consumer products. Until 2003, the government would decide how many items of a specific product could be imported. These restrictions were removed as part of commitment to follow the rules of the World Trade Organisation. Over time the import duties on most products were reduced. As the demand and markets increased, many global companies set up local manufacturing in India to cater to domestic consumers. Author had a ringside view and was an active participant of the fresh wave of economic reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the Secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and later as CEO of NITI Aayog, which was earlier called the Planning Commission, Kant helped create and implement several path-breaking policy initiatives. The change of name, profile and objective of Planning Commission to NITI Aayog was itself a sign of things to come under the Modi government. For decades Planning Commission had symbolized the government’s economic planning under a socialist framework. This wave of reforms since 2014 has included deep fundamental shifts that have changed the dynamics of the Indian economy and industry. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code brought accountability to business owners. Until then, it was nearly impossible to remove business owners who had taken credit and defaulted. Many had become serial defaulters. Under IBC they were forced out of their companies while lenders took charge of the future. Similarly, the introduction of Goods and Services Tax ensured that the entire country became a single unified tax regime. Author provides insider details about many policy changes and the thinking that drove the decisions. The policy efforts taken by government to improve India’s ranking on the Ease of Doing Business Ranking of the World Bank; and the push for higher foreign direct investment make for fascinating reading. The latest set of policy has been focused on reducing India’s dependence on imports. The production linked incentive scheme has been extended to several sectors to ensure that India could become a maker and not just a user of various products. From toys to electronics to pharmaceuticals, the PLI scheme is already showing impressive results.
Made in India spans across several decades and maps India’s transition from being deindustrialized to becoming a socialist economy. Then it chronicles the steady transformation into an industrial innovator and a digital economy. The chapters are structures into section which profile different phases of India’s economic history. Lastly, it also makes a bold case for India for the next 25 years.
Kant’s account includes anecdotes of various turning points in the economic policy making of which he was an active contributor. He has focused on the straight telling of facts, allowing the reader to appreciate the impact of decisions through the decades. Government has transformed itself at various levels. From micro managing the production of two-wheelers to incentivizing Indian industry to invest in high tech sectors. Made in India is an important book for understanding the various challenges that the Indian economy has overcome. The book ends with an exciting glimpse into how the current achievements will propel India as a global leader in enterprise and innovation. This is a classic informative book. This book should be distributed in all G-20 meetings to national and international delegates. This should be provided to administrative training institutes in India.
June 8, 2024
Well written 👏 Amitabh Kant has revolutionized Indian brand, his famous slogans from "God's own country" to "Made in India" have special place in hearts 💕 of all Indians making us pride time and again. The book is well written but more like an academic wish could get a real hear touching memoir by Amitabh Kant written by hislmself and truth to core, a book that wont need references a book like his mother wrote!
October 27, 2024
Nothing unexpected but mostly a collection of all his articles in toi and The Week
December 31, 2023
Amitabh Kant's "Made in India" comprehensively explores India's economic progress and prowess over the last 75 years. The book provides a multi-faceted survey of India's business heritage and culture, tracing the country's development from the colonial period to the present. Kant draws on his extensive experience in government and industry to provide a deep and nuanced analysis of India's business landscape.
Throughout the book, Kant highlights the success stories that have made India a power to reckon with, discussing key policies and initiatives promoting industrial development in the country. He also showcases the growing presence of Indian businesses in international markets. The book is well-researched, thought-provoking, and provides valuable insights into India's economic growth and development.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to showcase the complex interplay of historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped India's business landscape. Kant provides a detailed account of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen over the years, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of Indian entrepreneurs and the government's support in driving economic growth. "Made in India" is written in a sharp, well-researched, and deftly crafted style, making it an exciting read for entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers interested in understanding India's business landscape.
"Made in India" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of India's business and enterprise sector. The author's call for domestic insurance companies and pension funds to invest in startups is a testament to his commitment towards promoting India's economic growth and development.
Throughout the book, Kant highlights the success stories that have made India a power to reckon with, discussing key policies and initiatives promoting industrial development in the country. He also showcases the growing presence of Indian businesses in international markets. The book is well-researched, thought-provoking, and provides valuable insights into India's economic growth and development.
One of the book's strengths is its ability to showcase the complex interplay of historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped India's business landscape. Kant provides a detailed account of the challenges and opportunities that have arisen over the years, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of Indian entrepreneurs and the government's support in driving economic growth. "Made in India" is written in a sharp, well-researched, and deftly crafted style, making it an exciting read for entrepreneurs, students, and policymakers interested in understanding India's business landscape.
"Made in India" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of India's business and enterprise sector. The author's call for domestic insurance companies and pension funds to invest in startups is a testament to his commitment towards promoting India's economic growth and development.
September 24, 2025
India had industrial strength even before independence. Many companies were already established before 1947. At that time, the situation of China, Korea, and India was almost the same. Yet, as time passed, we fell behind while China and Korea moved ahead – why?
In 1992, the new policy came, and in 2016 Startup India emerged as a remarkable revolution. This revolution gave every Indian entrepreneur new confidence and wings to fly.
I strongly urge that every entrepreneur must read this book — and every citizen too.
Because India’s progress is not found in Bollywood, but in books.
#StartupIndia #MadeInIndia #India #BookTalkClub #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #AtmanirbharBharat #Leadership #GrowthMindset #Business #Inspiration #Learning #FutureOfIndia #Vision #DigitalIndia #IndianEconomy
In 1992, the new policy came, and in 2016 Startup India emerged as a remarkable revolution. This revolution gave every Indian entrepreneur new confidence and wings to fly.
I strongly urge that every entrepreneur must read this book — and every citizen too.
Because India’s progress is not found in Bollywood, but in books.
#StartupIndia #MadeInIndia #India #BookTalkClub #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #AtmanirbharBharat #Leadership #GrowthMindset #Business #Inspiration #Learning #FutureOfIndia #Vision #DigitalIndia #IndianEconomy
March 18, 2025
This book explains in a succinct manner how the policies of the state right from British rule to the modern day government shaped the mindset of people, societies and businesses. The writings in this book about how India and Indians, despite all odds, with a zealous spirit aced at building a prosperous nation through successful enterprises will be an inspiration to many. This book is a stark reminder as to how the citizens and government must strive in tandem for the prosperity of the nation
December 5, 2025
Good read to know a lot about whats happening in this country .. Amitabh seems to be giving a very straight forward view to the thought process and policy making perspective. Feel a bit of own drum beating at times but what the heck.. if you got it - flaunt it !!!
February 23, 2024
Amitabh Kant; NITI Ayog CEO comprehensively explores India’s economic policies and progress over the last 75 years in his book “Made in India”. The book provides a multi-faceted survey of India’s business heritage and culture, tracing the country’s development from the colonial period to the present. Kant draws on his extensive experience in government and industry to provide a deep and nuanced analysis of India’s business landscape.
Book is divided into two parts. The first four chapters take you through the Colonial Era where the Indian economy severely impacted due to British, India’s position at the stroke of midnight of Independence, the beginning of the Planning era under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership, nationalisation of private enterprises and public sector presence during Indira Gandhi’s rule, the introduction of early-stage reforms during the 1980s, new economic policies during the Narasimha Rao government in the early 1990s and the continuation of subsequent policies till 2014. However; second part contains economic and social policies took-off post 2014.
Throughout the book, Kant highlights the success stories of Indian industrialists, discussing key policies and initiatives promoting industrial development in the country. Kant’s ringside view as bureaucrat and administrator while driving policies such as the flagship Make in India, Start-up India, Performance-Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), Aspirational Districts, e-Mobility, Green Hydrogen, Ease of Doing Business reforms, have all given insight of its thought process and impact on society in the book. Four trends are shaping global order: demographics, digitalization, deglobalization and decarbonization. India is looking forward to take benefit from all four.
One of the key strengths of book is its gives overview of the complex and interlinked historical, political events with economic factors that have shaped India’s journey. Kant provides a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities that have come across over the years, highlighting the come ability to withstand adversity and innovative environment of Indian entrepreneurs with the government’s support in driving economic growth.
This book contributes to the understanding of India’s economic history. Apart from informing readers of evolution of India’s private enterprise, it offers them a primer of evolution of economy and economic policies. However, due to limited exposure to historical journey of India’s manufacturing sector specially with SMSE the book has not covered a much of details in depth. It is important to understand the context in which these policies evolved. Readers can expect to find an analysis of key policy decisions taken since post- independence era. This book required knowledge of India’s political economy, its socialist root and turn towards private sector enterprise.
Book is divided into two parts. The first four chapters take you through the Colonial Era where the Indian economy severely impacted due to British, India’s position at the stroke of midnight of Independence, the beginning of the Planning era under Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership, nationalisation of private enterprises and public sector presence during Indira Gandhi’s rule, the introduction of early-stage reforms during the 1980s, new economic policies during the Narasimha Rao government in the early 1990s and the continuation of subsequent policies till 2014. However; second part contains economic and social policies took-off post 2014.
Throughout the book, Kant highlights the success stories of Indian industrialists, discussing key policies and initiatives promoting industrial development in the country. Kant’s ringside view as bureaucrat and administrator while driving policies such as the flagship Make in India, Start-up India, Performance-Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI), Aspirational Districts, e-Mobility, Green Hydrogen, Ease of Doing Business reforms, have all given insight of its thought process and impact on society in the book. Four trends are shaping global order: demographics, digitalization, deglobalization and decarbonization. India is looking forward to take benefit from all four.
One of the key strengths of book is its gives overview of the complex and interlinked historical, political events with economic factors that have shaped India’s journey. Kant provides a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities that have come across over the years, highlighting the come ability to withstand adversity and innovative environment of Indian entrepreneurs with the government’s support in driving economic growth.
This book contributes to the understanding of India’s economic history. Apart from informing readers of evolution of India’s private enterprise, it offers them a primer of evolution of economy and economic policies. However, due to limited exposure to historical journey of India’s manufacturing sector specially with SMSE the book has not covered a much of details in depth. It is important to understand the context in which these policies evolved. Readers can expect to find an analysis of key policy decisions taken since post- independence era. This book required knowledge of India’s political economy, its socialist root and turn towards private sector enterprise.
July 13, 2024
A positive and invigorating read by G20 Sherpa and former star bureaucrat Mr. Amitabh Kant. Great start to the upcoming year and impetus to India's booming private sector.
The book challenged my strong antipathy towards government led reforms which is consistent with my classical liberal leanings. However, the author provides a data-driven and systematic way forward on how the private sector is the engine of economic growth whilst being supported by the government as an enabler and partner in weathering the storms of the upcoming years.
With slight exception of some paeans to the current ruling dispensation and the author's own career as a bureaucrat, this book is a must read for policymakers, students and global observers seeking to understand India's position in the world.
The book challenged my strong antipathy towards government led reforms which is consistent with my classical liberal leanings. However, the author provides a data-driven and systematic way forward on how the private sector is the engine of economic growth whilst being supported by the government as an enabler and partner in weathering the storms of the upcoming years.
With slight exception of some paeans to the current ruling dispensation and the author's own career as a bureaucrat, this book is a must read for policymakers, students and global observers seeking to understand India's position in the world.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews