India's Century: The Age of Entrepreneurship in the World's Biggest Democracy

by Kamal Nath

In a short time, India has proven itself a major economic power, generating billions for its citizens and for the international community. How did India become a global market mover? And just as important, how can the Western world tap into the vast resources of commerce that India has, mine its phenomenal growth potential in a wide array of industries, and create a profitable relationship with the world’s largest democracy? Few authors are as qualified to answer those questions as Kamal Nath. Known at home and throughout the world as the face of twenty-first century India, as well as a major architect of India’s reform, Mr. Nath has spent his entire professional life within the corridors of power, helping to shape the policies that have catapulted his nation to world prominence. In India’s Century , Mr. Nath goes beyond the “flatworld” view to reveal the roots of the Indian economic miracle. With a compelling blend of economic analysis, political insight, and cultural observation, he traces his nation’s emergence from colonial rule in 1947 through four decades of planned economies, the gradual liberalization of India’s economy in the 1990s, and finally, the rise of the Indian global giant. Nath also explores his people’s unique can-do attitude (also known as jugaad) and the ages-old entrepreneurial spirit that is once again free to express itself at every level of Indian society. Along the way Minister Nath provides understanding for businesspeople and world policy makers attemptattempting to formulate strategies for forging a mutually beneficial engagement with India in the twentyfirst century. India’s Century is must reading for business strategists, public policy makers, and every thoughtful reader who wishes to understand more about the world’s largest, most vibrant democracy and the role it is likely to play on the global stage in the years ahead.

Genres: Economics, India

320 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 2007

Reviews

[Chitranjan Tyagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good analysis of India's developmental journey.

[Ed Zirkwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written documentation of changes in India from Independence (1947) to
2008. The politician author and recent Minister for Commerce and Industry was well
placed to provide an authentic telling of the challenges and almost unbelievable mostly
positive economic and social changes that took place over about 60 years. In 1947 India
economically had very dim prospects but we read the well presented pathways India took
to become a 21 st Century dynamo, although there are still many social improvements needed.

[Glenn Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history of commerce of India written by one of the congressional leaders of India. A quick overview, not scholarly. Perfect for those headed to India for business or having visiting execs from India.

[Andrew Rothstein · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having recently visited India, I was curious about seeing evidence of the sudden burst of economic force on the subcontinent. It was certainly in evidence, as were the major challenges that still face India.

Nath is a major political figure in India and this book reads like a commercial for the country written by its Chamber of Commerce. The most valuable parts are the history and explanation of the emergence of India as a world ecomomic power.

Nath give short shrift to the remaining challenges for India, making no mention of overpopulation. Instead, he treats the young demographic of India as a competitive advantage. It better be or else India is in for a lot more trouble.

I also think Nath is too glowing about the educational system. It is highly elitist and really underserves millions of the young people Nath thinks are going to be such an advantage.

Nath also ascribes progress to India genetics (nonsense) and to its culture. The culture of India (which is actually very diverse) cuts in two directions relative to Indian international competitiveness. Nath highlights the advantages, but is too light on the drags.

This said, the book gives some interesting insights.

[Amber]

I won this book in a danged raffle. Woo hoo!