Chapter 1: The Success of Indian Professionals Abroad

Why do many Indians who migrate to the United States achieve remarkable success, while India itself appears to be falling behind in innovation? Figures like Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, and Parag Agrawal have gained prominence only after relocating to the US.

Whenever reports highlight the achievements of Indian expatriates in Silicon Valley, they evoke a wave of pride and celebration in the media. From accolades to enthusiastic applause, the accomplishments of individuals like Nadella at Microsoft, Pichai at Google, and Agrawal, the former CEO of Twitter, often dominate headlines. These individuals typically graduate from prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) before embarking on their journeys to the US, where they realize their full potential.

The question arises: What elements within the American ecosystem foster such excellence, and what is missing in India that hinders the innovation and productivity of its talented individuals? While some upper-caste and affluent achievers attribute this disparity to the lack of a meritocratic culture, citing the reservation system aimed at uplifting historically marginalized communities, I believe the reasons are more complex. Multiple systemic, cultural, economic, political, and infrastructural factors contribute to why Indians in the US thrive while India struggles to keep pace with innovation.

One significant issue is India's inadequate urban infrastructure. The challenge of enduring long commutes through heavy traffic can drain one's energy and focus. If individuals spend hours navigating congested roads before reaching their workplaces, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to perform at their best. NR Narayana Murthy, a prominent figure in Indian IT, identified this lack of efficient infrastructure as a critical barrier to productivity and innovation in India. If daily commutes deplete one's energy, what remains for productive work and creative endeavors?

Consider the stark contrast between the chaotic urban environment and the polished workplaces that resemble those in the developed world. This duality cannot be resolved simply by providing company shuttles or creating modern office spaces. It is crucial for us to advocate for better infrastructure, as no nation can prosper without it. Furthermore, the noise and chaos of urban life cannot be muffled by the serene atmosphere of our workplaces.

Cultural factors also play a pivotal role in why Indian professionals in the US tend to excel while their counterparts in India do not. During my time abroad, I became acutely aware of the importance of adhering to social norms and maintaining public spaces. However, upon returning to India, I found myself slipping back into behaviors commonly seen in our society. Deep-rooted cultural attitudes may impede our aspirations for greatness, and it may be time to reflect on what specifically holds us back.

Another contentious issue is the reservation system, often blamed for India's stagnation. While the upper-caste elite may use this as a convenient excuse, the US also implements affirmative action, and many firms actively promote equal opportunity. The Indian reservation system has been in place since Independence, with prestigious institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIMs established alongside it. Thus, it is not the sole explanation for our underperformance. Many successful Indians in the US hail from these esteemed institutions, and if they can excel there, why can't those who remain in India continue to uplift the nation?

Ultimately, the US offers an ecosystem that encourages excellence and avoids dragging high achievers down. For India to thrive, we must address the entire range of factors that contribute to a culture of excellence. From bureaucratic hurdles to merit erosion and corruption, it is time for our political and business leaders to collaborate on creating an environment where success can flourish. The rise of homegrown unicorns demonstrates our potential to innovate and excel, and all it requires is a cultural shift that embraces and celebrates achievement.

The video titled "Why is India lagging behind in R&D and innovation" explores the challenges faced by India in research and development compared to its global counterparts. It delves into the systemic issues that hinder the nation's growth in these critical areas.