Is colonial mentality hampering India's growth? - Page 2

Originally posted by: arcoiris

We lack entrepreneurship and enthusiasm to innovation when compared to developed countries. 

It would be generalizing to say that considering the fact that there is no dearth of potential or willingness evident by successful expat entrepreneurs and even the business leaders back home. Lack of opportunity and encouragement in the form of prudent policies are the real impediments as also a non conducive business environment.

The traditional mindset to do and learn what has been taught partially stems from years of colonial rule. Our educational culture should encourage more creativity and passion for experiments and invention for us to succeed. The incessant brain drain of our country is not helping the cause either. Indian educators, administrators, leaders should implement better educational system and create job opportunities to bridge that economic gap and abate brain drain.

Very true! Our educational system cries out for a revamp in terms of content, orientation and structure in order to cater to the changing needs of the job market and the resultant needs of a growing unemployed population.

Otherwise usage of English as a medium to communicate doesn't seem like impeding India's growth ; considering there are multiple languages encompassing so many states that there needs to be a universal medium to understand each other.

The use of English as a medium to communicate is quite practical and appreciable. But it should not be at the cost of development of our indigenous languages which is unfortunately a growing trend in urban India. Kids are increasing becoming less conversant in their mother tongues and proudly so. Such pride is misplaced to say the least.

Our education structure is definitely one that hampers our success

Pros

-          Solid foundation in math and science

-          Rigorous curriculum from Primary to High School

-          Well-rounded education covering social science in depth as well

-          Some of the most advanced readers in the world

-          Instills great discipline

-          Education and educators are highly valued and revered

Cons

-          Lower quality of post-secondary education

-          Limited adaptation for special needs students

-          Doesn't encourage questioning, creativity and out of box thinking

-          Focuses on mugging rather than learning

-          Challenges with costs, corruptions, donations, reservations etc.

-          Undue pressure of exams and entrance tests

Some of our educational challenges are indeed colonial influences. The structure is very similar to the British system. They also have a stoic and rigorous system that we adapted. British and its commonwealth educational systems have been criticized for lack of adaptability and creativity. We need to look at other successful models like the Finnish, Singapore and American school systems to extract the good aspects.

Originally posted by: -victoRiya-

"A Colonial mentality is a conceptual theory around feelings of inferiority within some societies post-European colonialism, relative to the values of the foreign powers which they became aware of through the contact period of colonization. The concept essentially refers to the acceptance, by the colonized, of the culture or doctrines of the colonizer as intrinsically more worthy or superior. The subject matter is quite controversial and debated."- Wikipedia

Do Indians still suffer from colonial mentality and thus despite having all the potential to become a mighty world power along the lines of China, lagging behind because of this feeling of inferiority and lack of faith in our own selves?

Originally posted by: arcoiris

@VictoRiya Some surveys/studies do reflect we falter in sound business/financial acumen and lack the risk-taking strategies and analytical skills when compared to western counterparts. 

Can you cite one such survey/study for our perusal? Would throw its findings up for some critical analyses.

It could be multifactorial as India is still plagued with deep seated nepotism and corruption in every offices that discourages common man/woman to dare ambitious ventures. We are bit stuck with conservative, streamlined approach when it comes to entrepreneurship.

The direct connection of nepotism/corruption with conservative/streamlined approach in entrepreneurship seems ambiguous. 

Case in point- Our e retail business thrived due to use of the COD payment system which seemed tailored to the Indian consumer's need. It wasn't the usual stremlined approach and now hugely popular and successful.

I agree it is vital to encourage the use of indigenous languages and preserve, protect and promote our heritage and culture. But when it comes to the debate topic as to what is hampering National growth and preventing India from becoming a mighty power; in my assessment English language usage is least critical or likely factor to hinder India in its economic/structural/industrial growth. 

The debate is on this point only- whether colonial mentality of treating the characteristics and heritage of our colonial masters is holding India back from tasting greater heights of success. Use of English is not hampering it definitely but it does take away somewhat from our nationalistic identity as a non English speaking nation who can't take pride in our languages enough a-l-a France/China/Japan etc. Success is after all not only a measure of economic/industrial growth.

But then again, as I said in an earlier post, being a multilingual country posits a challenge in this regard.

Moreover multilingual approach is one of the better ways to move forward with the current globalization.

Couldn't get this point. Isn't this contradictory to your above argument in favor of English usage?