Political gimmick and technology progress

While I usually junk spam without even taking a look, there was one mail that recently popped in that instantaneously caught my attention. It was about the political gimmick in a boorish State in India that will probably impede proposed technology investments into the State.

At a time when there is intense competition, both within and outside India for attracting investors, this political rhetoric transcribed and sent by mail really bemused me. A lot to do with being a Keralite. A short holiday there after two years had brought to notice manifold changes for the better, however, the mindset or attitude of inhabitants seemed tethered. The little developments, I was to later learn, were primarily the efforts of NRKs, short for Non Resident Keralites. The mail with the subject Kerala initially brought to mind the people there and the little developments. And, it was in that context and inquisitiveness that I decioded to open the mail.

The proposed investment from Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and other majors had instilled enough faith in me about the progressive measures initiated by the present government. The State will attract the biggies through “smart city” a unique venture with strategic tie-up with Dubai Internet City. Just when the ground seems fertile for investments, unapprised and egotistical political leaders are overtly seen crafting ludicrous scenarios that might emerge post the development of the smart city. According to one, the smart city because of its association with Dubai could be a direct avenue for terrorists into India. Well, one wonders why he could not stretch his imagination on a positive note. Though, it is amply clear that the motive is to exert pressure on the initiators to accommodate his interest, the so called educated lay man in Kerala is increasingly seen swarming areas of such rhetoric. Wonder, who would expel the old political war horses and their acquaintances who are eager to dawn any role irrespective of initiatives.