India is growing fast. Consumer demand is growing and businesses are doing good. But I see a problem. We are not finding our identity. We are not finding something that only we can have.
I will like to take example of cars. We are driving Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Suzuki, Fiat, Tata, Mahindra but all these cars are having designs which are European or Japanese. Where is the Indian design. You may get confused by the statement above. Let me explain.
When you say Japanese car Toyota Corolla or Honda City comes to mind. When you say European car Volkswagen comes to mind.
What comes to mind when we say Indian Car.
Yes Old Ambassador. I think though it was not originally designed in India this car truly symbolizes India in Car industry. I am very disappointed that no car after ambassador was having such Indian stamp on it. All cars were inspired by European or Japanese models and reconfigured to Indian conditions.
Now take case of US. When you say vehicle for US market what comes to mind.
Yes true a big truck.
I want India to find its Identity. I took example of Auto industry as I saw example readily available. Unless you find your identity you will not be a leader in world. You can not be unique and important.
I think Indian businesses should start creating their own identity otherwise it will be difficult to grow and survive. I am thinking about how we can be different and yet successful. I will post my views about that shortly.
Disclaimer : The car pictures are taken from manufacturer or related websites and brands visible are owned by manufacturers. The pictures are not intended to promote or comment about quality of the product and are only used to help reader visualize the idea.
Signing off
Nikhil Parchure
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Nice thought mate!
ReplyDeleteIt made me think of Indian Film Industry...or Bollywood more specifically. They have now got that distinct identity on a global scale. I'm not at all saying they are best in business..not at all; but they've got their name through. I'm sure for most Europeans apart from English, 'Bollywood' is the top-of-the-mind recall when India is mentioned.
I understand of course that its quite different scenario when it comes to products, as India is not the country where emotional attachment to a brand is that significant (leaving aside cosmetics and fashion stuff perhaps) as in EU or US or more so in Australia where they have two religions : Ford and Holden :)
I mentioned emo-attachment is I believe that unless we realize that distinct 'something', the world won't. I mean only thing that you can say right now which common in Indian cars is that they are filled with luggage to max limit and...if any place is left, with people!!
I might sound little poky but if you take a look at overall picture including rural areas, that's what I see.
P.S. I liked the Disclaimer
Just realized that my comment is almost as long as your post.
ReplyDeleteDuh! I need to learn expressing more concisely. Perhaps that's problem with lots people here. Observed that at Wikimeet yesterday at Breach Candy.
What you said is spot on. It is very important to identify yourself as something different in this crowded and competitive world. Thanks for your comments and keep them coming.
ReplyDeletePerhaps “Unity in Diversity” (the ultimate congresean blunder) is holding us back from being a globally recognized brand. Although, few industries have gone through but most of them still struggle. Lack of free capital for Advertisement and Promotion are the biggest hurdle, which the multinationals have ample in their kitty.
ReplyDeleteTo NP: You truly are a substance to bank on in future. Great thoughts. Touch the skies. Cheers!!!
Hey hi Nikhil!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all let me congratulate you for setting up such an amazing platform for expressing view points- yours and others.
I may differ in my opinion about India's unique identity and image on the global stage.You may be right in terms of automobile technology India hasnt been able to make a significant impact.But nevertheless let us not miss on the TATA Nano (though not a success) it gave the world a shocker in the sense of the idea and concept of a peoples car, a low cost, fuel efficient model for the middleclass Indians.
Here let me quote a instance-
President Barack Obama, who heads the world`s richest economy, Sunday checked out the world`s cheapest car -- Nano.
No sooner the powerful US couple was introduced to Ratan Tata, who heads the USD 72 billion conglomerate, President Obama told the first lady Michelle that this is the person who created the USD 2,500 wonder car.
Eyewitnesses said that Michelle immediately expressed the desire to see the car that revolutionised the auto industry and put India prominently on the global map.
Not only that, there are a lot of things that make us stand apart from the rest of the world - our great leaders, our emerging economy, our rich human resource, growing markets, stable economy, technological advancements,an emerging crowd of entrepreneurs and many more!!
Today the west is looking eastwards as we set new statistics for others to draw inspiration..
P.S. None of the above views are meant to discourage you in any manner N.P. i really appreciate your work..keep rocking! :-))
With Warm Regards,
Chitra menon
Great views readers. This only cements the significance of having thoughtful readers like you all. Thank you for reading and looking forward for hearing more.
ReplyDelete