India’s youth will re-invent success

By Ben Verwaayen*

The World Economic Forum India Economic Summit is over. For two days we discussed all elements of Indian policies, prospects and challenges.

As always, it is complicated. As always, it is a matter of perception and choices.  Most importantly, is there the urgency and determination to make a difference?

Growth is imperative to keep the progress going. But growth is no longer guaranteed and inflation is high… so the pressure is on to continue with speed, the necessary reforms.

Ah… necessary… what does that mean?  There, we see unfortunately a wide spectrum of disagreement.

I listened to the young entrepreneurs in India over these two days of the summit. Their voice is one of impatience but also of enthusiasm. Impatience with the old model, enthusiasm of getting things done differently, more inclusive, more holistic.

India, like everyone else has to adapt to new realities. It is a superpower, although it may not like that, with all the responsibilities that comes with that status.

I am an optimist: India will re-invent itself again. Their next generation will see to that!
Ben

*Ben Verwaayen is CEO of Alcatel-Lucent and a member of the World Economnic Forum Foundation Board. He is a co-chair of the India Economic Summit 2011