One of these days, I was in conversation with one of my senior colleagues at the office. I wanted to update myself about his project, which dealt within the realms of Signal Processing and MATLAB. Instead of discussing the project, he was frustrated with his from India. Naturally, I was more than curious as to the cause of his concerns. He was telling me that, they were unable to solve problems by themselves and were mailing him at ever minute step / problem. {mosgoogle}

The point to be observed here is Attitude and Approach. In Europe, the work culture is more or less very independent. Although people work in teams, the individuals work on their own plans and ideas, and to this end, they make themselves responsible for its success or failure. This is in their Attitude and this is their Approach.

How does it fair with we, Indians? Most of the times, the youth are in the care of their parents up to an age of 20 - 22 years, huge by European standards. As a consequence, the concept of Independence is never born in our minds until late. One might definitely argue that such a delay is helpful, considering that the person at this age is 'Mature', but then, isn't maturity something borne out of Independence and self realization. When the latter two are not present, how then will a person become mature?!!

Coming back to my discussion with my colleague, I realized that this Independent Attitude concept is never inculcated in our minds until late. The very concept of free thinking is quashed at several stages of youth, terming them as Impossible, Good or Bad!! How many of our learning centers, namely Universities, propagate / encourage this very model of thinking or for that matter, expose youth to such a concept itself. I was in converse with my brother the other day, and he was telling me that they conduct classes in his college on Sundays too!!!! I could sympathize with him, for according to his experience and from my previous experience, I can confidently state that nothing of importance really happens. Institutions are opened up in every corner, in the greed for money and not with the purpose of imparting quality education. One must also realize why the IITs, IIMs, BITS and NITs are held in esteem, compared to some XYZ institute - These institutes provide exposure and encourage the concept of free thinking and innovation, apart from imparting quality knowledge.

In todays World, where Indians are working in collaboration with Europeans and Americans, the role that independent thinking and innovation play, are of paramount importance. Americans and Europeans, expect such an approach and we must also encourage this as its ultimate end is towards growth, success and profitability. I can feel this change coming in in India,, what with Indian MNCs [Multi-National Companies] TAKING OVER companies abroad. Its just a matter of time, one might say, but I suggest that we can cut short this 'matter of time' if such thought model is encouraged across all the Educational institutes in India. Young minds think fresh, and freshness is what breeds success and profitability into any Business. So, why not we accept these aspects of the Western culture, if not their way of life??!!

 cheers

Dilip Srinivasan for de-orient.com 

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