After the recent surge in ICT FDI in India which one noticed in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2004, I had started compiling a list. Rediff has reduced my load.

Personally, it is hype that makes a hit.(take the over-rated Indian batting, for example) There is a feel good factor about India from what we see and hear. I am skeptic about India's potential though. My concern is more with the infrastructure front than with the manpower front as I believe that our current employable-manpower defiencies can be treated comfortably.

Frankly, my own darling city, Chennai doesn't deserve the attention from the tech biggies but for the manpower and the current government's willingness. The recent floods showed why. This is not about the government's inability to handle floods. It is about Chennai's vulnerability as a structure. Ofcourse, if 100 highly paid managers feel fine about it, then my opinion counts to nothing. Only time shall say!

Ofcourse, there is another thing that such companies should consider. India is a constraining society. Far too many rules for companies used to a liberal environment. They would have to adapt to "Indian Culture". Else, the objective conflict would lead to unsavory situations. Again, only time shall have the last word! Can the "hip-hop-we-don't-stop-here-we-go" fed modern generation coexist with the moral police of our country?

Coming back to the hype, yes we are hyped. So what? Let us "Make Hay While the Sun Shines" seems a fair thing to say. As to me, it is of great academic interest as any anomaly is to the Scientist! Certainty doesn't contribute to information!

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P.S: As a political note, I would also like to bring to your eyes, the petty politics that the two major parties in TN are playing. That could turn anyone off!