News: Indians have to be critical about celebrating every time an NRI gets to head a giant corporation. There is a need to look at the kind of company they are running, the nature of products, or their business practices.
About Indian’s performance in a global arena
One should recognize the achievements or the hard work behind their success. Going from India to a new country with a different culture, customs and getting qualified for prized degrees at storied universities, and then working quickly up the corporate ladder to reach the top when still in their 40s or early is no doubt an achievement.
While celebrating first-generation NRIs, India should focus on those who excel in less conflicted fields like public policy or academics, and not just the growing list of Nobel laureates.
For eg Recently Neeli Bendapudi, a first-generation immigrant chosen to be president of a leading American university. Gita Gopinath, named No. 2 at the International Monetary Fund, and Rishi Sunak, touted as a future British prime minister.
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Why should India be critical of celebrating NRIs heading MNC’s?
India should question them for their endless controversies, fines, tax dodges, etc. for the companies in which they work. For Eg Though Indira Nooyi diversified the food range of Pepsico, one should look at the food products that they promote.
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What about the diaspora of other countries?
It is not only Indians who achieved success in large platforms. Three Africans currently are heads of international organizations: The World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, and International Finance Corporation.
Similarly, the Chinese have a bigger presence in Corporate America, as there are many Chinese students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses at US universities. Most of them also have headed back home and built Chinese companies to compare with America’s Facebook, Amazon, and others. Something that no Indian has managed till yet.
| Read more: What are the implications of Emigration of India’s brightest youth? |
Source: This post is based on the article “Celebrating NRI success: When ‘national pride’ trumps obvious questions” published in Business Standard on 10th December 2021.
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