We came through the dark archway into the dazzling light, intense heat and spectacular view of the Taj Mahal. Spectacular is such an inadequate word, we should pen a new one. Twenty five people diverse in almost every way but united in our response to the sight. Many of us had spent the previous evening walking through the crowded alley like streets of old Delhi on our way to Karim’s a kebab restaurant in this primarily vegetarian country. We had not yet lost Josh, gotten on the wrong train, had our guide threatened by police, been felled one by one by the stomach warriors of India or fallen in love with the women and especially children of the villages, but we were already fascinated and ready to begin our tour of two countries with our fearless leaders Professor Kevin Kolben and Harsh Dutia. We thank them for sharing this country with us and leading us on this journey to which they dedicated their time and their hearts. - Professor Judy Iskovitz (2010 Course)

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Panel Discussion

We had a fascinating panel discussion on the Indian Economy and political situation yesterday morning to begin visit. Dr. Bidisha Ganguly, head economist of the Confederation of India Industry gave as a broad overview of the economy, largely painting a very rosy picture. Mr. Ravi Garg, Director of Supply Chain of Coca Cola India, was equally optimistic and described some of Coke's supply chain challenges in India. Professor Babu Mathew of the National Law School ended with a stirring rhetorical presentation that left us all with a lot to think about. Professor Mathew argued that the  new economy is leaving out a significant population in India, and in some ways exacerbating and worsening their situation through seizure of lands, disappearance of traditional livelihoods without providing new opportunities for work, and skewing democratic processes. A very lively discussion ensued.
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