Transformation of India as a knowledge superpower strategy for action

We live in an increasingly global world where national borders are be coming meaningless. In the context, we need to compete with the best from across the world. This necessitates that we benchmark ourselves with global best practices.

This book sets the context for the creation of a knowledge society in India. It brings out the fact that India has a significant opportunity to de velop a complete knowledge economy-an opportunity we cannot afford to pass up. However, knowledge is important not only for the rich but also for the poor. This is all the more relevant in a country such as India where the gap between the rich and the poor is enormous. Thus, India has to closely link economic development with social development. To borrow the words of John F Kennedy: "If a society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich." Consequently, the author deals with the impor tant topic of creation of a robust social infrastructure.

In this context, technology can assist in the development of the social sector. In fact, the anytime-anywhere and death-of-distance paradigms of tech nology enable better leveraging of scarce resources. The author cites various examples of how technology can do this, such as the use of technology to address issues of food security and nutrition, e-governance, and digital di vide. Computerized learning aids, cyber classes and e-education are men tioned as instances of use of technology in education.

This book is useful for anyone who is looking for an analysis of the knowl edge and social infrastructure in India and the means of improving them. Further, it highlights that economic development and growth cannot be iso lated from social development. In this regard, the book gives a comprehensive insight into the measures taken by the Indian government over the years. The author has substantiated his viewpoints with valid data.